Devizes, Wiltshire: History in Old Images

Enjoy a glimpe of history through old images of Devizes in Wiltshire, England, UK.

Devizes's Carnival in 1920

The position of the camera nicely captures the participants, spectators, and buildings around them.

The horse-drawn floats are quite elaborate.

Carnival Devizes (1920-1929) - British Pathé on YouTube

Devizes County House of Corrections

In 1817, the Old Bridewell prison was replaced with the Devizes County House of Corrections (known as Devizes Prison). It was close to Prison Bridge, which goes across the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The prison closed in the early 1920s, and was demolished in 1927.

Close by, we see new homes under construction.

Prison Walls Make Cottage Homes (1927)- British Pathé on YouTube

Devizes Market

In this black and white footage, possibly from the early 1930s, animals are brought to the Market Place for auction.

The first shot is of Lloyds Bank on Market Place, next to two shops. One seems to be Fortt Brothers.

In later shots, you can see parts of buildings and business names.

Devizes Market - Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre on YouTube, courtesy of the Windrose Rural Media Trust

Devizes in 1970

It's a shame you only get a couple of seconds to see the shops in this footage from 1970s.

But look - very few cars on Market Place!

MOTOR TRIBIKE - British Movietone on YouTube

Devizes in 1997

Several different buildings and streets appear in this decent quality footage from summer 1997. Most people are in their cars, but there are some pedestrians milling around too.

Devizes, Wiltshire, centre in 1997. Archive film 99875 - HuntleyFilmArchives on YouTube

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