Blounts Court Farm

Devizes - Market Place

by PeterVancouver

"Market Cross"

Devizes has been a market town since the early 1600's and continues with the tradition of a Thursday market in what is one of the largest market places in Western Britain. A focal point of this area is the Market Cross which up until the late 1800's had a ring of posts around it to tie up horses etc. The cross is marked with a plaque which the ledgend states that in 1753, Ruth Pierce a market woman asked God to stike her down if she had lied about a corn deal. She was struck down immeadiatly with evidence of her lie still clutched in her hand.
Lord Sidmouth who was Prime Minister for a brief period, gave the monument to the town in 1814

"The Bear Hotel"

Across the road from the Market Cross stands the Bear Hotel. Its origins are around the mid 1500's and the Black Bear, or the bear, as it became known was frequented by several members of nobility including the Prince of Wales, Edward VII. It is a 24 en suit bedroom facility and makes a very comfortable stop over when travelling in the area. apart from royalty it was also a hotel at which Judge Jefferies (The infamous hanging judge)used to stay when officiating at the assizes. More recently Mr Harold Macmillan stayed at The Bear when he was Prime Minister.

The interior of the building is made up of old beams, log fires comfortable lounges with fresh arrays of flowers, several bars where you may partake in the drinking a good range of Wadworths famous local ales. Food is available in either the Master Lambton Restaurant, or less formally hot and cold lunches are served from the Lawrence room. In the evening you may enjoy a succulent charcoal grill in the 'Olde Worlde' atmosphere of the Lawrence Supper Room with its wood panelling, candle light and log fire in the huge Inglenook Fireplace.

Witshire, England.

by eminsing

"Home"

My parents live in a village outside Devizes and run a small, informal bed and breakfast from our family home.
As I grew up travelling it was wonderful when my parents decided to settle down in their own home - it has given my brother and I a base to return when we need a break and some TLC!

I love visiting Wiltshire because our home, an old farm house, is in the country away from all the hustle of a town or city. There are so many things to do randing from Polo to climbing, exploring caves, paragliding, shopping - whatever takes your fancy!! When I am there I can be found watching the polo, drinking in one of many great pubs, going for walks and partying!! It is a place I go to relax and spend time with family, friends and dogs!
Also, when not living in the UK I store all my belongings there ready for when I eventually settle down!

"The area"

Wiltshire is a very historic county (as is everywheer in the UK!!) with battlefields - such as The Battle of Round way Hill - and chalk carvings of horses on the sides of nearby hills. There is also Stonehenge (20min) away as well as an old fort in Westbury.

If you are intrested in historical houses then you won't be disapointed as there are plenty of them open to the public which are well worth a visit. Probably the most well known is Longleat house in Warminster which also has an enormous maze, and a safari park - if driving yourself then watch out for the monkeys, they are known to wreak cars!

If towns / cities interest you then there are also plenty of these to keep you busy - Bath (40 min), sailsbury (30 min), Cheltenham (1 1/2hrs), London (1 1/2)hrs.

The area is also a good stop off on your way down to the south coast. with easy reach is the Hampshire and Dorset coast - further afield is Devon and cornwall.

"Accomadation"

Because my parents are there I have never had to look for accomadation. However, Since Bath and Sailsbury are major cities they both offer ymca etc... I use to use the gym at the one in Bath - it is in the centre of everything, about a 15minute walk uphill from the train station and close to pubs as well as shops.

Outside Bath in a small villlage owned by the national trust, there is a small hotel with a stream running through the garden, ducks, dogs and cats run freely and the rooms have four poster beds. I have stayed here andloved it - so so English! The village has been used in many 'period' films and dramas such as Pride and Predudice... well worth a visit!