IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Bowlish, SHEPTON MALLET, BA4 5JG

By the Shepton Mallet - Wells road, which was only constructed through the valley in the 19th century. Behind the inn stood one of Shepton’s silk mills which was demolished in 1974, according to Robin Bush [Somerset, The Complete Guide. Dovecote Press, 1994]

The most stately and imposing of Bowlish's various big houses. Rendered with stone trim to the windows, balustraded parapet, Ionic doorcase, and emphasis on the first floor (the piano nobile). It must be, as Pevsner remarks, mid C18th, not 1720 as the listing says - contrast with Bowlish House (Image]), round the corner and thirty years older, illustrates the increasing refinement and elegance of Georgian architecture (or, some might say, loss of vernacular charm). Grade II* listed. The big houses were built for wealthy clothiers who profited from Shepton Mallet's thriving cloth industry, but this now houses the Bowlish Contemporary Gallery.

Old Bowlish House is half hidden by the road junction. The Horseshoe Inn stands by the Shepton - Wells road, constructed in the 19th century. The old road runs behind the inn. On the right, in shadow, under the tree, is the entrance to Bowlish House, like Old Bowlish House, originally constructed for a wealthy cloth merchant, but more recently functioning as a restaurant

The building dates from the mid 17th century but was rebuilt with a Georgian facade. It was built for a woollen merchant; now it provides a home for an art gallery

One of several big houses in Bowlish - this dates from 1732. Every window has a triangular or segmental pediment. The general proportions suggest early C18th and a provincial builder at work. Grade II* listed. It is now a hotel and restaurant.

A Georgian clothier’s house built in 1732. It has since served as a restaurant

"Mill, now house. Circa 1700" https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1345229?section=official-list-entry .

" Circa 1700" https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1172895?section=official-list-entry . The description also includes the "flanking walls either side of the front, that to the left containing pointed arch garden door".

A listed cottage of about 1650 on Ham Lane, described at https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1058437?section=official-list-entry .

A cul-de-sac off Shaftgate Avenue. These chalet bungalows are typical of the 1960's and 70's. Comfortable well-built houses but the roofs may need resurfacing after 20 years or more. Copper sheet is suggested if you can get it.