West Buckland

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Not to be confused with West Buckland, Devon
West Buckland
Somerset
West Buckland church.jpg
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

Commons-logo.svg
("Wikimedia Commons" has material
about West Buckland)

References

  1. Bush, Robin: 'Somerset: The Complete Guide' (Dovecote Press, 1994) page 226 ISBN 1-874336-26-1
  2. National Monuments Record: No. 191893 – Buckland Priory
  3. National Heritage List 1344582: Gerbestone Manor
  4. National Heritage List 1060290: Church of St Mary