Ilminster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ilminster |
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 Ilminster's Minster Church |
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 Ilminster
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| Population | 5,808 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | ST359145 |
| District | |
| Shire 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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Ilminster is a lovely market town in Somerset, England. It's home to about 5,800 people. The town is located in the South Somerset area. It sits near where two main roads, the A303 and the A358, meet. The A303 connects London to Exeter, and the A358 goes from Taunton to Chard. The small village of Sea is also part of Ilminster.
Contents
History of Ilminster
Ilminster has a very long and interesting history. It was first mentioned in old documents from the year 725. Later, in 995, a special paper was given to Muchelney Abbey by King Æthelred the Unready. This paper also mentioned Ilminster.
What Ilminster Means
The town's name, Ilminster, comes from Old English words. 'Ileminstre' means 'The church on the River Isle'. This shows how important the River Isle and the town's church have always been.
A Busy Market Town
By 1086, when the Domesday Book was written, Ilminster was a busy place. It was given the right to hold a weekly market. This market still happens today, keeping a long tradition alive.
Ilminster During the English Civil War
In 1645, during the English Civil War, a small fight happened in Ilminster. Soldiers loyal to the King fought against Parliament's troops. They were battling for control of the bridges nearby. This event happened just before the bigger Battle of Langport.
Old Buildings and Culture
Ilminster has some historic buildings. One is a grammar school from the 1500s. The Ilminster Meeting House is another old building. Today, it serves as the town's art gallery and concert hall. There is also a Gospel Hall in the town. You can also find Canal Way, which reminds us of the Chard Canal. This canal was never finished but was meant to connect the town to the River Parrett.
How Ilminster is Governed
Ilminster has two main levels of local government. These groups help run the town and the wider area.
Local Town Council
First, there is the Ilminster Town Council. This council looks after local matters in the town. It is based at the Old Magistrates Court on East Street.
Ilminster used to have an urban district council. This council built its own offices in 1935. In 1974, the urban district was changed. Ilminster became part of the new South Somerset district. The town council then took over. In 2022, the town council moved to its current home.
Somerset Council
The second level of government is the Somerset Council. This council covers the whole county of Somerset. It took over from South Somerset in 2023. It now handles bigger decisions for the area.
Parliamentary Representation
For national elections, Ilminster is part of the Yeovil constituency. This means people in Ilminster vote for a Member of Parliament (MP) who represents Yeovil in the UK Parliament.
Geography of Ilminster
Ilminster is located near the River Isle. It is also very close to the A303 road.
Climate in Ilminster
Ilminster has a mild and often wet climate. This is typical for South West England. The average temperature is about 10°C (50°F). Temperatures don't change as much as in other parts of the UK. This is because the sea is nearby.
In summer, July and August are the warmest months. The average high temperature is about 21°C (70°F). In winter, the lowest temperatures are usually around 1°C or 2°C (34-36°F).
Ilminster gets about 700 mm (28 inches) of rain each year. Most of the rain in autumn and winter comes from storms over the Atlantic Ocean. In summer, rain often comes from thunderstorms. Snowfall is not very common, usually only 8 to 15 days a year. Winds are strongest from November to March. They usually blow from the south-west.
Ilminster's Church
Ilminster gets part of its name from its large church. This church is called the Church of St Mary. It is also known as The Minster. The church is made of a special stone called Hamstone. It was built in the 15th century.
Church Features
The church has been updated several times over the years. Important features include the Wadham tombs. These are burial places for famous local families. The tower of the church is very tall. It has two levels above the main part of the church. The tower has three sections with slender supports. It also has a stair turret in one corner.
The tower has tall windows with stone patterns. A small spire with a weathervane sits on top of the stair turret. Inside, there are bells from the 1700s. These bells were made by the Bilbie family, who were famous bell makers. The church is a Grade I listed building. This means it is a very important historic building.
Shopping in Ilminster
Ilminster offers a variety of shops. You can find antique shops and places for home design. There are also hairdressers and many cafes and restaurants. Many shops have an old-fashioned feel. They remind visitors of the Edwardian and Victorian eras.
