IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
St. Johns Street, DEVIZES, SN10 1BQ

The 4/5 St John's Street building dates from only 1912 (or at least the upper sections). The prominent dome and flourishes of stucco work all catch the low rays. See Image] for a look at one of the featured famous people of the town.

One of the faces that are depicted on 4/5 St John's Street is Roger. He was appointed as Bishop of Bath and Wells in 1244, holding the post until his death three years later. See Image] for Matilda or Image] for a look along the wall.

One of English history's enduring themes concern the struggle to crown a suitable successor. One such episode occurred after the death of Henry I in the twelfth century, and the rush to claim the throne led to the conflict between Stephen and Matilda, both indirectly entitled. After his effective defeat in 1141, Matilda ordered the attack of his former stronghold at Devizes Castle. See Image] for another face on the wall.

The stuccoist or plasterer got carried away, but in a nice way. The upper storeys are dated 1912. There are swirly aprons under the windows, roundels, a large cartouche in the central bay, all topped by a copper dome. Between the bays are depicted famous people associated with Devizes in the past: "St John's Street: Roger, Bishop of Sarum and Matilda. Wine Street: Hubert de Burgh, Edward I, Ralph Hopton and Sir Thomas Lawrence." Grade II listed.

Bank House, numbers 4 and 5 St John's Street, is carried around into Wine Street. The first and second floors of this wonderfully curious and florid stucco faced building is the original 1912 build above a modern ground floor. The piers bear large heads set in recesses with plaques below portraying famous people or Royalty associated with Devizes in the past. Listed grade II, further details are at https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1252304 The market town of Devizes developed around its 11th century castle. It gained a charter in 1141 and holds a weekly market in the large and picturesque Market Place. In the 16th century the town became known for its textiles and in the early 18th century held the largest corn market in the West Country. Devizes has about 500 listed buildings - a very large number for a small town.

The attractive town centre of Devizes, including a Lloyd's Bank branch in its original premises.

The clock is on the Old Town Hall. Built in 1752, of Bath stone. Formerly the Cheese Hall, used as a Town Hall during erection of the present building and later as a depot for the militia. Originally the ground floor would have been open, windows were inserted in the early 19th century. The front of the 'new' town hall is seen, further along the street, on the right of the image. Listed, grade II*, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1252446 The market town of Devizes developed around its 11th century castle. It gained a charter in 1141 and holds a weekly market in the large and picturesque Market Place. In the 16th century the town became known for its textiles and in the early 18th century held the largest corn market in the West Country. Devizes has about 500 listed buildings - a very large number for a small town.