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A total shopping experience for all the family

The most southerly town in the Mendip District, Street stands just over a mile beyond Glastonbury across the River Brue. Although there was a village here in earlier times, Street is far newer both in its history and in its appearance than its neighbours.

It became important as a tanning centre and for the manufacture of sheepskin rugs, but Street has now gained world­wide recog-nition as the home base ofthe huge footwear-making organisation of C. and J. Clark Ltd, whose headquarters border the High Street, and has long been one of the town’s principal employers.

An interesting shoe museum portraying the history of footwear is also located there. Many shops in the High Street specialise in shoe sales, and bargain-hunting is popular with residents and visitors.

While in Street you must visit Clarks Village, the first purpose­built factory shopping scheme in the UK, offering top quality branded goods at discount prices. The many retail outlets sell a wide range of merchandise. They are located in a picturesque landscaped setting, with a supervised nursery, restaurant, picnic and children’s play area, and outdoor entertainment in the peak season. Whilst at Clarks Village, make the most of your visit by calling in at the Tourist Information Centre on site (see page 8).

In addition to being an industrial centre, Street is also a residential town, with a population of around 11,000. The town does retain a few older buildings and the Parish Church of Holy Trinity, although re-built in the early 19th century, still has a 14th century tower and chancel.

Also of interest is the Friends’ Meeting House, a dignified building of 1850 and a reminder that the Quakers played a vital role in the industrial wealth of Street. The building is still used as a place of worship.

Street today has a pleasant shopping centre, modern schools and recreational amenities that include a fine indoor swimming pool, plus an outdoor pool and a top-quality theatre.

One of Street’s most famous “institutions” is Millfield, now one of England’s largest public schools, with extensive facilities and modern buildings. The Millfield campus houses regularly changing art exhibitions in the Atkinson Gallery and the Sculpture Park (Tel: 01458 444187, Fax: 01458 444366, email:lag@millfield.somerset.sch.uk). Free public admission daily

Clarks Village factory outlet shops offer something for everyone

(except Sundays), from 9.30am to 5pm. Individuals and groups are welcome (groups by arrangement please). The town also has a number of quality hotels and restaurants.