Wilton, town (1991 pop. 4,005), Wiltshire, S central England. Carpets have been made in Wilton for centuries. Felt and farm machinery are other important products. Three sheep fairs are held annually. Wilton was an ancient capital of Wessex and the residence of Saxon kings. In the 9th cent., Wilton was the site of a battle between King Alfred and the Danes. The town was a bishopric until 1050. Wilton House, in which Philip Sidney wrote Arcadia, was partly designed by Inigo Jones. It is the seat of the earl of Pembroke.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: British and Irish Political Geography
