Coordinates 51°04'48?N 1°51'50?W? / ?51.08, -1.864The River Wylye meets the River Nadder at Wilton.
The history of Wilton dates back to the Anglo-Saxons in the 8th century, and by the late 9th century (if not before) it was the capital of 'Wiltunscire', a region within the ancient Kingdom of Wessex. It remained the administrative centre of Wiltshire until the 11th century, however. Wilton was of significant importance to the church, with the founding of Wilton Abbey in 771. A decisive battle against the Danish armies was fought there by King Alfred in 871.
Despite further attacks, Wilton remained a prosperous town, as recorded in the Domesday book. The building of Salisbury Cathedral nearby, however, proved Wilton's downfall, as Salisbury, with a new bridge over the River Avon, provided a convenient bypass around Wilton on the trade routes.
