Riverside. Riverside Lodge. Riverside Works.

WESTBURY 1. 1625 (East Side) Riverside. Riverside Lodge (Formerly listed as Cottage adjoining Riverside), Riverside Works. ST 6315 6/252 28.11.50. II* 2. Dwelling house which was originally the residence of John Scharrier and William Willmott, the former responsible for founding the silk industry in Sherborne about the year 1753 which remained the town's principal industry for almost 200 years. C18, probably post-1755. 2 storeys with taller gabled bay at either end; formerly a symmetrical composition but the right hand bay, comprising Riverside Lodge, had fenestration added to it in 1915. 5 window bays to road side of Riverside House, with windowless gable at left hand end. 2 gabled dormers. Colour-washed rendered front. Sash window with altered glazing bars. Good doorcase with flusted frieze and dentil pediment. Garden front has 2 splayed bays with fluted friezes and pear-drop cornices. On right hand side of road front is Riverside Lodge which has a pebble dash front. 2 storeys and attic. 1 window bay. 2-light casement window on second floor, 3-light casement on first floor and 4-light casement on ground floor. Modern porch. The Riverside Works is a long stone range of C18 date, altered C19. The segmental stone arches originally spanning the mill-stream are visible at ground floor level. The Mill Buildings probably date from 1755; in that year, John Scharrer, the founder of the silk mill in Sherborne, was granted permission to pull down the existing buildings on his plot and to erect others in their stead for the better carrying on his business of throwing. The building is important for its historical interest. [See G H D Pitman, "Exploring Sherborne," and Henry Symonds, "The Silk Industry in Wessex"].

Listing NGR: ST6355615925