Wiltshire is a county of contrasts, often simply expressed in the comparison between chalk and cheese. The truth is rather more complicated, and to delve into the matter we need to explore how the county came into being; how geology affects settlement and settlement affects attitude; how boundaries have been drawn and redrawn; what divides us, but also what – in our history, folklore and allegiances – unites us; and finally, since most of us are neither sheep farmers nor cheesemakers, do the same contrasts still exist or have they changed.

John Chandler has been exploring, researching and writing about Wiltshire for more than forty years. He is consultant editor for VCH Wiltshire.

Recorded on 13th September 2020