By Tim Lambert
8th Century The Saxons conquer south Somerset and found Yeovil.
1086 Yeovil has grown into a busy little market town with a population of about 1,000
1205 Yeovil is given a charter (a document granting the people certain rights)
1348 The Black Death devastates Yeovil
1349 A riot takes place in St Johns Church
Early 15th century Yeovil is granted 2 annual fairs
1477 Almshouses are built with money left by John Woburn
1499 Yeovil is devastated by a fire
1620 Yeovil is devastated by another fire
1643 Yeovil suffers another fire but the town recovers. Glove-making in Yeovil flourishes.
1646-47 Yeovil suffers an outbreak of plague
1685 Following a failed rebellion 8 people are hung, drawn, and quartered at Yeovil
1744 Yeovil gains a grammar school. Glove-making continues to be the main industry.
1801 The population of Yeovil is 2,800
1830 A body of men is formed with powers to pave, clean, and light the streets of Yeovil
1831 Riots in Yeovil over a refusal to reform elections. The glove industry in Yeovil is booming.
1846 Holy Trinity Church is built
1849 A new Town Hall is built
1853 The railway reaches Yeovil
1856 Yeovil is made a borough and gains a mayor
1872 A hospital is built in Yeovil
1882 Petters Oil Engines begins production in Yeovil
1888 A cheese and butter marketing company comes to Yeovil
1901 Yeovil has a population of 11,000
1935 Yeovil Town Hall burns down
1962 Reckleford Fire Station is built
1963 Yeovil College is built
1969 Maltravers House is built
1973 Summerland Hospital is built
1974 The Octagon Theatre opens
1988 The Quedam Centre is built
2001 The population of Yeovil is 41,000.