About the SBPT
SOMERSET BUILDING PRESERVATION TRUST
WORKING TO SAVE SOMERSET'S BUILT HERITAGE
In 1988 the idea was born to form the Somerset Building Preservation Trust (SBPT). Historic buildings were "at risk" in Somerset and some, through lack of interest in them from other sources, were going to go beyond repair unless someone stepped in. Ralph Clark, then Chairman of the Somerset County Council and Russell Lillford who continues to head up the Historic Environment Service for Somerset, gathered together a hard-working group who set about raising funds. The Trust's main aim was, and continues to be, to tackle these 'difficult' listed buildings that others cannot afford to restore. The SBPT is registered both as a charity and company limited by guarantee.
Since 1988 the SBPT has restored and converted 5 historic buildings and, under the present Chairman, Mike Foden, is currently working on a new project, all of which would otherwise have been lost to us in Somerset - and the country as a whole. For full information and pictures of restorations undertaken by SBPT, click on Restorations on the right hand side of this page.
The Trust encourages school children to visit the sites when restoration work is taking place - and this can include archaeological "digging", learning to thatch, understanding how old buildings were constructed and much more. The children, supported by their schools, love this activity and, as a result, gain a great interest and knowledge in the built heritage. Their visits also form part of their school curriculum. As well, members of the public are welcomed to open days on site and many enjoy following the projects through to completion. Increasingly, completed projects include local heritage Life Long Learning programmes.
To further promote the Somerset Building Preservation Trust's work, an architectural awards competition (the SBPT/William Stansell Awards) is held every other year. Not long ago we were thrilled when Kevin McCloud, of "Grand Designs" agreed to judge for us. For more about the Awards click on "William Stansell Awards".
The SBPT is constantly looking for buildings that it can save. English Heritage and Somerset County Council's Buildings at Risk registers are studied minutely. The Local District Council Conservation Officers draw attention to buildings that are at risk. Quite often the Trust has the opportunity to encourage and advise others, private individuals and developers alike, to "get going" with restoration and conversion projects, helping those concerned to adopt the highest standards.
Currently the Board is looking at the possibility of project managing the restoration and conversion of Castle House which is in the curtain wall of Taunton Castle. This glorious, Grade I listed, building is currently occupied by staff of the Taunton Museum, which is housed in Taunton Castle. The Somerset County Council has alrady obtained nearly £5 million of Heritage Lottery Funding for the repair and development of the County Museum, housed in Taunton Castle. Whilst Castle house id not form part of the recently bid for this funding, HLF see the repair and use of the House as part of the wider Castle project.
The SBPT is now a way of life for all those involved. These include Life, Associate and Corporate members, who share in the Trustees' enthusiasm. Membership is open to everyone who cares for our built heritage. Click on Join Us at the top of this page if you would like to find out more about becoming a member and about the interesting visits out undertaken during the year.
Acknowledgements
Our very grateful thanks go to Viridor Waste Management Ltd for their generous sponsorship of this site.
Our thanks for many of the photographs go to Russell Lillford and Steve Membery, Historic Environment Service Somerset County Council; also to Graham Lamacraft, Chairman of the Dunster Tithe Barn Community Hall Trust for photographs of the Tithe Barn and Niall Phillips of Niall Phillips Architects, Bristol for photographs of the Warehouse, Great Bow Yard, Langport (Architect for the project).
