C&T Harris (Calne): An Illustrated History

The C&T Harris factory in Wiltshire was a famous empire founded on pigs, producing Wiltshire cured ham, bacon, sausages, and pork pies. It employed 2,000 people and processed 5,000 pigs a week, producing 100 tonnes of products. The Harris brand survived until 1982, and the site was redeveloped with a new library, shops, and houses. The name lives on in street names, public buildings, and a recreation ground.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Once upon a time, in a small town nestled on the banks of the River Marden, a remarkable tale unfolded. This town, once known for its thriving wool trade, gained fame for its delectable Wiltshire cured ham and bacon, mouthwatering sausages, and scrumptious pork pies. These products, cherished across the nation and beyond, even found favor in the palates of royalty. At its peak, the C&T Harris factory stood as a testament to the town's prosperity, employing a staggering 2,000 people and processing an astonishing 5,000 pigs a week. This colossal production resulted in an astounding 100 tonnes of pies, sausages, and cooked meats being produced each year. The Harris brand, synonymous with quality and excellence, remained resilient through the years, enduring changes in ownership and merging with other companies. It survived until 1982, a testament to its enduring legacy.

After the factory's demolition, the site was redeveloped, transforming into a vibrant community. A new library, shops, and houses emerged, breathing new life into the area. The name of the town, once synonymous with industry and prosperity, continued to grace street names, public buildings, and even a recreation ground that was gifted to the town. This transformation was accompanied by a collection of images, some of which were previously unpublished, providing a visual feast to accompany the story.

This book serves as a heartfelt tribute to the C&T Harris factory and its profound impact on the local economy and community. It pays homage to the hardworking individuals who dedicated their lives to producing the finest pork products and to the town that embraced and celebrated their success. The story of the empire founded on pigs is a testament to the enduring power of passion, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of a community.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 166 x 232 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398108486