IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Rusty Lane, MELKSHAM, SN12 6NS

In Rusty lane, this recent building serves as a community centre, village hall and as a pavilion for the adjacent recreation ground. Seend is a hilltop village about 3¾ miles west of Devizes and some 5¾ miles northeast of Trowbridge. The name is from the Old English word ‘sende’ meaning a sandy place. It lies astride the A361 road from Devizes to Trowbridge, which was once the main road from London to Bath. The village has medieval origins, but there is evidence of occupation in Neolithic times. Farming, especially of wool, and later iron ore brought prosperity to Seend, which today is essentially a commuter village.

The recreation ground (Seend Lye Field) is used for football and cricket matches; a cricket match against Broughton Gifford has just taken place. Irene Usher Memorial Pavilion, adjoining it and used today as the cricket pavilion, was paid for by extensive fundraising, including large events such as steam fairs and opened in 1973. https://www.seendlyefield.org/irene-usher-memorial-pavilion.html Irene Usher was a local resident in the early part of the 20th century, who often hosted village events at her house and was a benefactor of the Lye Field https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/2388677.nostalgia/ .

Although paved for a short distance, Rusty Lane becomes a bridleway. It would be possible to ride on bridleways as far as Melksham.

Seen from the point where three bridleways and two footpaths meet, this is the bridleway to Seend.

Seen from the point where three bridleways and two footpaths meet, this is the bridleway to Bollands Hill.

Three bridleways and two footpaths meet at this point.

Seen from the point where three bridleways and two footpaths meet, this is the footpath to Spout Lane.

From the High Street, Rusty Lane leads to the community centre and, beyond, a number of footpath and bridleways. Seend is a hilltop village about 3¾ miles west of Devizes and some 5¾ miles northeast of Trowbridge. The name is from the Old English word ‘sende’ meaning a sandy place. It lies astride the A361 road from Devizes to Trowbridge, which was once the main road from London to Bath. The village has medieval origins, but there is evidence of occupation in Neolithic times. Farming, especially of wool, and later iron ore brought prosperity to Seend, which today is essentially a commuter village.

Seen from the point where three bridleways and two footpaths meet, this is the footpath to the Kennet & Avon canal (via the entrance-way to Little Foxes Farm).

Village recreation ground seen from High Street.