People can look behind the scenes at one of Devizes’ oldest retail outlets when antiques dealership Crowman opens on Saturday.

Owners John Chapman and Vicky Heaton-Renshaw have taken over the former Weston’s Tobacconists in Northgate Street, which dates back to the 17th century.

The business partners have spent four months carrying out conservation and preservation work on the building and promise a fascinating experience. Their emporium was previously in Frome.

Mrs Heaton-Renshaw said: “Being Devizes people, it’s great to bring the shop back to our home town. To find such an historic location is the perfect backdrop for the shop.”

Crowman deals in English country furniture, pottery, porcelain, metalware and “kitchenalia”, clocks, books, taxidermy and unusual artefacts.

On Saturday, customers can explore the building and receive a special introductory discount. It is thought the most of the building has not been open to the public since the 1960s.