Wiltshire is one of the largest counties in southern England. Much of it
is comprised of high chalk downland, most famously on Salisbury Plain,
and wide valleys and vales, often with rivers running through them, but
in the north-west Wiltshire runs into the Cotswolds and south-east
Wiltshire lies on the edge of the New Forest. Wiltshire is unsurpassed
in its ancient sites, from the Neolithic monuments of Stonehenge and
Avebury to numerous barrows and burial chambers. Later ages have also
added to Wiltshire's gems, from the distinctive white horses cut into
the chalk on hillsides, to Salisbury Cathedral, Longleat and the gardens
at Stourhead. In 50 Gems of Wiltshire author Andrew Powell-Thomas
explores the many places and their history that make this part of the
South West so special. The 50 Gems include ancient sites of the earliest
settlers in the area, castles, historic towns and villages, stunning
country houses and estates, natural beauty spots and many other
treasures. Alongside the justly famous the author includes many
lesser-known gems that are equally deserving of attention.