This will be a great event! I went to a local talk by Philip and he was fascinating. Such an interesting subject that links us to the past

Somerset Vernacular Building Research Group (SVBRG)@svbrg.bsky.social · 5mo ago

We are thrilled to welcome the artisan plasterer Philip A. Gaches, who specialises in the repair of historic plasterwork. Philip will explain how and why ceilings began to be plastered in the 15th century, and how the process developed in technique and design. Wed 15 Apr, 7pm doors, 7.30pm start.

We are thrilled to welcome the artisan plasterer Philip A. Gaches, who specialises in the repair of historic plasterwork. Philip will explain how and why ceilings began to be plastered in the 15th century, and how the process developed in technique and design. Wed 15 Apr, 7pm doors, 7.30pm start.

Wed 18 March, Two Houses in Somerton, a talk by John Rickard. Plus, Patricia Robinson shares thoughts on buildings in urban contexts, following the recent @varchgroup.bsky.social Winter Conference on the subject. Parish Rooms, Market Place, Somerton, TA11 7NB. 7pm for 7.30pm, non-members £3.

Wed 25 Feb, Duncan Philips with Lovingly Restored – The Nightmare Scenario. Duncan is a seasoned surveyor specialising in historic buildings, and this thought-provoking talk should encourage you to think twice when reviewing houses for your dream home. 7pm for 7.30pm at Parish Rooms, Somerton.

Tonight, our first event of 2026! Our excellent chairperson, Fergus Dowding, will discuss some of the houses of Ash, near Martock, which the group visited last summer. These include the discovery of a counter-change framed ceiling in a rear wing in a room built into the side of a dovecote.

Tonight! 7pm for 7.30pm, £3 on door. Our last event of the year, do join us! @old-church-going.bsky.social @profilebooks.bsky.social

We are thrilled to welcome back Andrew Ziminski to celebrate the paperback release of his acclaimed book, Church Going: A Stonemason’s Guide to the Churches of the British Isles. Wed 19 Nov, Parish Rooms, Somerton. 7pm for 7.30pm, £3 on door @old-church-going.bsky.social @profilebooks.bsky.social

Ed Lorch will tell us the story of local man James Quantock, an 18th century polymath who specialised in what we today call surveying. There will be details on how his intricate 100-page notebook was found which gives instructions and data on surveying, carpentry, husbandry, building costs and more.

Ed Lorch will tell us the story of local man James Quantock, an 18-century polymath who specialised in what we today call surveying. How his intricate 100-page notebook was found, which amongst many other subjects gives instructions and data on surveying, carpentry, husbandry and building costs.

Should be good - we visited some amazing buildings in Wiltshire!

Somerset Vernacular Building Research Group (SVBRG)@svbrg.bsky.social · 12mo ago

Wed 17 Sep, Michelle Hilborne & Fergus Dowding on the vernacular architecture of South Wiltshire. Michelle & Fergus will discuss buildings they visited during the @varchgroup.bsky.social Spring Conference, illustrating similarities & differences to Somerset buildings. 7.30pm, Parish Rooms, Somerton.

Wed 17 Sep, Michelle Hilborne & Fergus Dowding on the vernacular architecture of South Wiltshire. Michelle & Fergus will discuss buildings they visited during the @varchgroup.bsky.social Spring Conference, illustrating similarities & differences to Somerset buildings. 7.30pm, Parish Rooms, Somerton.

Join us on Wed 16 July, 6pm, for a guided walkabout in Ash. Led by our chair Fergus Dowding, we'll discuss the history and development of the village's beautiful buildings. Meet at Manor Farm (pictured), Burrough St, TA12 6NZ. 📷 Fergus Dowding. Note the mullioned window that wraps around the corner

Four of our group spent last week at the superb Vernacular Architecture Group Spring Conference @varchgroup.bsky.social. Programme on South Wiltshire put together with outstanding expertise by Dorothy Treasure & team at Wiltshire Buildings Record. Photos: bedroom with view @sarumcollege.bsky.social!

Wed 16 Apr, Jenny Chesher on her parents’ seminal 1968 book The Cornishman’s House: An Introduction to Traditional Domestic Architecture in Cornwall. Jenny is Inspector of Historic Buildings & Areas at Historic England & exemplary restorer of Clerks Cottage, Spaxton. 7.30pm, Parish Rooms, Somerton

Happy New Year to our 500 followers! This month's meeting is on a Thursday, 16th January at the Parish Rooms, Somerton. Steve Creaney will talk on geological formations of our area, and how they have created the different stones we try to describe when surveying buildings. 7pm doors, 7.30pm start.

Hello Bluesky! We are very happy to be here, and look forward to sharing news, events and information on Somerset's rich historic and natural environment.

Join us, Wed 20 Nov, 7pm doors, 7.30pm start. AGM then swiftly to our guest speakers. Lucy Durnan and Jake Motley of Sally Strachey Historic Conservation will talk about their work on historic stonework, statuary, decorative finishes and plasterwork. Parish Rooms, Somerton, TA11 7NB. Non-members £3