Can anyone give me information on the naming of what the locals call Conscience Lane? Ordnance Survey maps and finger posts refer to it as Consciences Lane.

Devizes Museum records that it was noted as Consciences Lane on maps as early as 1820. It also records that there was a Conscience’s Bridge, though no one appears to know where this is (or was) located.

There is a stream that originates at Mother Anthony’s Well (an ancient shrine in the shadow of the ‘Bloody Ditch’) that flows down to Consciences Lane to the north east of Iron Pear Tree Farm – could this be the location of the old bridge?

It has been suggested that in days gone by, children born out of wedlock were often named to remind the parents of their sinful activity – Conscience being one such name.

Also at one time there could have been a Conscience’s Farm in the area. I have been assured that Consciences Lane has nothing to do with the Quakers of Devizes or, for that matter, Quakers’ Walk, which also has nothing to do with them.

Any contributions from readers would be appreciated.

Peter Fletcher, Kempsfield, Devizes.