Devizes is a market town in the centre of Wiltshire County in England. The town sits on a hill on the eastern border of the Valley of Pewsey. The name of the town came from the Latin phrase, “ad devizes” which means at the boundaries. This historic market town has a colourful Medieval past rich in history with a wealth of architectural treasures found in the heart of town. These historic buildings stand elbow-to-elbow with the Town Hall, a large market Place, a lovely green, banks, shops and solicitors. The Norman Castle in town was built in 1080 by the St Osmund, Bishop of Salisbury at the border of three Saxon parishes.
The History of the Town Market in Devizes
The open market at the centre of town is considered the largest market on the western side of England. It is found at the outer bailey of the Castle. At the heart of the open market stands the world-famous Market Cross. This landmark, which was given to the town in 1814 by Lord Sidmouth MP, owes its fame to the legend of the market woman who prayed that God strikes her if she indeed lied about a corn deal. Immediately upon praying, the poor woman was struck down while clutching the proof of her lie in her hand.
Things to See and Do in Devizes
Because of the town’s strong sense of community, it hosts some festival throughout the year. There is an Internationals Street Festival, Art Festival, a Food Festival plus many more community events usually held in the newly restored Hillworth Park. The town's visitors will surely enjoy discovering the vast selection of independent shops in the open market or the streets around it.
Devizes, which regularly appears on the top 10 list of the traditional market towns in England is home to three attractions well known on the national level, The Wadworth Brewery, The Wiltshire Museum and the Caen Hill Lock.