Warminster

Warminster, an ancient market-town of Wiltshire, on the west border of Salisbury Plain, and 19½ miles NW. of Salisbury. It has a town-hall (1831); a free school (1707), at which Bishop Hampden and Dr Arnold were pupils; and a theological college (1860). The Marquis of Bath's seat, Longleat, 4½ miles SW., is one of the noblest Elizabethan mansions in the kingdom, with a fine collection of portraits, memories of Bishop Ken, and a magnificent park. Pop. (1851) 6285; (1891) 5562. See J. T. Daniell's History of Warminster (1879).