Devizes - St John

Devizes developed around Devizes Castle, an 11th-century Norman castle, and received a charter in 1141. At that time craftsmen and traders setting up businesses to serve the residents of the castle. The first known market in Devizes was in 1228.


The castle was besieged during the Anarchy, a 12th-century civil war between Stephen of England and Empress Matilda, and again during the English Civil War . Devizes remained under Royalist control until 1645, when Oliver Cromwell attacked and forced the Royalists to surrender. The castle was destroyed in 1648 on the orders of Parliament.


St John stands close to Devizes Castle and may have begun as its chapel. The oldest parts of the building are from 1130, shortly after Roger, Bishop of Salisbury rebuilt the castle.