Archive Films

'Day Out' was a BBC West region television programme which ran for a number of series between 1977-1988.

Each half-hour episode saw one of the presenters - Derek Jones, Gwyn Richards or Barry Paine pay a visit to a different town in the South West - explore parts of interest, and reflect upon the area's history.

In terms of historical research, each programme is as valid today as when it was made. And it's fascinating to see how the many Wiltshire locations they visited then looked in the late 70s to early 80s.

Presenter Derek Jones in Castle Combe

Broadcast on 25th September 1984 was an edition of the programme which centred on Chippenham and the two historical villages located on its outskirts - Castle Combe and Lacock.

Beginning in Castle Combe - the village dubbed one of the prettiest in the country - authoritative presenter Derek Jones starts his journey at the Market Cross.

He visits a number of the historic buildings in the village that date back to medieval times, such as the Manor House Hotel.

Stood on the bridge overlooking the Bybrook River, Jones tells the story of two brothers that lived in a nearby cottage. They became fed up of the damp caused by the nearby stream - and as they were weavers - invented a woolen covering to keep them warm in bed at night. Their surname turned out to be 'Blanket'!

Castle Combe as seen in the film

Castle Combe has been used as a location for numerous film and television productions over the years, perhaps most famously for the 1966 movie adaptation of Doctor Dolittle which starred Rex Harrison.

During the programme, the Chairman of the Castle Combe Parish Council, Adrian Bishop sits down with Jones to recount what happened when Hollywood came to town.

On leaving Castle Combe, Jones visit the Wick Hill monument overlooking Chippenham before heading into the market town.

Contemporary views of New Road, Western Arches and the train station are shown before Jones ventures into the grounds of St Andrews Church.

New Road in Chippenham in 1984

Here, Jones tells the story of Ludovic Muggleton who was born in Chippenham. Muggleton was a 16th century religious leader who claimed Heaven existed just six miles above the Earth and whose followers were known as Muggletonians. The sect of Muggletonianism - as misguided as it may have seemed - actually survived well into the 19th century!

After his short jaunt around Chippenham, Jones then follows the River Avon to the National Trust-owned village of Lacock.

Once in the village, he visits the Watling family of silversmiths and jewellers whose busy workshops are open to the public. At the time Lacock saw 50,000 tourists visit every year.

Jones later wanders the streets of Lacock remarking on the historic buildings. At The George public house he ventures inside and inspects the famed fireplace which houses a rotating roasting spit. This was once powered by a specially-trained dog known as a 'Turnspit' who continuously ran inside a wooden wheel.

Jones and the spit wheel in the George at Lacock

His journey ends at Lacock Abbey where he reflects on one of the past inhabitants - William Henry Fox Talbot, who was one of the key pioneers of early photographic technology.

At the Abbey, Jones meets Bob Lassam - the curator of the estate museum, who details the life and work of one of Lacock's most famous sons.

Day Out: Castle Combe, Chippenham and Lacock' is a fascinating programme which delves deep into the history of some of Wiltshire's most well-known towns and villages. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in the county's rich historical heritage or who has ever lived in, or visited the area.