The market town of Highworth certainly lives up to it's name - 'High' as every road into it goes up a hill and 'worth' from an old English word meaning enclosure or homestead.  And being on a hilltop there are some splendid views of the surrounding countryside.

The town had a population of just over eight thousand (in 2011) and appears to be thriving - weekly markets, variety of local shops in its High Street, plenty of pubs, community centre, swimming pool, gymnasium, golf course and a mix of denominations of churches too.  Reading its local monthly magazine there are plenty of different activities organised, including an annual fayre which sees the High Street closed as various stalls are erected and exhibitions take place.

The architecture is very mixed - some beautiful old buildings and some more modern housing too.  Looking at Historic England's website we see there are over eighty Listed structures in the main part of Highworth.