Foundry House (The Glove Factory), Yeovil

Foundry House was built between 1872 and 1875 for Ewens and Johnson Ltd Glove Makers.   From the early C19 Yeovil developed into one of the country's main centres for glove production. Documentary sources indicate that by 1840 approximately 75% of the town's population were employed in glove making.  The building is of red brick construction with Ham Stone and brick dressings and a slate roof.  Notable features include the original double doors in the centre bay with hinges bearing company initials "E" and "J".  The external cast-iron tie plates to the main floor joists also bear these initials.  The social link between Yeovil and the glove making industry is illustrated by Yeovil Town Football Club, who are nicknamed, ''The Glovers''.  The glove shaped finial on Foundry House was installed during renovation work in 2010 to replicate the original which was removed some years previous.  Foundry House is the last remaining evidence in Yeovil of the once thriving industry.