Devizes, a small market town in Wiltshire, has been recognised as one of the UK's finest. Originally the site of a Roman fortification known as Castrum Divisarum, the town later developed into a medieval settlement, with its Latin name 'ad devizas' dating from the early Middle Ages.
The town's history is closely tied to its castle. The first Devizes Castle was built in 1080 by Osmond, Bishop of Salisbury, but burned down in 1113. A second castle, constructed by Roger of Salisbury in 1141, survived sieges during the Anarchy and the English Civil War before being destroyed by Parliament in 1648. A Victorian castle was later built on the original Norman foundations and still stands today.
From the 16th century, Devizes became known for its textiles, and by the early 18th century it housed the largest corn market in the West Country, leading to the construction of the Corn Exchange in 1857. Brewing, tobacco curing, and snuff-making further boosted the town's prosperity, establishing it as a thriving commercial centre.
Today, Devizes boasts over 500 grade-listed buildings, including the Bear Hotel (founded 1559) and Brownston House, a Grade I-listed building. The town regularly appears in lists of Britain's top ten best market towns and is home to attractions such as Wadworth Brewery, the 29 locks of Caen Hill, and the award-winning Wiltshire Museum.
