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The origin of the name "Freeman's Marsh" is not clear - the first mention by this name being in a survey by the Duchy of Lancaster of c1552, which described it as "a common
marsh called Freeman's Marsh belonging as well to the town of Hungerford as to the fee of Sanden, containing by estimate 6 acres". The boundaries have varied over the centuries, but in the present-day it
comprises about 70 acres (28 hectares).
It is well know for its rich diversity of flora and fauna, and much enjoyed by local walkers and bird-watchers. It is crossed by the river Dun, as well as the Kennet and Avon
canal (1799) and the railway (extended west from Hungerford in 1862).
An old road crossed the marsh leading from the town along Church Street, then Marsh Lane, and onto the marsh at marsh gate. The way can still be seen, crossing the canal near
marsh lock, and then the ford near Marsh Cottage soon merging with the route of the modern A4.
The 1820 Enclosure Award added 21 acres of arable land in Westbrook Field "for the grazing of nags". This area is shown on the 1819 Eclosure map as North Westbrooks". In
1974 the Town & Manor Trustees purchased 7¼ acres in the extreme south west of the marsh from Lord Rootes.
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