Wiveliscombe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wiveliscombe |
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 Court House, Wiveliscombe, built by the Hancock family (a local brewing family) in 1881 |
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 Wiveliscombe
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| Population | 2,893 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | ST080279 |
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| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | TAUNTON |
| Postcode district | TA4 |
| Dialling code | 01984 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Devon and Somerset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Wiveliscombe is a small town in Somerset, England. It is about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) west of Taunton. The town has a population of around 2,893 people. Wiveliscombe is known for its historic Square, which used to be a busy market area. Many of the buildings around the Square are very old and important. The small village of Maundown is also part of Wiveliscombe parish.
Contents
History of Wiveliscombe
People have lived in the Wiveliscombe area for a very long time.
Ancient Times
About 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) east of town is King's Castle. This was a Neolithic hillfort, built by early people. North-west of Wiveliscombe is Clatworthy Camp, another old hillfort from the Iron Age. There is also Elworthy Barrows, which was an unfinished Iron Age fort.
A long time ago, the Romans also had a fort near Wiveliscombe. In the 1700s, people found parts of its walls and foundations. They even found a large collection of about 1,600 Roman coins from the 3rd and 4th centuries!
Middle Ages
The name Wiveliscombe comes from an Anglo-Saxon settlement. It means "the valley of a person named Wifele." The town was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. It was a big settlement with 27 households. The local bishop, the Bishop of Wells St Andrew, owned the land. During the Middle Ages, the bishops had a home here. Its foundations were found in 2021.
Later History
The Wiveliscombe Town Hall was built in 1840. It was designed by Richard Carver. This building used to be a market for fish, meat, and pigs. It also had a large room upstairs for meetings. Today, it is a Grade II listed building, meaning it is historically important. There are plans to turn it into a place for arts and culture.
The Abbotsfield cottages were built in the 1870s by a businessman named Lukey Collard. These cottages also became a Grade II listed building in 1975. In 2010, a new community center called the 10 Parishes Centre was planned. It would be a place for the community to gather.
How Wiveliscombe is Governed
Wiveliscombe has a town council. This council helps manage local issues. They decide on a local tax to cover their costs. They also check plans for new buildings. The council works with the police on safety and traffic. They also help keep local paths and roads in good condition. Looking after old buildings and the environment are also part of their job.
Since April 2023, Wiveliscombe is part of the Somerset Council. This is the main local government for the area. Wiveliscombe is also part of the Tiverton and Minehead area. This area elects one Member of Parliament (MP) to the British House of Commons.
Geography and Location
Wiveliscombe is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the border between Devon and Somerset. It sits at the bottom of the Brendon Hills. It is also seen as a "gateway" to Exmoor National Park. Wiveliscombe is 126 meters (413 feet) above sea level. This makes it one of the highest towns in Somerset, after Dulverton.
The town used to have a train station. It was part of the Devon and Somerset Railway. However, the station closed in 1966. Clatworthy Reservoir, a large lake that stores water, is also nearby.
People and Businesses
In 1777, Wiveliscombe had 1,533 people. Today, its population is 2,893. Even though it's a small town, its shops and services help many people. These people live in farms and villages all around the area.
In 1997, a survey found over 300 businesses within 5 miles (8 kilometers) of the town. Many of these businesses traded across the country or even internationally. Wiveliscombe is also home to three breweries: Cotleigh Brewery (which closed in 2021), Exmoor Ales, and Black Bear Brewery. The town was also one of the first in the UK to create a free online forum. This forum helps people in the local area exchange goods and services.
The local community radio station, 10Radio, is based in Wiveliscombe. It broadcasts on 105.3 FM and online. Its name comes from the "ten parishes" it serves.
Churches
The main church in Wiveliscombe is the Church of St Andrew. It was built between 1827 and 1829. The architect was Richard Carver. The church is made from red sandstone with special Hamstone details. Inside, it has an octagonal (eight-sided) font from the 1300s. There is also a 14th-century sandstone cross in the churchyard. This church is a Grade II* listed building.
The oldest place of worship in town is the Congregational Chapel. It was built in 1708. It is now used by the Wiveliscombe Evangelical Congregational Church.
Media
People in Wiveliscombe get their TV signals from either the Stockland Hill or Mendip TV transmitters. For radio, they can listen to BBC Radio Somerset (95.5 FM), Heart West (96.5 FM), and Greatest Hits Radio South West (107.4 FM). The local community station, 10Radio, broadcasts on 105.3 FM and online. Local newspapers include the Somerset County Gazette and the West Somerset Free Press.
Education
Wiveliscombe Primary School teaches children from Wiveliscombe and nearby villages. For older students, there is Kingsmead School. This school is for pupils aged 11 to 16. Kingsmead School has a theatre and a sports hall. There is also a youth club. These facilities are close to the town's Recreation Ground. Here, you can find clubs for Tennis, Rugby, Cricket, and Football.
See also
In Spanish: Wiveliscombe para niños
