Shepton Mallet

Nestling in a fold of the Mendip Hills, the historic town of Shepton Mallet dates back to Roman times. The Fosseway (now A37) passes through the town, and there have been many significant archaeological finds here.

The town's name derives from Saxon times, when it was called 'Scaep Ton' - literally Sheep Farm.

Shepton Mallet was a significant market and wool-trading centre from the 15th to the 17th centuries, and many fine examples of cloth merchants' houses still remain. Other industries grew to replace the cloth industry, including quarrying, brewing, cheese-making, and cider and perry production.

Nowadays a combination of ancient market town and modern industrial community, Shepton Mallet still retains its unique identity. Features of interest include the parish church, Market Cross and Collett Park.