Architectural reporter David Young on Sherborne

Sherborne on show

Westward TV Architect David Young visits Sherborne, a market town in Dorset. Named as the capital of Wessex in Saxon times, it is an historically picturesque town. There are many historic buildings to visit within the town including the ruins of a 12th Century fortified palace where Sherborne ‘Castle’ Lodge was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1592 when Queen Elizabeth I bestowed the estate to him.

Other historical buildings include the almshouse of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist founded in 1438 and which were expanded in the Victorian times as a poorhouse. The Conduit is a 16th Century hexagonal washing area originally used by the monks of Sherborne Abbey until the dissolution of the monastery. In 1539 the building was moved to Cheap Street in the town centre. Sherborne hosts a variety of boutique shops along its main street.