West Lydford

"WEST LYDFORD, a parish in the hundred of Catsash, county Somerset, 6 miles W. of Castle Cary, and 9 S. of Shepton Mallet. Taunton is its post town. The village is situated on the river Brue, which is here crossed by a bridge of five arches. The old Roman Fosse Way passes through the parish. There is a chalybeate spring, called Hunt's Well. The tithes were commuted under an Enclosure Act in 1827 for land and a money payment. The living is a rectory* in the diocese of Bath and Wells, value £350. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a stone edifice of the present century. It is in the Gothic style of architecture, with a tower and a memorial window. The register commences in 1714. The charities, including £5 school endowment, produce about £14 per annum. The Wesleyans have a chapel, and there is a National school. Mrs. Colston is lady of the manor. Fairs are held on Holy Thursday and the 12th August for the sale of cattle." From The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) Transcribed by Colin Hinson © 2003