As you pass the site of West Gate (look at the bronze plates in the pavement and on the wall of Westgate cottage) opposite the Old Bell you will see Betty Geezers Steps. These are so called because a widow named Elizabeth Gaze owned a farm near here. She walked up and down the hill nearly every day of her life and on her death gave the steps to the town. Take time to read the brass plaque with information about the West Gate on the wall of the cottage and the quotation from Sir John Betjeman in the pavement. Just below the wall is a garden owned by the Hotel which is for public use with a superb view of the river valley. This was established by Malmesbury Civic Trust (which still maintains it) to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.
Malmesbury Civic Trust was formed in 1963 when it was proposed to develop Daniel's Well - the view from this garden. Concerned residents met and the Society was formed, initially chaired by Graham Carey. Art Master at the Secondary Modern School. He also completed a comprehensive photographic study of the town the following year which is held by the National Monuments Records Centre in Swindon. Sir John Betjeman was the first President. The Trust negotiated with local landowners for access and then carried out much work in 1972/3 to create the River Walk. This has since been enjoyed by thousands of visitors and local walkers - for further information you can buy a colour booklet in the Town Hall. A further series of photographs was completed during the millennium year.
Source: Charles Vernon
