The Natural History of Wiltshire

The Natural History of Wiltshire is by John Aubrey, and its heading says it was written between 1656 and 1691. A dedicatory letter addressed to George Poulett Scrope tells him that, but for him, the writer believes the volume would not have been printed. The dedication says that, though comparatively obsolete as regards its scientific, archaeological, and philosophical information, the work is replete with curious and entertaining facts and suggestions.

The text says that when the Gospels or Chapters are read over the choire dore of Our Lady Church in Salisbury, there is a quick and strong monosyllabicall echo. The text refers to an almanack of 1580, made for the Meridian of Salisbury, whose longitude is noted to bee ten degrees, by John Securis, Maister of Art and Physick. The text says Mrs. May of Calne, upon the general fright in their church of the falling of the steeple, when the people ran out of the church, occasioned by the throwing of a stone by a boy, died of this fright. A list of prospects names, among others, one from Cricklade Tower, a lovely vernall prospect, and one from the leads of Wilton House to Salisbury.