Kilve beach is famous for its exposed rock formations and fossils and has been designated a geological Site of Specific Scientific Interest. The beach and surrounding cliffs are made up of layers of limestone and oil-bearing shale, dating back to...

Kilve Chantry was founded by Sir Simon de Furneaux who was licensed to grant a house and land in 1329, its purpose that five priests could pray for his soul in Kilve church. After the building ceased to function as...

It was discovered in 1916 that the shale beds of Kilve beach and the north Somerset coast were rich in oil. The Shaline Company was formed in 1924 by Dr Forbes-Leslie to take advantage of the discovery. The brick-built oil...

In the courtyard near Taunton Castle and the Somerset County Museum is a detached 16th Century almshouse. Quite often throughout the year, one of the museum’s Friends can be found dressed in medieval costume and showing visitors round the tiny...

Possibly the only church in the country with this dedication, the Church of the Holy Ghost dates from 1226. Look for the Green Man carved onto bench ends and the 16th Century carvings of the men of Crowcombe fighting a...

Coleridge Cottage was the home of the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge for 2 years during which he composed some of his most famous poems including ‘The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner’. There are four rooms on display. Adults...

The Church House, close to the parish church, is thought to be the oldest of its kind in England still used for its original purpose. As far as is known, the building dates from the 16th Century. The lower floor...

Take the west road out of Crowcombe village and you’ll come upon the 14th Century market cross situated near the entrance to Crowcombe Court and the Carew Arms. The manor was granted the right to hold a market in the...

The museum relating to the County of Somerset has a huge variety of things on show. As well as coins, costumes, dolls and other toys, fossils, silver and pottery, there is a large collection of archaeological items. There’s also a...

Built in 1856, St Etheldreda’s Church in West Quantoxhead replaced an earlier, medieval one. The architect, John Norton, chose the late 13th Century Geometric style and reused the bowl of the old font and three bells, two of which are...

Restored in the 1800s, the church of St George in the village of Bicknoller sits in a peaceful setting. The oldest parts of the building can be dated from the 12th Century and the large square tower dominates the otherwise...

Some medieval parts of St Mary the Virgin Church at Stringston can be seen in the chancel arch, font, chancel wall plate and a carved head in the vestry. The tower was rebuilt in 1765 and contains an early medieval...

Although a church has stood on the site since medieval times, St Mary’s at Nether Stowey was rebuilt between 1849 and 1851, with the exception of the 15th Century tower. A mitre stands each side of the sanctuary, denoting two...