Marlborough is a historic market town on the main Bath to London road. There is evidence of Iron Age settlements in the area. In the grounds of Marlborough college is a mound that is similar to the much larger Silbury Hill (that is 5 miles to the West of the town). It was beleived that this mound was the burial site of Merlin the wizzard from the King Artur myth. It is possibly from this mound,  Merlins burrow that the name Marlborough is derived from.

The town is known for having one of the widest high streets in the country. This wide street is the result if some devastating fires in Marlborough during the late 17th century. During one night 250 houses were burned and there were other tragic fires after that. This led to a specific Act of Parliament law banning thatched roofs in Marlborough.

One of the oldest buildings in the town is the Merchant's House which is a 17th century house with some remarkable original features. The house belonged to a silk merchant and it is open to the public.

Among its annual events are a Jazz festival and the Mop fair in October, which was originally a time for hiring agricultural workers, but it is now a funfair.

Marlborough is an elegant town with a relaxed atmospher that is a pleasent place to shop and visit.