The Swallowcliffe Society was formed in 2001 to support and promote interest in the history and natural history of our village. It emerged from a successful Millennium project which included an embroidered village map (displayed in the village hall), a flora and fauna survey and historical research. Margaret Staniforth and Ralph Husband had published a collection of papers in the previous year, under the name of the Swallowcliffe History Group. They became the founding members of the new society,
Members were, and still are, encouraged to research and record a range of local interests and further publications have followed. An archive of this material and several old maps are stored in the village hall. Members have access to the files by contacting a Committee Member.
If anyone is researching family, or other history, related to Swallowcliffe we will use the archive to assist. Please see the contact details below.
Swallowcliffe is a small south Wiltshire village with a population of less than 200. As an agricultural community, it has an ancient history and the Saxon Swealawanclif Charter dates from 940AD. From the 12th century, the church was a prebend of the Dean of Salisbury.
For nearly 200 years it was part of the Earls of Pembroke estates. Over the last 100 years, Swallowcliffe has experienced great social change, leaving few people employed on the land. Change is inevitable but Swallowcliffe is still a special place for many people. The Society has over 40 members who are invited to attend a number of talks and outings during the year with an Annual General Meeting in each autumn.
home 
