Shepton Mallet Viaduct

Photography Bx
The most gorgeous view of Shepton Mallet
Charlton Viaduct is a Grade 11 listed, disused railway bridge. Originally built in the 1870's, it consists of 27 arches. It can also be seen from the grounds of Kilver Court where it forms a structural backdrop to the secret gardens. 

In Memory of Francis John Disney - Shepton Mallet Prison Historian

Photo via www.sheptonmalletjournal.co.uk

Shepton Mallet Prison historian and former officer Francis John Disney has died, aged 83. The prison has closed but its history lives on thanks to Mr Disney whom in 1984 was given the Queen's permission to write The Heritage of a Prison HMP Shepton Mallet 1610-1985. It was followed by a sequel called Shepton Mallet Prison: 380 Years of Prison Regime.

When Shepton Mallet Prison closed in March last year, Mr Disney was on site showing people around and sharing his wealth of knowledge.

Let's hope the right decision is made to save the prison and re-open the Frances Disney museum in his memory .

The Anglo-Bavarian Brewery

Capture a photo at the right time of day and season..... the colours are stunning

The Anglo-Bavarian Brewery was established in Shepton Mallet in Somerset, in 1864. It was the first lager brewery in the United Kingdom (although disputed)  It closed in 1920. The building, now the Anglo Trading Estate, is a grade II* listed building and is on English Heritage's 'at Risk Register' and Mendip District Council's 'Historic Buildings at Risk Register'

John Lewis 150 years

John Lewis won 'Retailer Week Awards 2014' and celebrates 150 years when the first shop opened in 1864. A success story that started with a man whom, as a child lived in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

John Lewis London

John Spendan Lewis had a vision of co- ownership, and how a business could put the happiness of its employees at the heart of everything it did, and profit by it.......leaving a radical mark on commercial history. 

John Lewis was born in Shepton Mallet, on February 24, 1836. 

(which house? can anyone confirm) info@no21.co.uk

John Spendan Lewis

He was the fifth of six children (and the only son) of a baker. The children were orphaned when John was seven and he was brought up by an unmarried aunt, Christian “Ann” Speed, and educated at the local grammar school.

Read more: www.sheptonmalletjournal.co.uk

John Lewis 2014 'For 150 years, you've never stood still. Neither have we'

Bridgeman Ltd - Renovation of Sales House

Sales House today owned by Bridgeman Ltd pictures taken April 2014

Bridgeman Ltd bought Sales House from the Housing Association. The flats were in disrepair and had been boarded up, leaving the house derelict. 

Owned by the Housing Association - Pictures taken in 2011 

Owned by the Housing Association - Pictures taken in 2011 

Work has progressed over the last two years and the building is in the final stages of the renovation

The early Georgian Convent has been divided into three large apartments. 2014 

Three flights of stairs were renovated in the hallway. Hundreds of spindles were hand crafted to replicate the original ( you can imagine how much they cost)

Converted from flats to four, three story houses.The dye house is nearly completed.

Wonderful views across the grounds

We wish the Bridgeman family all the best with their bid tomorrow for HMS Prison Shepton Mallet and hope they save another historic building.

.....Here's a preview of what Sales House was like inside before they started work. Shocking! 

I hope the Housing Association don't buy the Prison!

HMS Prison Shepton Mallet - Plans Exposed

Drawing by Pointcloud

New plans released by Pat Bridgeman today in the Shepton Journal. Could the prison be saved and bring wealth to the area. A heritage centre /town museum, hotel, leisure facilities, restaurant, bars and cinema are some of the proposals by Bridgeman Ltd. The most positive news is that he intends to preserve all old buildings within the walls (knocking down only new structures) Guided tours are also on the agenda. Pat will also ensure the town centre and surrounding areas of historic interests are bought into the plans. At last someone has the insight and passion to preserve history of global interest. 

This is the good news but we will have to wait as bids go in at the end of the month. We have also been exposed to news that housing could be a possibility by alternative bidders. Planning by Mendip District Council and English Heritage have already been lenient for such a development....my fear is that housing within the walls is already on the agenda as a priority.

Wells has a Cathedral, Glastonbury a Tor...wouldn't it be great if the prison of such historical importance was another tourist attraction for the area.

Facts about the prison on wikipedia

Read the full story in Shepton Journal including a similar proposal by a local charity bidder

Architecture in Shepton Mallet - Anglo Buvarian Brewery

This stunning photograph was taken by Will Dunscombe

Great Ostry Picture Framing

The Anglo-Bavarian Brewery was originally established in Shepton Mallet in Somerset, England in 1864. It has been claimed as the first lager brewery in the United Kingdom, although the claim is disputed. It closed in 1920. The building, now the Anglo Trading Estate, is a grade II* listed building and is on English Heritage's Heritage at Risk Register, and Mendip District Council's Historic Buildings at Risk Register. (Businesses rent the ground floor levels)
Info by en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Bavarian_Brewery

The Hauntings of Nancy Camel

An idea started by a group of friends from Shepton Mallet is spiralling into a serious movie making project. They now have the backing of a famous film / music producer and Oscar winning props have been donated. There is even a rumour that a 'Most Haunted Star' is joining the team.

Follow the 'Summer Project' on Facebook and Blog where you will have an insight into their everyday life, distractions and how they make the film. All in the early stages.

I will also keep you updated.

For anyone who doesn't know the story, here is a link to the history related to Nancy Camel 'the real Blair Witch' sheptonmallet.info

Photo by Stewart Giles

Market Cross Lighting in Shepton Mallet

The new lights surrounding the Market Cross have been switched on.

Subtle, changing colours were tested last night.

Built in 1500 by Walter Buckland, the Market Cross was generally used by farmers from the moors who sold butter, eggs, milk and poultry under its stone gallery. It has been used as a pivotal feature in the community throughout history.

Picturesque Maplestone

Can you believe within walking distance of the town Maplestone is hidden in the old part of Shepton Mallet, near Leg Square, in a unique muddle of manors, mills and cottages which run along the Sheppey River valley.

The home of Donald and Gillian Sinclair who run 'four star' and Alastair Sawday, guest accommodation. It has a picturesque walled garden and is built into an ancient quarry. Originally 17th century weavers' stone cottages.

There are some wonderful historic buildings in the town, tucked away with beautiful gardens. Imagine living here.....you can experience town life but also country life.....a perfect combination.


No21x

Convent, Sales House

We have heard the most wonderful news that Pat Bridgman has bought Sales House one of the most beautiful buildings in Shepton Mallet .....which has remained derelict. It was originally used as a Covent. There is also a tunnel in the grounds where crosses are formed in its stone walls.

 

Another gorgeous georgian property The Manor also has new owners who plan to put it back to its former glory. 

How exciting! 

No21x

Shepton Mallet at the end of the 'rainbow'

No21x

The High Street 'Shepton Mallet'

I bought this lovely original Edwardian postcard of the High Street. I love the rows of canopies which give charector to the street. No21x