The town of Salisbury, Massachusetts, U.S.A., derived its name from Salisbury, England, because many of its earliest settlers came from Salisbury and villages around.

Those pioneers, in 1638, went into a vast wilderness, a dense jungle, with gigantic trees towering above and thick bushes beneath, the closeness broken only now and then by a small clearing of land used by the native Indians for their planting of corn.

Of the original 12 settlers, the five from Salisbury and district, England, played an important part in the township’s administration and development. Chief was Christopher Batt, “gentleman and tanner” who, before emigrating, lived at 60 St Ann-Street, Salisbury.

Also emigrating with him were his city relations, Edmund Batter and Henry Biley.

The embryo community at its inception in September, 1639, was named Colchester, but shortly after it was decided to change the name to Salisbury.

How this change actually happened has been a matter of speculation, but the most probable theory is that it was brought about by Christopher Batt in memory of his birthplace.

In May, 1638, Christopher Batt emigrated to the USA on board the ship Reuvis, and he was chosen to be on the first committee to order the affairs of the little colony.

He served the colony continually until 1650 when he re-moved to Boston. He was an influential member of the company and was no doubt the author of the name ‘Salisbury.’

However, the first pastor of the new Salisbury was the Rev William Worcester and it is said that he arrived carrying his own church bell!

He was also from Salisbury, England, and it has been speculated that the town changed its name to Salisbury in his honour.

Our picture is a drawing of the original log Parish Meeting House, in Salisbury, Massachusetts - the first place of worship for a growing community.