The Trust for Devizes

A History in Pictures

In 1967 the Crammer changed…

from the open-fronted pond it had been for generations

..to being closed off

by a 5 foot brick wall!

..causing an outrage

Over 3,400 people signed a petition to remove the wall in just a few days

..leading to this…

Just six days later the Wall came a- tumbling down!

…and to the founding of the Trust

To protect and maintain the character and amenities of the Devizes area

True to its motto

The Trust members soon became active in conserving all that was good about Devizes

The Estcourt Fountain

In 1969 the Trust paid for the

plumbing of the Estcourt Fountain to be renewed so the water could flow again.

1970 – Threat to Great Porch House

The Highway Authority offered two routes, both involving the demolition of Great Porch HouseThe Trust put forward a third alternative, which was accepted and Great Porch House was saved

1970 Plant–a–Tree Year

The Trust was an early entrant in the greening of the urban environment.

In 1970 it purchased and planted 20 trees on the Green and in the Central Car Park.

1974 – 800 years celebration

Devizes didn’t get around to celebrating its 800th anniversary of being made a Borough until thirty-three years after the event!Nevertheless the Trust made a major contribution to the official publication.

1974 - 800 years Exhibition

This model of 14th -15th Century Devizes, made by a Trust Member, was one of the major exhibits

1974 Shane’s Castle under threat

The rapid increase in traffic resulted in a proposal by the Highway Authority to demolish Shane’s Castle so a roundabout could replace it.

The Trust opposed this and won. Shane’s Castle remains to this day.

1975 European Heritage Year

The first issue of the “Town Trail” was published. This was a “trail-blazer” and has been emulated by many other towns Three further versions have been issued since and thousands of copies sold.

1976 – St John’s Alley in danger

St John’s Alley – containing some of our oldest buildings was in great danger of being demolished to make way for a modern development.

Dry rot abounded

The Trust set to work with a will

The Trust marshalled all available resources, persuaded local builders and carpenters to help, and undertook much of the work themselves.

And a year later the job was done

1980 – more trees

The Trust plants two Hornbeam trees in Albion Place. These are now mature and overlook the new Norton Pyramid

..and an old Lamp Post

The Trust provided a period lamp post for the Little Brittox.

Here it is decorated with flowers.

1981 to 84 - more trees and seats

The Trust continued to provide trees and benches. These were situated at the Wharf, in the Market Place and on the canal bank.

1984 The Shambles Lantern

The Trust purchased and erected a copper lantern on the front of the Shambles.

In the process someone reported that it was being stolen!

The Shambles Lantern Now

The Council found problems with the wiring to the lantern and decided to remove it.

It was then re-erected over the rear entrance.

The Trust is hoping to get it re-installed in its original position when the Shambles is refurbished.

1987 – Heritage Plaques

The Trust received a substantial bequest in the will of a former Borough Surveyor and installed 34 Blue Plaques to our finest buildings and those of special interest.

So much achieved in the past

But what is the Trust doing today?

The Norton Pyramid

The Trust’s architect, Tony Bolland (seen here) project managed the design and installation of the Bronze Pyramid presented to the town by Patrick and Joan Norton in 2008

Seeking to save the Assize Courts

We are working to find a way to preserve this fine building

A Queen in Need

The statue of Queen Victoria originally installed in a niche on the Stone Mason’s cottage in Estcourt Street and resited on Kwik-Fits premises was hidden by undergrowth for years.On her re-emergence it was apparent that the statue was in urgent need of restoration and a good home.

Rescuing Queen Victoria

After delicate negotiations the Trust took ownership of the statue.The next step was to move her to a temporary home at the Museum where she will be restored before moving to what we hope will be her final resting place.

Challenging the Traffic Model

The Trust is concerned at the increasing congestion and believes that further housing development should be curtailed until a solution is in place to deal with congestion

Critically, its expert believes that the Traffic Model which indicates that the town can support more homes is seriously flawed. It is seeking a review by the County Council.

So much to do

Will you help us?

Join the Trust

The more members we have, the greater our influence

Get involved, we need active members

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We are indebted to John Girvan for many of the photographs in this presentation