Save the Legacy of Devizes' Beloved Shire Horses...

For generations, Wadworth's magnificent Shire Horses were part of everyday life in Devizes - delivering beer through the town's streets and becoming a symbol of local heritage, pride and tradition.

Now that the horses have retired, we want to create a permanent public sculpture to celebrate their contribution to the town for future generations.

Help us to create a lasting tribute.

Why we started this project...

We are a local father and daughter who, like many people in Devizes, grew up seeing the famous Wadworth Shire Horses in the town streets.

They were more than working horses - they were part of Devizes' identity. Residents and visitors alike stopped to watch them pass, children waved at them - and usually received a cheery wave in return from the draymen - tourists photographed them and generations remember them with affection..

When Wadworth announced the retirement of the Shire Horses in 2025, we felt it was important that this unique part of Devizes' history should never be forgotten.

Our vision is to create a permanent sculpture in the Northgate Brewery redevelopment as a lasting tribute to the horses and their place in the life of the town. 

Why It Matters...

The Shire Horses were one of the most recognisable and loved traditions in Devizes.

They represented:

  • Local heritage
  • Traditional brewing history
  • Sustainable transport
  • Community identity
  • A connection between generations

A permanent sculpture will ensure their story continues to be told long into the future.

So Far....

From our initial thoughts, we spoke to Wadworth, who supported the idea, and the developer, who was also keen. Together, we identified a potential site for the sculpture. 

It must be appreciated, however, that the re-development of the Northgate Brewery is a long-term project and will take several years to complete. 

Following recommendations on Social Media, we contacted a local artist, Judy Boyt, who specialises in sculpting animals, including horses. Some of her wonderful work can be seen by following this link