Devizes developed with an impressive castle at it’s centre, expanding over time it encompassed the old manors of Rorde, Bishop Cannings and Potterne and this is where the town gets it’s name from “castum ad divisas” or castle of the divisions or at the boundaries. It is noted as originating as an 11th centruy Norman Castle but was not cited n the Doomsday Book. In the 16th Centruy it became an important trading town for cloth production of fine quality.
The current town still has more than 500 listed buildings which for its size is remarkable in itself. You can just stroll around the town and see them in most places. The amazing engineering feat of the Canal and the flight of locks came under the jurisdiction of john Rennie in 1794 to 1810 and if you take a look at it restored and go back to the late 18thC and early 19th you can see what an achievement this truely was. So it is not surprising that this has world heritage site status.
Lots of options to explore Devizes itself but a few include the listed architecture, the Canal Museum, Wiltshire Heritage Museum, the Wadworth brewery which still uses horse drawn delivery in the town and a rich selection of hospitality in cafes, tea rooms bars, pubs and restaurantsBack at the canal side, you can stay close at hand and stock up on provisions at supermarkets at Coats Rd Bridge (136) or London Rd Bridge (138.) Devizes Wharf is on the north side and opposite the site of the Brewery and Castle behind it all within a reasonable distance of the canal in between London Rd and New Park Rd Bridge (139.) On the wharf itself is the HQ of the K&A Trust together with amenities for boaters and visitors.
The locks themselves deserve a closer look, it will take at least 5 hours and with traffic you should allow a day, each way, if you have a return journey to make as well! Take a further look at Devizes, Caen Hill and Foxhangers lock flights and the relevant Maps for further information. Lots to enjoy so make sure you allow yourself good time whatever choices you make.
