Surveys

Houses are recorded by a team of four or five people and we welcome a preliminary guided tour of the house during which the owner can point out features which may not be obvious, e.g. a blocked doorway or window now covered by wallpaper, or a fireplace recently opened or removed.

The house is accurately measured, and internal features such as beams, fireplaces, etc are recorded.

Roof spaces and cellars are of particular interest, as it is here that original features may be seen. External features are similarly recorded. Surveys are only undertaken with the owner’s permission and usually take about three hours.

The survey is solely concerned with historic and architectural features and will not refer to the current usage of rooms, modern installations or details of moveable objects.

New working members are most welcome - no previous experience is required - 'on the job' guidance and help will be given. Details can be obtained from the The Secretary:

Donations:

As a voluntary organisation we are unable to provide Heritage Statements.

The Group’s work and running expenses are dependent on donations from householders; reflecting the value of the work to the householder.
If the survey is part of a community survey project we waive the request for individual donations; however, donations are always welcome.

Surveys and Publications

To-date, over a thousand buildings have been recorded and much of the group's work has been published in a series of books, “Somerset Villages”; please see the publications page for more details.

Individual reports are available from us by email. Unless you are the house owner we may ask for a donation. Please contact us at: