Victorian-Era Castle with a Royal History
The original Devizes Castle dates back to 1080, built by Bishop Osmund of Salisbury, and mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 as Castrum ad divisas, latin for ‘the castle at the boundaries’ as it was located where 3 parishes were joined.
Burnt down in 1113, the castle was rebuilt in stone by 1120 and became known as ‘the most gorgeous [castle] in Christendom’.
The property hosted many important political figures and royalty and by the 12th century, the castle belonged to the crown. After a brief stint as a prison, Devizes was owned by the Queens of England: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour and Anne of Cleves.
Held by the Royalists by 1645, the castle was largely bombarded during the English Civil War, and eventually dismantled in 1648 following a Parliamentary order known as ‘slighting’.
In the late 19th century, the property was acquired by Valentine Leach, a Devizes tradesman, who hired Bath architect Henry Goodridge to design the present-day Neo-Norman and Gothic Revival style castle.
The castellated Victorian-era structure was rebuilt in 1840 and further extended in the 1860s, 70s, and 80s.
Set high above its namesake market town in Wiltshire, Devizes Castle is surrounded by lush gardens. The 2.4 acre property is landscaped with herbaceous borders and water features, with sheltered pathways beneath specimen trees.
A dry moat grass area dominates the front of the castle, and the rear garden, encircled by ramparts, is where the remains of the original castle can be seen.
The Grade I listed property has been beautifully maintained and restored, containing a wealth of period details throughout the living spaces, seen in the oak strip floors, magnificent fireplaces, soaring ceilings with intricate carvings, stone archways, and mullioned windows.
There are several formal reception rooms, including a Long Picture Gallery and library, two kitchens, and a lovely Fernery which opens out to the garden terraces.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
