Following years of decay under various owners, a much brighter future beckons for the dilapidated Assize Court building in Devizes – as a new home for the Wiltshire Museum.
Thanks to support from the Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust and a generous local benefactor, ownership of the fast decaying building has been secured by the recently formed Devizes Assize Court Trust.
![Another view of the entrance hall [click to enlarge]](https://marlborough.news/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ASSIZE_DEVIZES_entrance_hall-view_to_rear.jpg)
A major fund-raising campaign will be launched with the aim of restoring the building and refurbishing it to become the new home for Wiltshire Museum, which has a nationally important collection of Neolithic archaeology finds and has outgrown its present premises.
As marlborough.news reported in 2016, the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, which is the Museum’s parent body, has had its eyes on the building for some time.
The refurbishment will include purpose-built galleries, a café, a lecture theatre and the provision of community space.
The longer-term ambition is to link the Assize Court to the Wharf re-development, which forms an important part of Wiltshire Council’s Core Strategy. As high streets struggle, it is hoped that this splendid building in its new incarnation will act as a catalyst to significantly increase tourism in Devizes.
Originally funded by public subscription, the Assize Court building with its imposing neo-classical facade was built in 1836 by T.H. Wyatt, who also designed Roundway Hospital and many Wiltshire churches.
It has been empty since it was last used as a court in the 1980’s. Planning applications to turn it into offices and then into residential use were approved, but none could be economically delivered and the condition of the building has deteriorated badly.
A professional survey of the building has been recently commissioned which advises that the Assize Court can be saved, despite the neglect. A programme of urgent works has been proposed to prevent further serious deterioration.
The Devizes Assize Court Trust has secured funding for these immediate works, and will also lead a major fund-raising campaign to deliver this major project.
Lord Lansdowne is Chairman of Devizes Assize Court Trust: “I am delighted that the Devizes Assize Court Trust has secured the purchase of this important building for Devizes and Wiltshire.”
“Through the generosity of both the Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust and a local benefactor, together with the support of Wiltshire Council, we look forward to starting urgent work on the building which has been redundant for more than 30 years. Bringing it back into use will be a milestone in local history.”
“Whilst the restoration will be a challenge it is one that the Trust looks forward to – recognising the positive impact for the town, the local community and Wiltshire.”
John Bush is Chairman of the Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust: “The trust was established to promote the long term and sustainable future for the county’s historic buildings. It has been aware of the appalling condition of this magnificent building for more than ten years.”
It has long been an ambition to purchase it, restore it and reuse it for the benefit of Wiltshire. We are pleased to be able to support the work of the Devizes Assize Court Trust to enable this magnificent building to be restored for not only Devizes but also the wider community.”
Baroness Scott of Bybrook: “The council has supported the Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust in its quest to achieve this extremely positive outcome.”
“The Assize Court is an iconic and prominent building and it’s an important part of the history of Devizes. Its preservation and restoration for future use will add so much value to Devizes and Wiltshire.”
Martin Nye is Chairman of Wiltshire Museum: “We are excited to be working to secure the long-term future of this historic building, which will provide a great location to share our nationally important collections with the widest possible range of audiences. This is the beginning of a major project that will rely on the energy, enthusiasm and support of the local community.”
To get involved – you can sign up at to register your interest and find out more about how you can support this project.
(L to r) Colin Johns (Architect, Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust), Robert Hunt-Grubbe (Devizes Assize Court Trust), David Dawson (Director, Wiltshire Museum), Baroness Scott of Bybrook, Martin Nye, Lord Landsdowne
