...Also, for 35 years it’s been home to the Devizes Festival where visitors are treated, during June, to an exciting range of performances, readings and events by a very impressive selection of internationally renowned artists. The town is also the start of the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race that has attracted competitors from all over the world, over the Easter weekend, for 61 years. The race is 125 miles long and the longest non-stop canoe race in the world; a severe test of skill and stamina.
Devizes developed around the Norman castle which was a major feature of the town until the Civil War. The town was regarded as strategically important because it was on the direct route from the king’s headquarters in Oxford and the West Country. The castle was held by royalist forces who fought many skirmishes with Parliamentary forces and even routed a besieging force before Cromwell arrived in 1645. The castle was eventually destroyed by Parliament in 1648.
There has been a market in Devizes since 1228 and there’s been a Thursday market in Market Place since 1609. Early on, corn, wool and yarn were traded and later cheese, bacon and butter. Surprisingly, as early as the 17th century, the market was regarded by many as the finest fish market in the country, the fish coming from Poole. In the 19th century, the market was also important for meat, corn and malt.
In fact, Devizes is a delightful town, steeped in history and well worth a visit. Beechfield House luxury hotel near Devizes is the place to stay.
Other places to visit in Wiltshire include Bath, Bowood House, Bradford-on-Avon, Caen Hill Locks, Calne, Cheddar Caves, Chippenham, Corsham Court, Lacock, Longleat Safari Park,
Stonehenge, The Cotswolds, Wookey Hole
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