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Project to uncover truth of Maud Heath Causeway near Chippenham

Wiltshire Victoria County History Statue of Maud Heath across the CausewayWiltshire Victoria County History
Maud Heath Causeway is named after a woman who lived in Wiltshire more than 550 years ago

A history project will try to uncover the true story of a 15th century woman and the legacy she left behind.

Maud Heath lived in the Chippenham area in the 1470s and has a causeway and statue at Langley Burrell.

The Yesterday's Story project, hopes to unearth new evidence and fine-tune the various stories and legends that have been told over the years.

Emily Malcolm told the BBC: "Different generations have made up their own versions on who Maud Heath was."

The causeway in Wiltshire was the gift from Maud Heath in 1474, when the wealthy widow gifted a number of properties in Chippenham.

"The story that most people tell about her is the lady who took her eggs and butter to market in a very Victorian way.

"That's not true though as she was living in a different era," Ms Malcolm explained.

Emily Malcom Causeway bridge picture with greeneryEmily Malcom
The Causeway is four and half miles long and stretches from Chippenham to Bremhill

As part of the project, historians are going to look at old records and look at interpreting and translating old Latin records.

"There's going to be an exhibition and a talks to learn about Maud Heath over the next few months," Ms Malcolm explained.

"This project is for the community so if anyone knows anything about her we'd love to hear it."

The project will also hold an exhibition later in the year at the Chippenham Museum.

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