Pewsey is a charming village nestled in the heart of the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire, England. Its history stretches back over 1,000 years, with the area inhabited since prehistoric times — evidenced by nearby ancient landmarks like the Avebury stone circle and Silbury Hill.
The village itself was first mentioned in a Saxon charter of 796 AD as “Peofesig,” meaning “Pēof’s island.” It developed as an agricultural settlement, thriving thanks to its fertile land and natural springs. In the Domesday Book of 1086, Pewsey was recorded as a small but valuable manor.
During the medieval period, Pewsey grew around its parish church, St John the Baptist, parts of which date back to the 12th century. The Kennet and Avon Canal, completed in the early 19th century, brought increased trade and industry, followed by the railway in the 1860s, which connected Pewsey to larger towns and cities.
Today, Pewsey is known for its strong sense of community, its scenic surroundings, and its annual Pewsey Carnival — one of the oldest in Wiltshire — which dates back to 1898. The village remains a vibrant part of rural life in the county, balancing deep historical roots with modern village life.