Unique Shops
For example, the Ilminster Emporium sells traditional Edwardian-style clothing. Frame of Mind is an antiques and gifts shop. In the 15th-century Market Square, you can find the Temperly store. A large Tesco supermarket is also located in the town centre.
Victorian Christmas Evening
Every November, the town celebrates the lighting of its Christmas lights. This event is called the Victorian Evening. In the past, shop staff would dress in Victorian costumes. They would offer rum and cakes to visitors. While this tradition has changed, the atmosphere is still very festive. People enjoy their shopping and the cheerful mood.
Culture and Events
Ilminster is a lively town with many cultural events throughout the year.
Ilminster MidSummer Experience (IMEx)
Every June, Ilminster hosts a three-day festival. It's called the Ilminster MidSummer Experience, or IMEx. This is a free community festival for everyone. Local groups organize many activities. These include a Classic Vehicle Show and a Family Dog Show. There's also a Scarecrow Competition. A Food & Craft Street Market takes place on Saturday.
The Flag Festival
A big part of IMEx is the Flag Festival. More than 110 flags fly from businesses in the town centre. This makes the town very colorful and vibrant. The Flag Festival started with an idea from a local artist. Children from Herne View Primary School helped design the first flags.
Ilminster Literary Festival
The 'Ilminster Literary Festival' started in 2016. It is now an annual event. It usually takes place in early summer. It celebrates books and reading.
Victorian Evening and Christmas Festival
The festive Victorian Evening happens in November. It's part of the Ilminster Christmas Festival. This event includes switching on the Christmas Lights. Shops and stalls stay open late. They offer a warm welcome to everyone. Many shop staff dress up in Victorian clothes. They often offer mulled wine and snacks.
Other Events
Ilminster also hosts other annual events. These include the Ilminster Town Crier competition. There is also the Britain's Disabled Strongman event. The Town Crier event even hosts the Wessex Championship Cup.
Arts and Entertainment Venues
The Warehouse Theatre puts on several stage performances each year. The Ilminster Arts Centre offers music and art exhibitions. It also has arts and crafts events and a craft shop.
Dillington House is another important arts venue. It is located at the entrance to Ilminster from the east. This historic house dates back to the 16th century. It was once the home of Prime Minister Lord North. It is a Grade 2* listed building.
Media in Ilminster
People in Ilminster can watch television from two main transmitters. These are the Mendip or Stockland Hill TV transmitters.
Local Radio Stations
Several local radio stations serve the town. These include BBC Radio Somerset on 95.5 FM. You can also listen to Heart West on 97.1 FM. Greatest Hits Radio South West is on 106.6 FM. There is also Radio Ninesprings, a local community station, on 104.6 FM.
Local Newspapers
The town is served by several local newspapers. These include the Chard and Ilminster News. Other papers are the Somerset County Gazette, the Somerset Guardian and Standard, and Somerset Live.
Transport in Ilminster
Ilminster has various ways for people to travel in and out of the town.
Rail Transport
The Ilminster railway station used to be on the Chard Branch Line. However, it closed in 1962. The closest working railway station now is at Crewkerne.
Buses and Coaches
Many bus services run through Ilminster. These include Buses of Somerset. There is also an express coach service to London. This service is operated by Berrys Coaches.
Roads Around Ilminster
Ilminster is located just east of where the A303 road and the A358 road meet. The B3168 road also goes through the middle of the town. There have been efforts to make the local roads safer for people walking and driving.
Cycling Paths
Ilminster is connected to Chard by the Chard to Ilminster Cycle Path. This path is part of the wider Wessex Way Cycle Route. It offers a safe way for cyclists to travel between the towns.
Town Twinnings
Ilminster is twinned with a town in France. Its twin town is Riec-sur-Belon.
Notable People from Ilminster
- John Baker was born in Ilminster. He later moved to Australia. There, he became the Premier of South Australia.
- Charles Moore, a famous geologist, was also born in Ilminster.
See also
In Spanish: Ilminster para niños
