Street at first sight appears to be far newer both in its history and its appearance than the other Mendip towns, but this is to some extent deceptive. Taking its name from an ancient causeway which ran across the River Brue to Glastonbury, Street's story goes back to the Dark Ages. It was then just a huddle of huts on the edge of the Polden Hills. For centuries Street was a hamlet, dependent on agriculture and quarrying (for blue lias building stone).
The year 1825 is generally regarded as the turning point in the development of Street, when Cyrus Clark, a local farmer and staunch Quaker, set up a business making sheepskin rugs, slippers ... and shoes. The success of Clarks footwear turned Street into today's bustling town. Not only did the Clark family build the shoe factory (a major feature of the town), they also concerned themselves with the housing, education and welfare of their workers and, within their strict Quaker beliefs, some forms of recreation and amusement.
Street today is a pleasant centre for shopping, with bargain shoes a speciality. The Clock Tower, C & J Clarks Factory was built in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Jubilee Year and is a familiar local landmark.
Also on the Clarks site you will find Clarks Village - a shoppers delight where many of the famous name stores and shops can be found in a truly pleasant setting of courtyards and malls. Many of the shops are offering quality goods straight from the factory at correspondingly discounted prices. For those of the family to whom shopping does not feature as a number one attraction, there is a working pottery to see, a children's play area and various establishments selling food and drink.
Street has long been a keen supporter of the arts and many outdoor works are to be seen in the factory complex. There is also Crispin Hall, named after St Crispin the patron saint of shoemakers which was opened in 1885 by John Bright the famous Lancastrian parliamentary reformer. It is a cultural centre today, with an art gallery and exhibition hall where many crafts and antique sales are held.
Only minutes from the High Street is Ivythorne Hill, with superb views across the surrounding moors to the Mendips beyond and away to the south are the gentle Polden Hills. A delightful summer's day walk. Here you will find the Hood Memorial, erected in memory of one of the Hood family who lived at nearby Butleigh Court.
For a real village pub try the Pike and Musket at Walton, just to the west of Street.