A SUCCESSFUL wine merchant in Trowbridge during the 1860's is having a new retirement development named after him.

McCarthy and Stone are opening the development, named the Applegate House in tribute to local businessman William Applegate, in Seymour Road, Trowbridge, next month for retirees.

The plan is to launch the new Applegate House development of 20 one and 20 two bedroom apartments in December, with first homeowners expected to move in during July 2018.

Kim Caldwell, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy and Stone Southern, said: "We are really pleased to be able to honour a local business man who made such a lasting contribution to the local history of Trowbridge in the naming of our Applegate House development.

"We are looking forward to becoming an integrated part of the community in Trowbridge, and we believe that our development will play a real part in helping to bring friends and family together in later life, something we feel is important and will bring lots of positive benefits to the area.

"He was known for being a successful wine merchant in Trowbridge during the 1860’s as well as owning the former Roundstone House Hotel, Applegate’s contributions to the town are well-remembered in local history."