One could be fooled into thinking that spring has arrived this week; blue skies, temperatures pushing just up to double figures, it is a great time for walks.
DH and I have been taking slightly longer walk into the town this week, which takes us into the old part, and along the River Sheppey, which once was the source of energy for woollen and silk mills.
We pass a smallholding with some very friendly alpacas, who always come to say hello.
In Bowlish, at the bottom of the town, one can still see some of the merchant's houses and worker's cottages.
Shepton Mallet has a long and rich history, which has left its marks on the town, and if you click on the link, you can get more information.
This is Longbridge House B&B, parts of which are dating back to the 14th century; this was where the Duke of Monmouth stayed before and after the Battle of Sedgemoor in 1685
The Prison, which (until closed just few years ago) was the oldest one in England still in use.
Now no one knows what to do with it, too expensive to pull down,
so in the meantime you can take a tour inside (if that is what you feel like doing!).
On to the local park, where you can see the first signs of spring.
The town is getting ready for the Snowdrop Festival this weekend; there are planters with snowdrops all down the High Street,
even snowdrops stencilled on the payments.
Many shops have lovely window displays too,
including my favourite shop in town - Anna's Attic.
The Snowdrop Festival started in a memory of James Allen, the "snowdrop king", who lived in nineteenth century and who was the first person to breed new varieties from wild snowdrops.
James Allen lived and is buried in the town.
Radko, děkuji za obrázky pěkným městečkem. Máte tam krásné historické památky. Ten nápad s oslavou sněženek se mi moc líbí. U nás ještě sněženky nekvetou.M.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos. What a lovely place to walk.
ReplyDeleteThe long history never stops amazing me! Great photos of beautiful details. You are having nowdrops, we are having just snow for weeks to come.
ReplyDeleteLovely Radka. It is often easy to miss the lovely things that are under our noses! Are the alpaca's kept for their wool? They do look friendly. Enjoy the festival. xx
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed tagging along with you on your walk....must be amazing to have all that history on your doorstep. Loved your favourite shop and the Snowdrops are so sweet!
ReplyDeleteKrása! Ja mám veľmi rada, keď fotíš, mala by som ísť pozrieť Anglicko, je prekrásne!
ReplyDeleteA jar u vás už naozaj prichádza, tu je ešte sneh.
Pááá
A Snow Drop festival .How lovely . What a lovely town to be able to wander through . Thanks for sharing . Jen x
ReplyDelete