Here at Goughs, we are proud of where we live and work. Located in the heart of Wiltshire, our eight offices have been providing legal services to locals and the community since 1882. We want to share with you why we love this area so much, and why we think you would love it too. Let’s start by looking at the market town of Melksham! After all we have an office in Melksham.
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A little history
Nestling on the banks of the River Avon, Melksham has a lot of history. It’s mentioned in the Domesday Book, where in 1086 it had a population of 234 households, putting it in the largest 20% of settlements recorded at the time. The local forests were once a favourite hunting ground for the Tudor kings of England.
The prosperity of the town came from both agriculture and the woollen cloth making industry. Today, the historic quarter is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, where St Michael & All Angels Church, Canon Square and Church Walk are located. There is also an excellent Blue Plaque trail to follow. The nearby Great Chalfield Manor and Gardens is a wonderful example of Edwardian period charm, and attracts many visitors.
Melksham today
Today, Melksham has a population of around 23,000. The town centre has a wide variety of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, and there is a regular Tuesday Market. There is a vibrant community spirit, ensuring a busy calendar of events. These include the annual Food and River Festival in September, the Melksham Music Festival incorporating Party in the Park, a weekly Parkrun, and the annual Melksham Carnival.
Things to do in Melksham
As well as Great Chalfield Manor, and the many events, there is plenty more to see and do in Melksham.
The Melksham Assembly Hall, located in the historic Market Place, has a 450-seat capacity, and hosts many different events including comedy, live music, cinema, parties, shows, and fairs..
Stealth Brew Co is a small, independent craft microbrewery, producing great tasting full flavoured beers. They run regular tap room events, which are always well received and sell out quickly. Their pub, The Hiding Place, opened in 2019 and quickly established itself as a venue for top quality modern beers, wines, and spirits in the town centre.
Ross Phillips, a Partner at Goughs says “My favourite place to go is the new Melksham community campus which includes a state-of-the-art gym, new pool as well as café and library. It is within walking distance of the office with other gyms close by as well.”
Amy Moran, Legal executive, adds “Melksham has a lovely community feel with everyone taking part in events in the town. It has all the shops you need in a high street with my particular favourite being the Toy Shop which I am regularly popping into with my children.”
Average house prices in Melksham
According to statistics provided by Zoopla, the average selling price for a property in Melksham in 2022 was £295,999. This ranges from an average of £141,707 for a flat, £254,060 for a terraced house, £271,526 for a semi-detached and £423,177 for a detached dwelling.
Working in Melksham
Working in Melksham has many attractions, with a combination of well-paid local jobs, and some of the more affordable housing in the area.
Amy Moran, Legal Executive at Goughs says, “I love that I can walk into work and feel like I am actively taking part in the community by working at Goughs, and interacting with all the local people and businesses.”
Ross Phillips notes “Melksham is also the central town in the northwest quarter of Wiltshire, and so arguably, the beating heart of this part of the world! Practically though, it is the central office of Goughs and where we are lucky to have both our lovely Accounts and IT teams based.”
The expanding nature of Gough’s business means we often have a variety of solicitor job vacancies too!
What locals say about Melksham
To find out what the locals thought, we asked the staff at Goughs what they liked about living and working in Melksham. Here is what they said:
Maxine Coles, legal Executive:
“Melksham has a vibrant town centre with a variety of shops, and very few empty ones. It’s easy to park too. I love the Park and riverside for lunchtime walks. The town has a great new swimming pool and leisure facilities, and the active town council puts on a number of great events throughout the year.”
Ross Phillips, Family Partner:
“Melksham has a lot to offer. In terms of business there are a multitude of opportunities in the town, which is quite ambitious with its growth, both in terms of its residential development, but also the outlying industrial estates and persistence in maintaining its longstanding industrial heritage. There are a number of lovely countryside walks to go on in the surrounding area and it is well placed in order to travel to the outlying villages of Seend, Broughton Gifford, Lacock, and Bromham.”
Clare Hiscocks, Accounts Manager:
“Millie Jane on the high pavement and Home on the Waitrose roundabout are my personal favourites, and I even come to Melksham over the weekend to browse these shops – lunch breaks just aren’t long enough! The staff in Waitrose are really friendly, so I must give them a mention too.
Like Ross, I like The Kings Arms, but Wetherspoons next door is great for an early morning office breakfast or a cheap lunch! The new leisure facilities look amazing, but I haven’t used them as yet – perhaps a new year’s resolution?
I often travel between the offices seeing the other surrounding towns and I have to say that Melksham Christmas lights are by far the best! We love getting involved in the Council’s window display competitions, so watch this space for this year’s Christmas display…”
We could go on, but it’s safe to say everyone at Goughs has something positive to add about working and living in Melksham, it’s just a great place.
Goughs in Melksham
The Goughs office in Melksham are situated on the Bath Road. Goughs have been part of the community since the 60’s and the office now employs a range of different solicitors. We cover all aspects of law and legal services, including a couple of specialist areas, such as Family Law, Conveyancing and Wills & Probate.
If we can help in any way, or you’d just like to pop in and say hello, you can find us at 5 Bath Road, SN12 6LN, or give us a ring on 01225 703036.
