Yeovil is situated in the southern most part of Somerset England, the historic market town was established on one of the main routes from London to the west, the name Yeovil being derived from the river Yeo which divides Somerset and Dorset.

The great Doomsday survey of 1086 reveals 22 freemen occupying a tenement or township, and by the 12th century, this had developed into a tiny self governing borough, separated from the manor of Hendford.

Glove making an early industry here, gradually developed into Yeovil's staple industry, although for a time linel cloth, sail making and rope provided employment. The greater prosperity of the 18th century was followed by the rapid growth of the town in the 19th century.

Special commissioners were appointed with the power to control the town's markets and fairs, and eventually in 1854 a municipal borough was created with the appointment of the first mayor. this ended the outmoded system of local government. Leather dressing, gloving and woolen industries flourished and Yeovil's prosperity was further enhanced with the coming of the railways. Only two of the four stations remain giving access to the London to Exeter and the Bristol Weymouth lines.

The older buildings in the town are built with the golden colored Ham stone, quarries at Hamdon Hill four miles away. The Hill is now a Country Park and includes a Iron Age hill fortress, with views of the Yeo valley.

The Parish church of St. John the Baptist is large and impressive, built in the late 14th century.

Unfortunately a series of fires during the Medieval period has reduced the number of buildings of historical appearance and significance.

From its origins during the 1914-1918 war, the Westland Company has developed to manufactured helicopters at the plant just west of the Town.

At nearby Yeovilton is the Royal Navy Air Station, and Fleet Air Arm Museum.
 
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Yeovil Town, Somerset - Local & Tourist Information