In Henry III’s
reign St John’s figured curiously in an historical
episode. Hubert de
Burgh, the great Justician, incurred the King’s
enmity by opposing his unpopular favourites, and after trial was, by
the King’s clemency, relegated in 1233 to Devizes Castle, to be kept
there in open custody. Learning that his old foe, the Bishop of
Winchester, was plotting his death he sought sanctuary in St John’s
Church. Thence he was removed by force, his captors being
excommunicated by the Bishop of Salisbury, and de Burgh was restored to
sanctuary. He later took refuge at Chepstow Castle and, eventually, was
reconciled to the King.
In the 1140s England was riven by Civil War between
King Stephen and the Empress
Matilda, both of whom had a valid claim to the throne. Matilda's power base was
in the South West of England and one of places she chose for her court was the
Castle at Devizes. Thus whilst the court was in Devizes Matilda and her courtiers
would have have come daily to Mass in St John's Church.
If you visit the church, stand for a while in the crossing and try to imagine
the Empress at Mass just a few yards away.
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