West Buckland
- Not to be confused with West Buckland, Devon
| West Buckland | |
| Somerset | |
|---|---|
 Church of St Mary, West Buckland | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | ST175205 |
| Location: | 50°58’40"N, 3°10’35"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 1,189 (2011) |
| Post town: | Wellington |
| Postcode: | TA21 |
| Dialling code: | 01823 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Somerset West and Taunton |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Taunton Deane |
West Buckland is a village in Somerset, standing five miles south-west of Taunton. The parish had a recorded population of 1,189 in 2011.
It is within the county's Kingsbury Hundred.
History
In 904, certain lands were the basis of a charter to Asser, Bishop of Sherborne, later confirmed in 908. It is thought that Buckland was perhaps known then as Bocland; the name for ‘chartered land’.[1] Following this charter, or even earlier, the name West Buckland was established. But why West was added is unknown – perhaps to distinguish it from Buckland St Mary to the east.
Buckland or Minchin Buckland Priory was founded as a house of St John the Baptist around 1166 for Augustinian canons. The buildings burned down in 1234.[2]
Gerbestone Manor was largely rebuilt in the late 16th century, although some fabric from the 13th century house remains. It is a Grade II* listed building.[3] The house has been owned by a succession of families of local gentry and is now used as a wedding venue and for corporate events. The main two-storey chert stone building is accompanied by various outbuildings including barns and a mill.
Parish church
The parish Church of St Mary has 13th-century origins and has been designated as a Grade I listed building.[4]
Outside links
 |
("Wikimedia Commons" has material about West Buckland) |
References
- ↑ Bush, Robin: 'Somerset: The Complete Guide' (Dovecote Press, 1994) page 226 ISBN 1-874336-26-1
- ↑ National Monuments Record: No. 191893 – Buckland Priory
- ↑ National Heritage List 1344582: Gerbestone Manor
- ↑ Images of England — details from listed building database (271150) Church of St Mary