Monthly talks on building history and vernacular architecture, with a particular emphasis on Somerset.
Guests are always welcome. A suggested donation of £3 would be gratefully received by our treasurer for those that are non-members.

All meetings are at the Parish Rooms in Somerton at 7.30pm unless advertised otherwise. Doors open at 7pm. Click here for a location map. More detailed information on the venue is available here.

Fergus co-ordinates the programme and is always welcome of suggestions for future speakers or visits.

Upcoming Programme of Talks

Wednesday 16th September, 7.30 PM

Linda Hall on 'Fixtures and Fittings in Period Houses 1300-1900', author of the much reprinted book of that name. And possibly a short performance on her historical instrument the nyckelharapa.

Previous Talks

Wednesday 15th April 2026

Philip Gaches will give us a talk on his family's work restoring historic plasterwork ceilings since 1948. Philip specialises in the repair of historic plasterwork and creating beautiful traditional plasterwork. He will explain how and why ceilings began to be plastered in the 15th century and how the process developed in technique and design. A renowned expert, Philip is the author of Plastering - A Practical Guide to Traditional and Decorative Techniques.

Wednesday 18th March 2026

"TWO HOUSES IN SOMERTON"

John Rickard gave a talk on two particular houses in Somerton and and Patricia Robinson shared thoughts on urban housing following the recent VAG Winter conference on the subject.

Wednesday 25th February 2026

"LOVINGLY RESTORED - THE NIGHTMARE SCENARIO"

Duncan Phillips, a seasoned surveyor specializing in historic buildings, gave a talk on the unintended and unforeseen consequences of poorly planned or poorly executed works to buildings, often done under the guise of improvement and modernisation.

Wednesday 21st January 2026

Fergus Dowding discussed some of the houses in the hamlet of Ash, near Martock, which the group visited in July 2025. This included the discovery of both a counter-change framed ceiling in a rear wing and a dovecote built into the side of one wall, both strong indicators of wealth and status.

Previous Visits

Wednesday 15th May 2024

Visit to the Saxon hall house reconstruction at the Avalon Marshes Centre, BA6 9TT. This, together with an Iron Age roundhouse and a Roman dining room, have been built by volunteers under the direction of Richard Brunning who talked to us about them in 2022. They are really interesting and thoughtful reconstructions, the royal Saxon hall with earth floor and fully furnished for living in. A lot to see - Avalon Archaeology £8.50 pp for the guided tour, which will also grant free entry for a year. Cafe on site. Please register your interest with Fergus as we need to advise on numbers.

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Mailing list

Other local groups & talks

Langport & District History Society
The aim of the Langport & District History Society is to raise awareness of the fascinating history of Langport and its neighbouring areas in the heart of the Somerset Levels. Meetings are usually on the 1st Monday of each month.

Martock Local History Group
Meetings are on the 4th Tuesday of each month with lectures during the winter months and visits, field walking and other outdoor activities during the summer.

South Petherton Local History Group
The group arranges talks and visits relating to the history of South Petherton and the surrounding areas. Meetings are held at the David Hall from September to May, usually on the 4th Thursday of each month starting at 7.30pm.

Tintinhull Local History Group
All evening meetings 7.30pm Tintinhull Village Hall. Vicarage Street.(Unless otherwise stated). NON MEMBERS WELCOME - £3 entrance fee. - Members entrance fee £1.

Yeovil Archaelogical & Local History Society
The Society and its members have always sought to encourage and research the history as well as the archaeology of the town. YALHS has a programme of talks from October to May and a series of local visits in the summer.