Next meeting -

Summer visits -
Wednesday 18th May, 2pm - Rowlands Manor, TA19 9LE

We will be shown around this large 15th /16th century. house which grew steadily through the 16th century into what the Elizabethans fancied as a suitable establishment, making a courtyard to the rear. The grand two storey great hall has the remains of fine plasterwork including a frieze reciting “Trust in God and abyde in thy place….presynce of the Lord maketh men rich” and the arms of Elizabeth I. The house is being renovated by a new generation and so not all will be open, but we are most grateful to them for agreeing to show us around.

There is no need to book for this visit.

See events section for updated directions

New Pages added

Training page, in the "Surveys" menu.

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A brief history of SVBRG

pdf booklet download.

Drawing of a house

The Group

The Somerset Vernacular Building Research Group, SVBRG is a voluntary organisation founded in 1979 to record and study the traditional houses and buildings of the historic county of Somerset. Of particular interest are the smaller manor houses, farmhouses, cottages and barns which are in the local style and built of local materials.

Latest News

Clearly we are unable to run our regular meetings, so we are now planning regular Zoom meetings. This is all new to us so it may take time to get things running smoothly. Lectures will be prerecorded with questions after the showing. If you feel you are able to do a presentation, it is easy, then have a look at the instructions and links on our Zoom page. This will be updated as we learn more. You will be advised of the planned meetings via the normal emails.

Latest research

An article on the Stone Frames Windows (pdf) in the Darshill, Ham and Bowlish Hamlets of Shepton Mallet

Snipits

A collection of interesting historical and building related items from around the web.