Place names of Calne: The Square

Back in 1728 The Square was, quite literally, a square. The map of Calne shows that it connects to Market Place, Curzon Street, and World's End (eventually Wood Street). It's likely that for centuries it was the way into and out of town, until the 1968 A4 diversion.

However, even by 1886, the OS map shows that The Square had lost its shape, with the bottom right corner smoothed of to create a curve that connected High Street with Wood Street[1].

These days The Square doesn't resemble a physical square at all, most maps consider it a road that starts at Phelps Parade and squeezes through to the mini-roundabout at Curzon Street. However, west of the building that is Total Carpets and Flooring have Curzon Street addresses. The Square connects Wood Street, Curzon Street, High Street and Phelps Parade.

Back in the times of Elizabeth and the Stuarts, royal proclamations were read in Calne. This happened first at Proclamation steps (see previous post of Place Names of Calne for more on that), with second and third readings at the town bridge and The Square[2]. With this knowledge, it was probably similar to the many public squares all over the country, in that it was probably the heart of the town and used for the community to gather for many events. These days, of course, The Square has lost this part of its purpose, but still is a main thoroughfare for traffic in Calne.

 

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References:
[1] 'Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland' 
[2] Marsh, A., 1903. A HISTORY OF THE BOROUGH AND TOWN OF CALNE. 1st ed. London: HAZELL, WATSON AND VINEY, LTD.