History of Urchfont in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 4, 2025

Urchfont is a village and civil parish in Wiltshire, England, situated in the Vale of Pewsey, near Salisbury Plain and approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Devizes. It incorporates the hamlet of Cuckoo's Corner in its northwest region, and the hamlets of Wedhampton and Lydeway are also part of the parish. In 2011, the parish's population was recorded at 1,075 residents.

1900: Restoration of St Michael and All Angels Church

In 1900, restoration work was carried out at the church of St Michael and All Angels.

1900: Construction of the Stert and Westbury Railway

In 1900, the Great Western Railway (GWR) built the Stert and Westbury Railway, diverging from the earlier line near Patney, east of Urchfont parish.

1914: Birth of Thomas Gray in Urchfont

In 1914, Sergeant Thomas Gray VC was born in Urchfont.

1940: Death of Thomas Gray in action

In 1940, Thomas Gray, an Air Observer/Navigator in the Royal Air Force, was killed in action and posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

1947: Urchfont Manor becomes an adult education college

In 1947, Urchfont Manor, a Grade II* listed building, was repurposed to house an adult education college.

1962: St Michael and All Angels Church listed as Grade I

In 1962, the church of St Michael and All Angels was recorded as a Grade I listed building.

1966: Closure of the Devizes railway line

In 1966, the railway line through Devizes was closed and subsequently dismantled.

1997: Establishment of the Urchfont Scarecrow Festival

In 1997, the Urchfont Scarecrow Festival, the first of its kind in Wiltshire, was established.

2001: Cancellation of Urchfont Scarecrow Festival due to Foot and Mouth disease

In 2001, the Urchfont Scarecrow Festival was cancelled because of the threat from Foot and Mouth disease.

2011: Population of Urchfont Parish

In 2011, the population of the parish of Urchfont was recorded at 1,075 residents.

2012: Urchfont Manor returns to residential use

In 2012, Urchfont Manor ceased operating as an adult education college and returned to residential use.

2017: Urchfont Cricket Club stops playing in the Wiltshire County Cricket League

In 2017, Urchfont Cricket Club stopped participating in the Wiltshire County Cricket League, transitioning to playing friendly matches against local teams.