Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Shepton Mallet is a historic market town lying on the River Sheppey at the eastern end of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Although lying close to the Fosse Way, there is no strong evidence that the town has a Roman origin; instead, it is believed to have Saxon origins, being listed in Domesday as 'Sceaptun'. The Malet family held the manor from around 1100. Shepton Mallet grew as a market town but also on the woollen industry. From the 19th century brewing became a major industry. The town remains a key centre for cider production. Shepton Mallet Prison opened as a house of correction in 1625 and finally closed in 2013. It famously housed the Kray twins and stored national treasures like the Magna Carta during World War II. The Market Cross is a 50ft tall hexagonal structure built of Doulting stone. The cross dates back to around 1500 but was rebuilt in 1841 by George Phillips Manners. The 12th-century Church of St Peter and St Paul (C of E) is noted for its 15th-century carved oak wagon roof. The town is within the council area of Somerset.

Place Type: Town
Historic County: Somerset
Lat, Long: 51.189756,-2.547352
Grid Reference: ST 6184 4353
Civil Parish: Shepton Mallet CP
Council Area: Somerset CA
Police Area: Avon and Somerset PA

GBPN ID: 40068
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Shepton_Mallet,_Somerset_40068

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