Shepton Mallet

Shepton Mallet
The historic marketplace, with the Market Cross
Shepton Mallet Location within Somerset
Population	10,810 (2011)[1]
OS grid reference	ST619438
• London	106 mi (171 km) E
Unitary authority	Somerset Council
Ceremonial county	Somerset
Region	South West
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	SHEPTON MALLET
Postcode district	BA4
Dialling code	01749
Police	Avon and Somerset
Fire	Devon and Somerset
Ambulance	South Western
UK Parliament	Wells and Mendip Hills
List of places UK England Somerset 51°11′35″N 2°32′46″W / 51.193°N 2.546°W / 51.193; -2.546

Shepton Mallet is a market town and civil parish in Somerset, England, some 16 miles (26 kilometres) southwest of Bath, 18 miles (29 kilometres) south of Bristol and five miles (eight point zero kilometres) east of Wells. It had an estimated population of 10,810 in 2019.^[1] Mendip District Council was based there. The Mendip Hills lie to the north and the River Sheppey runs through the town, as does the route of the Fosse Way, the main Roman road between north-east and south-west England. There is evidence of Roman settlement. Its listed buildings include a medieval parish church. Shepton Mallet Prison was England's oldest, but closed in March 2013.^[2] The medieval wool trade gave way to trades such as brewing in the 18th century. It remains noted for cider production. It is the closest town to the Glastonbury Festival and nearby the Royal Bath and West of England Society showground.