Langport facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Langport |
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 Shops in the centre of Langport. |
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 Langport
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| Population | 3,578 |
| OS grid reference | ST420268 |
| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LANGPORT |
| Postcode district | TA10 |
| Dialling code | 01458 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Devon and Somerset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Langport is a small town in Somerset, England. It is about 5 miles (8 km) west of Somerton. The town is also a "civil parish," which is a local area with its own council.
Langport has a population of about 3,578 people. It is very close to another area called Huish Episcopi. Many of the homes on the edge of Langport are actually in Huish Episcopi.
Contents
Discovering Langport's Past
Langport has a long and interesting history. Its name comes from old words meaning "long town" or "long market." The town has two main parts: one on a hill and one by the River Parrett. The hill part was easy to defend, and the river part was great for trade.
Ancient Origins and Roman Times
Some people think Langport might be the "Llongborth" mentioned in old Welsh stories. This was a "Ship-port" and possibly the site of a famous battle. The town was also known as Langport Eastover, with a part on the west side called Langport Westover. Langport sits on an old road that connected Glastonbury to Taunton.
Langport was likely important during the Roman period. Several Roman villas, which were large country homes, have been found nearby. It was also a key fort for King Alfred because of its important location. The Domesday Book, a famous survey from 1086, shows that Langport was a busy and valuable place.
Medieval Life and Trade
In medieval times, Langport was a major center for making cloth. This was a very important industry back then.
The town received its first official charter from Queen Elizabeth I in 1562. This charter recognized Langport as an old borough with special rights. It was run by a "portreeve," a type of local official.
The charter also allowed Langport to hold three annual fairs. These were big events where people could buy and sell goods. Today, only one fair is still held, which is for horses and cattle on September 3rd.
The English Civil War
A very important event happened in Langport during the English Civil War. On July 10, 1645, the Battle of Langport took place here. This battle was a major victory for the Parliament's army. It helped them win the war against the Royalists.
During the battle, many Royalist soldiers were killed near the bridge over the River Parrett. Many buildings in the lower town were also set on fire. This was done by the Royalist cavalry to try and slow down the Parliament's army.
Langport's Famous People and Businesses
In 1826, Walter Bagehot was born in Langport. He became a well-known businessman, writer, and journalist. He wrote about many topics, including government and money.
Bagehot joined a company that grew into the Somerset Trading Company. This company owned many ships and barges. Langport was also home to Stuckey's Bank, which became very large. It was eventually taken over by Westminster Bank.
How Langport is Governed
Langport has a local council called the Langport Town Council. This council helps manage local issues for the town. They decide on a local tax to cover costs and check building plans. They also work with the police on safety and traffic.
The council helps keep parish facilities in good shape. They also talk with the larger Somerset Council about roads, drainage, and public transport. Looking after old buildings and the environment are also part of their job. The Langport Town Council is based at the Langport Town Hall.
For bigger local government matters, Langport is part of the Somerset Council. This is a larger council that handles services for the whole area.
Langport is also part of the Glastonbury and Somerton area. This area elects one person, called a Member of Parliament (MP), to represent them in the House of Commons in London.
Langport's Landscape and Environment
Langport is located on the east side of the River Parrett. The River Yeo (Ivel) also joins the Parrett nearby. There is a raised road, called a causeway, that crosses the wet moorland. There is also an important bridge over the river.
Below Langport, the River Parrett is affected by the ocean tides. The rivers flow from southern hills through low-lying areas called moors. They then reach the Somerset Levels, which are very flat. From there, the river flows past Bridgwater to the Bristol Channel. In winter, the low areas around Langport can sometimes flood.
Local Climate
Langport has a mild and often wet climate, like the rest of South West England. The average yearly temperature is about 10°C (50°F). Temperatures do not change as much as in other parts of the UK because the sea is nearby. July and August are the warmest months, with highs around 21°C (70°F). In winter, the lowest temperatures are usually around 1°C or 2°C (34-36°F).
Langport gets about 700 mm (28 inches) of rain each year. Most of this rain comes from storms moving in from the Atlantic Ocean, especially in autumn and winter. Summers can have showers and thunderstorms. Snowfall is not very common, usually happening 8 to 15 days a year. The wind usually blows from the southwest.
Important Landmarks
Langport has some interesting old buildings. The Tudor House and The Warehouse have both been restored.
One unique building is The Hanging Chapel. It is a medieval building that sits on an archway over a road. It used to be a grammar school and a museum. Now, it is used as a meeting place for a group called the Freemasons.
Bridges and Waterways
The Great Bow Bridge carries the main road (the A378) over the river. It has three arches and was built in 1841. It replaced an older medieval bridge that had many small arches. The old bridge was first mentioned in 1220. It had 31 arches in total, with 9 crossing the river.
Around 1840, the Westport Canal was built. It connected to the river at Langport. The arrival of the railway in 1853 brought new trade to Langport. However, it also meant that fewer boats used the river.
Schools in Langport
Children aged 11 to 18 in Langport go to Huish Episcopi Academy. This is a large secondary school with about 1,400 students. It specializes in science and languages.
Younger children, from ages 4 to 11, attend Huish Episcopi Primary School. This school is near the center of Langport. It serves children from Langport and several nearby villages. The school has 7 classrooms, a computer room, a hall, and a library. There are about 180 students.
Places of Worship
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The main street in Langport leads up to the All Saints' Church. This church is a beautiful old building from the 15th century. Its square tower has interesting stone carvings called "hunky punks."
The church has a special stained-glass window from the late 1400s. It shows different saints and is one of the best-preserved medieval windows in Somerset. All Saints' Church is now looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust. Most church services for the community are held at St Mary's Church in Huish Episcopi.
Railways in Langport
The Langport and Castle Cary Railway line runs through Langport. The town used to have its own train station called Langport East. However, this station closed to passengers in 1962.
Local Media
Langport has a free newspaper called The Leveller. It started in 2010 and shares news about the town and Somerset. It prints over 12,000 copies.
Local TV news and shows come from BBC West and ITV West Country. You can also listen to local radio stations like BBC Radio Somerset and Heart West.
Famous People from Langport
- Walter Bagehot (1826–1877), a famous writer and businessman, was born here.
- Norman Gash (1912–2009), a historian, lived in Langport after he retired.
- Jacquemine Charrott Lodwidge (1919–2012), an art director, grew up in the town.
- Emma Overd (1838–1928), a folk singer, was born and died in Langport.
- Marti Webb (born 1943), a singer and actress, retired to Langport.
- Anne Beale (1816–1900), a novelist and poet, was born in Langport.
- Graham Watson (born 1956), a former politician, lived in Langport for many years.
Images for kids
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Shops in the centre of Langport.
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Langport Town Hall
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Langport viewed from the River Parrett
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The Hanging Chapel, hanging above a medieval archway
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A train passing the old Langport East railway station site on the Reading to Taunton Line.
