Tidworth is a garrison town and civil parish in south-east Wiltshire, England,
located along the A338 road and close to the A303 road. It has a growing civilian
population. Situated at the eastern edge of Salisbury Plain, it is approximately
10 miles west of Andover, 12 miles south of Marlborough, 24 miles south of
Swindon, 15 miles north by north-east of Salisbury and 6 miles east of Amesbury.
Its population is approximately 10,600. History
Tidworth was listed in the Domesday Book as Todeorde, in the Andover Hundred, in
"Hantscire". It was once the family home of the Studd family. On John Speed's
maps, the town is referred to as Tudworth, North Tudworth belonging to
Amesbury hundred in "Wilshire", and South Tudworth to Andover hundred in
"Hamshire". When the boundary between Wiltshire and Hampshire was redrawn in
1992, the old distinction between North Tidworth and South Tidworth vanished,
and the entire town became part of Wiltshire. The two parts remained as
separate civil parishes until 1 April 2004.
Military In recent years the population of the
town has increased as Tidworth Camp has expanded. The population of Tidworth
will continue to increase with the implementation of the Army Basing Plan
leading up to 2020. Governance
The parish elects a town council. The parish includes the village of Perham
Down. It is in the area of Wiltshire Council unitary authority, which is
responsible for most local government functions.
An electoral ward exists with the same name. The population of the ward taken
at the 2011 census was 9,174. Today
Its situation near the A303, and hence the M3, places Tidworth within commuting
distance of London. Tidworth has a small commercial area,
containing: two supermarkets, two hairdresser salons, two veterinary
surgeries, a pharmacy, and a Mobile phone store, and various takeaway
outlets. This area is based upon Station Road. At the base of this hill is a
dental surgery which serves Tidworth and the surrounding area. In 2003 a new
medical centre was completed, the cost being split between the Ministry of
Defence and the NHS and it serves both the armed forces and their dependents
within the surrounding area. There are also a dental surgery and doctors
surgery off Drummers Lane near the top of Station Road, complete with newer
pharmacy. Tidworth has one of the lowest crime
rates per thousand in Wiltshire and between the years of 1990 and 2004 only
one major crime took place. In 2014, it was rated by the Royal Mail as the most
attractive postcode area to live in England.
Education The community is served by three primary
schools and an infant school. The Wellington Academy, which was partly
sponsored by Wellington College, opened in September 2009, replacing Castledown
School. The academy also has a sixth form college, a 3G all weather sports
pitch, and dedicated CCF facilities run by Colonel Newman, a retired army
colonel. The parent unit of the CCF is 22 Royal Engineers, housed nearby at the
Swinton barracks. The local garrison commander is a governor of the academy.
Religious sites The Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity
was rebuilt in the 15th century on the site of a church from the 12th or 13th
centuries. It is Grade II* listed. The Roman Catholic Church of St George
and St Patrick, North Tidworth, was built in 1912.
St Mary's Church in South Tidworth was built in 1878. It is Grade I listed and
is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.
Culture The musician James Blunt was born in
Tidworth. The Studd family of the Ashes fame owned
and lived in Tedworth House. Tidworth Polo Club is the second largest
in the country and frequently plays host to royals such as Princes William and
Harry. Tidworth Garrison Golf Club was
constructed in 1904 initially for use by army officers. It was established in
1908 and gradually made available to all ranks and civilians. In 2000 it became a
limited company. References
External links Tidworth Town Council
Tidworth Festival Tidworth Polo Club
Tedworth Hunt The Wellington Academy
Tidworth Garrison Golf Club