Shepton Mallet

Shepton Mallet is a small rural town in Somerset, England, situated five miles to the east of Wells and just south of the Mendip hills. The town has a population of 8,440 (2002 estimate). The town contains the administrative headquarters of Mendip District Council.

Related Topics:
Town - Somerset - England - Mile - Wells - Mendip hills - Population - 2002 - Mendip

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Rich in history, the market cross in the town centre dates back to the 1500s. It boasts England's oldest prison still in use. National treasures such as the Domesday Book were kept safe here in World War II. Archeologists uncovered a significant number of Roman artifacts in the early 1990s at a site adjacent to the nearby Fosse Way.

Related Topics:
History - Market cross - 1500 - Prison - Domesday Book - World War II - Archeologists - Roman - 1990 - Fosse Way

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The town's first name derives from the Anglo-Saxon for sheep fold, pointing to the original source of the town's wealth. It was part of lands given to the Malet family by Henry I in 1100, making it one of the first double place names in the country.

Related Topics:
Anglo-Saxon - Sheep - Malet - Henry I - 1100

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Shepton Mallet was a site of one of the original gatherings of the Monmouth Rebellion, after Monmouth rallied troops there in 1685 after landing at Lyme Regis. Many rebels joined the cause, but Monmouth had to return to Shepton after failing to take Bath or Bristol. Following the Bloody Assizes, a number of rebels were hanged from the market cross.

Related Topics:
Monmouth Rebellion - 1685 - Lyme Regis - Bath - Bristol - Bloody Assizes

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The traditional wool and silk industries were joined by brewing in the 19th century. The Anglo-Bavarian Brewery, still a local landmark, was reputedly the first in England to brew lager. The town, home to Babycham, is still an important centre for cider production.

Related Topics:
Wool - Silk - Brewing - 19th century - Anglo-Bavarian Brewery - Lager - Babycham - Cider

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The Glastonbury Festival, the largest music festival in europe, is held in the village of Pilton , approx 2 miles from the town.

Related Topics:
Glastonbury Festival - Pilton

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