By Tim Lambert
Devizes in the Middle Ages
Devizes is a market town in Wiltshire. In 1080, a motte and bailey castle was built at Devizes. Because the castle was built where 3 manors met, it was called Castrum ad divisas, Latin for castle at the boundaries. The name later changed to Devizes. The original wooden castle burned down in the early 12th century, but it was replaced by a stone one. In 1206, King John imprisoned his wife, Isabella, in Devizes Castle.
In 1645, during the English Civil War, the Royalists held Devizes Castle, but in September, a force of Parliamentarians besieged it. The Royalists surrendered, and in 1648, the Parliamentarians ‘slighted’ or destroyed it to prevent it ever being used by the enemy again.
As often happened in the Middle Ages, a town grew up around the castle. In 1141, Devizes was given a charter allowing it to hold markets. In the early 12th century, St Johns Church was built.
During the Middle Ages, the little town flourished. St Johns Court Medieval Hall was built in the early 15th century. The Great Porch House was built in the mid-15th century.
Devizes 1500-1800
The Bear Hotel dates from 1559. Sextons Cottage was originally built as almshouses in 1615.
From the 16th century to the 18th century, Devizes prospered because of its wool industry. However, at the end of the 18th century, wool manufacturing declined as the industry shifted to the North of England. There was also a snuff and tobacco industry in Devizes, evidenced by the street called Snuff Street.
Devizes Bridewell opened in 1579. It was used to imprison vagrants and beggars. (The name Bridewell came from the first such institution, in London). At first, the Bridewell was a timber building, but in the 18th century it was re-fronted with brick.
The Kennet & Avon Canal was built in the 18th century. It passes through Devizes. At that time, Devizes was a stagecoach stop on the road between London and Bristol. There were many stagecoaching inns. The Black Swan Hotel was built in 1737.
Devizes in the 19th Century
In 1801, the population of Devizes was 3,767. By the standards of the time, it was a fair-sized town. By 1901, it had risen to 6,532.
Many new buildings were erected in Devizes in the 19th century. Among them, Devizes lock-up was built in 1806. It was used to hold offenders like drunks overnight. Devizes prison was built in 1817. When the new prison was built, the old Bridewell was used to hold prisoners awaiting trial until it closed completely in 1836. Devizes Prison closed in 1921 and was demolished in 1927.
Devizes Town Hall was built in 1808. In 1814, Market Cross was built on the site of an older cross. The British School for Girls was built in 1822. The Shambles covered market building was built in 1835. Also in 1835, the Devizes Assize Court was built. Shanes Castle was built about 1845. It’s believed it was originally a toll house.
Construction of the modern Devizes Castle began about 1840. Later in the 19th century, parts were added to the building. Devizes Corn Exchange was built in 1857. St Peters Church was built in 1866, and Devizes Cemetery opened in 1878. Estcourt Fountain was erected in 1879.
A workhouse was built in Devizes in 1836. It was renamed St James Hospital in 1948 and used as a geriatric hospital until 1990. It was later demolished.
Amenities in Devizes improved in the 19th century. In 1827, Devizes gained gaslight. The railway reached Devizes in 1857. However, the railway station closed in 1966. Devizes fire brigade was founded in 1868. Wiltshire Museum opened in 1874. There has been a brewing industry in Devizes for centuries, but Wadworth Brewery was built in Devizes in 1875.
Devizes in the 20th Century
In the 20th century, Devizes continued to develop. The first Devizes carnival was held in 1912. The Palace Cinema opened in 1912, but it was largely rebuilt after a fire in 1932. Devizes War Memorial was erected in 1922. An open-air swimming pool opened in Devizes in 1936.
A prisoner of war camp opened in Devizes in September 1944. In December 1944, a group of prisoners planned a mass breakout at Christmas. It was called the Devizes Plot. However, the plot was uncovered, and the ringleaders were sent to a maximum security camp in Scotland.
After the Second World War, Devizes continued to flourish. In the early 20th century, the population grew slowly. In 1951, it was 7,897. However, in the late 20th century, it grew rapidly. By 2001, it was 14,376.
Meanwhile, Devizes Library was built in 1968. Devizes School was formed in 1969. Wharf Theatre opened in 1979. The open-air swimming pool closed in 1989, but Devizes Leisure Centre opened in 1990.
Devizes White Horse was carved into a slope north of the town in 1999.
Devizes in the 21st Century
In the 21st century, Devizes is a busy market town famous for its historic buildings.
Among recent developments, Devizes Skatepark opened in 2014. The Devizes Health Centre opened in 2023.
In 2023, Wadworth moved its brewing business to a new location. However, the 19th century building will be preserved.
In 2026, the population of Devizes was 16,000.
