Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, North Petherton has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in North Petherton.
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Sights in North Petherton
North Petherton is a town in the district of Sedgemoor, Somerset, England. It is located on the edge of the Quantock Hills, 10 miles (16 km) north west of Bridgwater, 11 miles (18 km) south of Taunton and 8 miles (13 km) east of Minehead. The town has a population of 6,730 (2011), making it the largest community in Sedgemoor.
The name Petherton is derived from the AngloSaxon word peodreth, meaning the landing place on the River Parrett where cattle were brought to market. North Petherton was recorded as Northpeodreth in 1257.
The parish of North Petherton includes the hamlets of Athelney, Brushford, Chedzoy, Chilcott, Chilton Trinity, Fetton, Goathurst, Gore, Nether Stowey, Over Stowey, Thurloxton and Westonzoyland.
The town’s market charter was granted by King John in 1227, although there is evidence that markets were held here even before that date. The market Cross, which stands in the centre of the town, is a grade I listed building and dates from the 15th century. The market is now held every Friday.
North Petherton is twinned with Petarea, a village in Romania.
The parish church of St Mary the Virgin has a 13thcentury chancel and a 15thcentury tower. The interior of the church was heavily restored in the Victorian era.
The Church of St Peter was built in 1846 as a chapel of ease to St Mary’s. It is now the parish church of Goathurst.
The Methodist Church in North Petherton dates from 1874.
Petherton Court is a grade II* listed mansion which was built in 1633 and extended in 1733. It is now used as a school and college for young people with special needs.
Knoll Hill is the site of an Iron Age hill fort. The hill is owned by the National Trust and is open to the public.
The North Petherton Carnival is held every November and is one of the largest in Somerset.
The North Petherton Folk Festival is held every May and features music, Morris dancing and other traditional folk arts.
The town is home to North Petherton Rugby Club, which plays in the Somerset Premier Division.
North Petherton has a hockey club, a cricket club and a football club.
The North Petherton Town Band is a brass band which was formed in 1885.
North Petherton is served by NorthPet, a community magazine which is published ten times a year.
The North Petherton Center Parcs holiday village is located just outside the town.
History of North Petherton
The town of North Petherton in the English county of Somerset has a long and rich history dating back to the AngloSaxon era. The town was first mentioned in the will of King Alfred the Great in 893 AD, and later in the Domesday Book of 1086. It was a thriving market town in the medieval period, and was even granted a royal charter by King Edward III in 1331. The town’s market continues to this day, and is one of the biggest in the county.
The town’s history is not just limited to its market though. North Petherton was also home to one of the largest monasteries in England, which was founded in the 11th century. The ruins of this monastery, known as the Minster, can still be seen today. The town was also the site of a major battle during the Civil War, when Royalist forces defeated the Parliamentarians.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of North Petherton, there are several museums and historic buildings that you can visit. The North Petherton Heritage Centre is a great place to start, and the town’s market is well worth a visit too. Whatever your interest, North Petherton is sure to have something of interest for you.
Vacation in North Petherton
North Petherton is a town located within the Sedgemoor district of Somerset, in the southwest of England. The town has a population of approximately 11,000 people. North Petherton is situated approximately 10 miles (16 kilometres) northwest of the city of Bristol, and 15 miles (24 kilometres) southeast of the town of Taunton. North Petherton is twinned with the town of SaintHilaireduHarcouët in France.
The history of North Petherton can be traced back to the Roman era, when the town was known as Isurium Brigantum. The town grew in importance during the AngloSaxon period, and by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086 it was recorded as having a population of 1,100. North Petherton was granted a charter by King John in 1227, which allowed for weekly markets and annual fairs to be held in the town.
During the medieval period, North Petherton was an important market town, and its market square was one of the largest in the county of Somerset. The square is still in existence today, and is now known as Market Place.
The parish church of North Petherton, dedicated to Saint Mary the Virgin, dates back to the 13th century. The church tower, which is all that remains of the original building, is Grade I listed.
In the late 17th century, North Petherton was the site of a threeweeklong witch trial. Seventeen people were accused of witchcraft, and two were found guilty and sentenced to death.
The nearby Ham Hill was the site of a Roman fort, and is now an Iron Age hill fort. The hill fort is home to a number of rare species of plants and animals, and is a scheduled ancient monument.
The town of North Petherton is home to a number of businesses and amenities. There are several pubs and restaurants in the town, as well as a number of shops. North Petherton also has a library, a theatre, a sports centre, and a number of primary and secondary schools.
North Petherton is an ideal base for exploring the county of Somerset. The town is situated close to a number of scenic attractions, including the Quantock Hills, Exmoor National Park, and the Somerset Levels.
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