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Wiltshire 

"Wiltshire, not many years since, stood conspicuous as a flourishing manufacturing county; and was celebrated for producing fabrics, from flax and the fleece, to a most important extent, and of superior qualities. A great depression has, however, for some years, been experienced by the manufacturing establishments throughout the county: different causes have been assigned for this falling off; but it is well ascertained that in proportion as the West of England manufactures have retrograded in prosperity, those of Yorkshire have advanced in importance. The manufactures which, at present, exist, comprise thin, fine and coarse woollen cloths, serges and other woollen stuffs, coarse linens and thicksets; and Wilton is still noted for its carpets... 

The Salisbury and Southampton Canal, which has not been, and in all probability never will be, completed, was intended to commence at Salisbury and terminate at Southampton; but the undertaking was abandoned upon encourtering a considerable quicksand..."      

... according to Pigot's Directory of 1844.

Family History, Genealogy and Local History Research Information for Wiltshire