Wessex Museums
Search
Close this search box.

Wiltshire Museum marks milestones in Devizes Assize Court move

Devizes Assize Court

Wiltshire Museum and the Devizes Assize Court Trust (DACT) are working together to develop the “Assizes for Devizes Project: Unlocking Wiltshire’s stories” to rescue and revitalise the derelict Devizes Assize Court building into a new space for Wiltshire Museum. 

The project which received initial support of £300,748 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in June 2023 has been progressing through its development phase – a two year planning period to develop architect plans, alongside designs for the museum’s new galleries, and an exciting programme of community activities and events. 

Two major milestones have been reached in the project. A planning application has been submitted to Wiltshire Council, outlining plans to restore the at-risk building, alongside the news that £1 million has already been raised towards the project through support from the Rothschild Foundation and the Julia Rausing Trust. The museum will be apply for a full National Lottery grant in August 2025 and if successful, work will start on the Assize Court building in 2026 with a target opening date of 2030.
Read more about Assizes for Devizes
Back to latest news

Sawfish are also called carpenter sharks...but they are rays, not sharks!

There’s also a species called a sawshark, but that’s, well, a shark!

Back

What the heck is a lek?

Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.

Road Runner!

The great bustard has a dignified slow walk but tends to run when disturbed, rather than fly.

Belly Buster!

The hen-bird on display at The Salisbury Museum was one of the last great bustards to be eaten in the town!

Skip to content