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Welcome to the official website for information about Devizes for visitors and residents.
The charming historic market town of Devizes lies at the very heart of Wiltshire. Founded in Norman times at the boundaries (the Latin 'ad Divisas') of surrounding villages, the town grew up around the castle. The outline of the town walls shows in the 'D' shape of the centre which retains its mediaeval street plan. The town is compact and, being on the level, easy to walk round.
Some buildings survive from the 16thC including the renowned hat shop in St John's Alley. In the Civil War the town was the centre for the nearby Battle of Roundway Down and the castle demolished. Rebuilt in Victorian times as a residence it is now private flats.
The town prospered in Georgian times when many of its finest buildings were erected. Today Devizes can boast nearly 500 listed buildings, probably the highest concentration anywhere in England.
Wadworth's Brewery is a landmark at the north end of the Market Place and their famous shire horses make daily deliveries in town. The brewery is independent and the ales may be sampled at their visitor centre where tours of the brewery and stables can be booked.
The Market Place hosts many of the town's coffee shops, restaurants, pubs, shops and the indoor market; more are to be found in the streets and alleys leading off.
Devizes is lucky to have kept many small independent shops offering a wide range of goods not found elsewhere - with service to match. Weekly general and collectors' markets and regular farmers' and continental markets bring added colour.
The town has two museums. The Wiltshire Heritage Museum has the finest Bronze Age archaeology collection in England with much material from the World Heritage Sites of Avebury and Stonehenge. The history of Wiltshire and the town is shown in displays and the collections are often used as a point of reference in TV programmes. The Museum is open daily throughout the year.
The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Museum is on the Wharf overlooking the canal. It tells the tale of the construction, operation, closure and restoration of the canal.
The spectacular Caen Hill flight of 29 locks leading up to Devizes was a major engineering feat when built at the end of the 18thC. The tow path from the Wharf leads to the locks and provides excellent views of the countryside. Boat hire and trips on the canal are available in the summer.
Devizes is a perfect centre for trips to Bath, Stonehenge, Avebury, Salisbury, Marlborough and Swindon.
Devizes is also the focal point for the surrounding villages of All Cannings, Bishops Cannings, Bromham, Easterton, Erlestoke, Etchilhampton, Great Cheverell, Little Cheverell, Market Lavington, Marston, Potterne, Poulshot, Roundway, Rowde, Seend, Stert, Urchfont, West Lavington, and Worton.
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