The Domesday Book comes to Shepton

“It was at the beginning of the War, early 1940, I was on the staff here at the time. We had a message from the War Office to the effect that art treasures were being moved out of London into secure places. It had been decided that we should store the greatest of all our national treasures, the Domesday Book.

We were instructed to prepare a specially secure cell to house it. Arrangements were made for it to be transported from London to Shepton Mallet. Such was the importance attached to the Domesday Book that the War Office decided that the move should be regarded as a military operation; special transport would be provided and security would be the responsibility of an armed guard. Routes and timings were issued.

The day arrived and the armed guard, under the command of a Sergeant, duly took possession of the priceless treasure. The route was carefully followed and good time was made on the journey from London. So good, in fact, that the party arrived in Shepton Mallet nearly an hour before the scheduled time.

“Well”, said the Sergeant, “we’re ahead of schedule, time for tea and wad”. Leaving the vehicle parked near the Market Cross, the armed guard and the driver repaired to nearby cafe.

So Great Britain’s greatest national treasure, the Domesday Book, no less, was left completely unguarded for half an hour, in the centre of Shepton Mallet.”

[References: Disney, 1992. Picture also from Francis Disney’s book.]

Published on 24/04/16 @ Creating a Vision and Future for Shepton Mallet Prison