PEOPLE will have the chance to visit some of Devizes’ most historic buildings on September 12 as part of heritage open day.

Among those open for from 10am to 3pm will be St Peter’s Church, Bath Road which dates from 1866 to serve the bargees and their families working on the nearby Kennet and Avon Canal.

The church features many stained glass windows, a font set in an impressive tiled wall surround and a beautiful rood screen. 

The Masonic Hall in Morris Lane has been used for lodge meetings in 1882 and members will be on hand to answer questions. 

St John the Baptist Church in Long Street was built in the early 12th century by the bishops of Salisbury and was initially the church for the castle. 

Another 12th century church - St Mary the Virgin in New Park Street - was built outside the castle walls this time for the townspeople.

Wiltshire Museum in Long Street bought its present building in 1873 from the Victorian Grammar School. Since then it has expanded to include two Georgian town houses.

Admission to the museum will be free on the open day from 10am to 5pm.
St James’ Church in Church Walk is the only original part of the church to survive from 1461.

After Le Marchant Barracks in London Road was completed in 1878 it became the garrison church of the Wiltshire Regiment. It will be open from 10am to noon.

The Town Hall in St John’s Street was redesigned in 1806 by Thomas Baldwin the city architect of Bath. He used part of the earlier 17th century structure that included the town lock-up. People will be able to explore parts of the building not normally open to the public including the lock-up. John Girvan will give tours between 11am and 3pm.