Winterwell Hamlet consists of the properties of (a) Winterwell, (b) the Bower House (previously known as The Lime Kiln Inn, Thurlbear), and (c) two cottages with the numbers 200 and 201 Thurlbear Road, and previously  known as Lime Kiln Cottages. There was a fifth building opposite these two cottages known as Willey's but this was pulled down in the 1840's. In 1880 the original Winterwell dwelling was also demolished and re-built on the opposite side of the road and in its present position.

The photographs below show the farming activities of Shires' of Bower House who specialised in Threshing, and the sawing and hauling of timber. The Shire family had been at Bower House since 1903 and they continued in business there until their retirement in 1960. The business was bought by Mr Jack Horner who began working at Shires in 1928 with his son Albert starting there in 1947. In 1970 the business moved to Ashwell, Ilminster.

Photographs circa 1920 Left is seen the Shires' traction engine, hauling a tree-trunk. The houses beyond are the two cottages nos 200 & 201 Thurlbear Rd. Limekiln Cottages. No 200 (nearest) is the home in 2002 of Mr and Mrs C Newis The cottage beyond, is owned by Mr and Mrs Trevor Parsons.

Above right is seen the same traction engine YA-366 awaiting offloading outside the Bower House, Thurlbear - the Shires' Depot.

The sign on the roof pelmet of YA-366 reads "Shires & Sons - Contractors - Thurlbear" This machine would have towed haulage and been used for thrashing using machinary driven by the large belt drive seen above the left rear wheel. In the background can be seen the present property of Winterwell with the row of scotch pines in their early development.

Photograph 1950 showing Mr Jack Horner with carpenter, Bill Sibley. Jack began working at Shires at Bower House, Thurlbear in 1928 and took over the business himself in 1960 when the Shire family retired. In 1970 he moved the business to Ashwell, Ilminster.

Photograph 1920 the Shire workforce at a lunch-time break from harvesting.

Photograph 1920 at Shire's. Each sack of corn would have weighed 2¼ cwt and prepared for the Millers.