A PICTURESQUE small market town, Wotton-under-Edge lies at the southern end of the Cotswold Severn Vale.

It straddles The Cotswold Way and from its highest point on Wotton Hill there is a panoramic view of the South West towards Bristol, across the River Severn to Wales.

Many of the visitors who flock to the town do so for the stunning surrounding countryside.

The first documentary evidence of Wotton is in a Saxon Royal Charter of 940AD in which King Edmund of Wessex leased to Eadric ‘four Hides of the land at Wudetun’.

Wotton’s history is heavily linked to the fortunes of the Berkeley family.

Lady Berkeley obtained a Royal Charter in 1252 for the town to hold a weekly market and a yearly fair, events which are still held to this day.

Much like many towns and villages in Gloucestershire, Wotton-under-Edge was heavily influenced by the wool trade – its backbone for some 400 years – which is still visible in the town’s streets and buildings.

Mayor Paul Smith said: “One of the great things about Wotton is its community spirit. Back in the ‘60s the community decided it needed a swimming pool so it literally built it.

“Wotton also has art and heritage centres, both of which are run by community groups.

“We also have a lively youth centre which is mainly funded by the town council but funds are also raised by the Wotton Youth Partnership which again is made up of local residents.

“We are also lucky to have a 220-seater cinema. The cinema first opened in 1911 but closed in 2002. However in 2005 it reopened as a Co-operative Community cinema and was one of the first cinemas to go digital.

“There are many local organisations and groups, too many to name, but it was once said that Wotton had more community groups per person than anywhere in England.”

Work is currently underway to make Wotton the nation’s first official Mental Health Friendly town.

From Church Street, through Long Street, High Street and Market Street there is a wide range of interesting shops to explore.

There are coffee shops, pubs and restaurants including the Falcon Steakhouse and the Fleece Inn, as well as a great selection of high quality gift and retro furniture stores.

As an old market town with no large supermarket, the Wotton trading area still retains its charm and variety of choice with an array of independent shops.

The town’s largest employer is the engineering giant Renishaw, renowned worldwide for its manufacturing prowess - the company trains many of the areas youngsters into fully qualified apprentices.

One of the greatest events in the town’s calendar is Wotton in Bloom, set up in 2011, when 150 glorious flower-filled baskets are hung throughout the outside every shop, business and house in Long Street, High Street, Church Street and Market Street to create a continuous sea of blooms.

District councillor for Wotton, Catherine Braun, said: “You can’t fail to be impressed by the charm of Wotton’s historic buildings and the natural beauty around the town.

“Whatever the weather, there are loads of local walks to enjoy, with amazing views from the Cotswold edge across the Severn.

“For kids, we have a new community skate park, and through the summer months the outdoor swimming pool is open to all.

“There are many opportunities for tea and homemade cake in the high street cafes and at the regular Sunday Town Hall Teas.

“Film and live performances from international artists are here too, with a thriving arts scene in the town.”

Some of the places to visit include the Ancient Ram Inn, Cotswold Craft Centre, Under the Edge Arts, Kingswood Abbey, Newark Park, Wotton Cinema, and the stunning views available from Tyndale Monument.

The 13th Century Church of St Mary the Virgin is home to the organ that was originally in St Martins-in-the-Fields.

Another landmark is the Tolsey House which was given to the town by the Countess of Warwick in 1595.

Its famous clock was erected to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

The town is also growing with more activities for young people. Wotton PARC is leased by a community foundation which has successfully managed to build a skatepark and two artificial pitches.

It now plans to build two BMX tracks on the site, providing further options for Wotton’s active youth population.

Factfile:

Population: 5,627

Founded: 940

County councillor: John Cordwell

District Councillors: Ken Tucker, George Butcher and Catherine Braun

MP: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative)

Major events:

Secret Garden Trail: May 28

Party in the Parc: June 17

Sculpture & Gardens Trail: April 30-May 1

Blues Festival: September 22-24

Arts Festival: April 28-May 7

Walking Festival: May 5-7

Wotton in Bloom: Summer

Spring Horticultural Show: April