The Downton Heritage Trail provides a guide to the history of the village via a number of viewpoints supported by a free leaflet, local signs and a more comprehensive guide available to buy.

The initiative is in memory of Cllr Margaret Peach, who died last year. Margaret worked tirelessly for the village and had a particular interest in history and tourism.

Fitting Memorial for Former Councillor

by Lesley Bates.

This article and photo are being used with the kind permission of Salisbury Journal (May 2008). The Photograph is by Alex Belbin.

The logo could have represented a D for Downton or even a P for Peach. But the launch of the Downton Heritage Trail in the village last week brought both together as a "fitting memorial" to former Salisbury district council and Downton parish council chairman Margaret Peach, who died in 2006.

About 60 people gathered at the Borough Cross, including Margaret's widower Roger and other members of her family, to see the former High Sheriff of Wiltshire the Hon Peter Pleydell-Bouverie unveil the interpretation board marking the start of the trail.

Roger Peach, John Coundley from Redlynch parish council, Hon Peter Pleydell-Bouverie and Paul Leo.

Information leaflets, which are available at various points in Downton, will guide visitors around the village, explaining points of interest along the way.

Paul Leo, a member of the Heritage Trail committee who served on councils and committees with Mrs Peach, said: "I think tonight is an act of love, which might be an unfashionable word to use, but Margaret Peach loved this village and this is a way of remembering that."

The trail, he said, has been made possible by donations from Salisbury District Council, Downton Parish Council, Redlynch Parish Council, Beechcroft Developments, Longford Estates, South Wiltshire Partnership, Downton Society and Downton Cuckoo Fair as well as individuals.

He said that, like Margaret, the trail was highly practical and was not intended to stand still, but "to grown and develop and become a living thing."

A downloadable audio trail and handbook are already planned, he said.

"We're hoping that the trail will bring some of the village's past back to life," said Mr Pleydell-Bouverie.

Roger Peach told the gathering: "It was very considerate of people to link yet another tip-top Downton initiative to Margaret's memory.

"I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this very kind tribute."

Downton Band played at the reception at the White Horse pub, which was sponsored by local companies.

The following morning, children from Downton Primary School were among the first to follow the trail.

Site sponsored and maintained by Paul Leo and Cllr. Jane Launchbury.

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