Broadway, Somerset facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Broadway |
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 Porch House |
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 Congregational Chapel |
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 Broadway
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| Population | 740 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | ST321154 |
| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ILMINSTER |
| Postcode district | TA19 |
| Dialling code | 01460 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Devon and Somerset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Broadway is a small and charming village in Somerset, England. It's located about 3 kilometers west of Ilminster and 5 kilometers north of Chard. About 740 people live here. The nearby tiny village of Hare is also part of Broadway parish.
What is Broadway's History?
Broadway has a long history! In 1086, it was called Bradewei in the Domesday Book. This was a very old survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror. At that time, Broadway was part of an ancient area called the Hundred of Abdick.
By the 1300s, Broadway was part of a larger area called the Hundred of Abdick and Bulstone. In 1586, the village was known as Brodewaye.
Some old buildings in Broadway are still standing today. The Everys Almshouses were built in the late 1500s or early 1600s. These were special homes for poor or elderly people. The Tudor Cottage on Broadway Street was built as a farmhouse in the 1500s.
How is Broadway Governed?
Broadway has a parish council that helps run local things. This council is made up of people from the village. They decide how much local tax (called a precept) is needed to cover their costs. They also check how the money is spent.
The parish council looks at plans for new buildings in the village. They also work with the police and local groups like Neighbourhood Watch to help keep the village safe. They also deal with traffic issues.
The council helps make sure village facilities are looked after and fixed when needed. They talk to the bigger local council about roads, drains, footpaths, public transport, and street cleaning. They also care about protecting old buildings and the environment.
Since April 1, 2023, Broadway has been part of Somerset Council. This is a single, big council that handles many local government services for the whole area. Before this, it was part of a smaller council called South Somerset.
The village is also part of an area called the 'Neroche' electoral ward. This ward stretches from Ashill in the north to Donyatt in the south. In 2011, about 2,428 people lived in this ward.
Broadway is also part of the Yeovil area for the UK Parliament. This means people in Broadway vote for one person, called a Member of Parliament (MP), to represent them in the House of Commons in London.
Places of Worship in Broadway
The Church of St. Aldhelm and St. Eadburgha is a very old church in Broadway. It was built in the 1200s. English Heritage has given it a special Grade I listed building status. This means it's a very important historic building.
The church is located a bit away from the main village. Some people think this is because of a serious illness that spread through the area a long time ago. The churchyard also has a cross that dates back to the 1200s.
