East Lydeard

Settlement in Somerset Somerset West and Taunton

England

East Lydeard

Bishops Lydeard Station, West Somerset Railway From the road bridge. — Bishops Lydeard Station, West Somerset Railway Credit: David Stowell

East Lydeard is a small village located in the county of Somerset, England. Situated approximately 8 miles west of Taunton, it falls within the administrative district of West Somerset. The village is nestled in the beautiful countryside and is surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

With a population of around 1,000 residents, East Lydeard has a close-knit community and a strong sense of local identity. The village boasts a range of amenities, including a primary school, a village hall, and a local pub, providing a hub for social gatherings and community events.

One of the notable features of East Lydeard is the West Somerset Railway, a heritage steam railway that runs through the village. This brings tourists and railway enthusiasts to the area, providing an economic boost to the local businesses.

The village is also home to St. Bartholomew's Church, a historic place of worship dating back to the 13th century. The church is a prominent landmark and adds to the charm and character of the village.

The surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as walking, cycling, and horse riding. Nearby attractions include the Quantock Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the stunning Exmoor National Park, which are both within easy reach.

Overall, East Lydeard is a tranquil and picturesque village, offering a peaceful and idyllic lifestyle for its residents, while also attracting visitors with its rich history and natural beauty.

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East Lydeard Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.061847/-3.174125 or Grid Reference ST1729. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bishops Lydeard Station, West Somerset Railway

From the road bridge.

David Stowell

Bishops Lydeard, West Somerset Railway

The engine prepares to take on water whilst the S&T staff work on re-instating the signalling that will hopefully one day permit a resumption of through services to Taunton.

David Stowell

Bishopâs Lydeard: St Maryâs Church

The impressive four-stage Somerset tower with set-back buttresses dates from the 15th century. The churchyard contains the stumps of two medieval crosses; the church is noted for its rood screen and carved 16th century bench ends

Martin Bodman

Bishopâs Lydeard: Pound Farm

At East Lydeard, the farm offers bed and breakfast. In the late 19th century one of the barns here had machinery powered by a waterwheel: a millstone survives near the house

Martin Bodman

Mount Street, Bishops Lydeard

Mount Street, looking North North East towards Quantock Hills. Bishop's Lydeard infamous Red Garage in foreground. Bishops Lydeard isn't just about the West Somerset Railway you know!

Tim

Bishops Lydeard: West Somerset Railway

80136 and 53809 backing down onto their train which will later depart for Minehead. Seen from the south side of the road bridge by the station

Martin Bodman

Bishops Lydeard: West Somerset Railway

Steam shrouds 53809 as the locomotive, double headed with 80136, hidden, hauls its train into Lydeard station, destination Minehead

Martin Bodman

Silo and Barn.

This silo and barn together resemble the shape of a church. They form a less than attractive landmark close to the A358.

Barbara Cook

Bishops Lydeard: towards Dene Cross

The road from Cotford St Luke – Dene Road – meets the Taunton - Minehead road at a roundabout

Martin Bodman

Kingston St Mary: Fennington Farm

Looking north-north-east towards quite a sizeable farm complex

Martin Bodman

Bishops Lydeard Sewage Works.

The track to Portman Farm has been properly surfaced from the A358 as far as the sewage treatment works. The village of Bishops Lydeard is just under a mile to the northwest.

Barbara Cook

Bishops Lydeard: footpath near Portman Farm

Looking west towards Bishops Lydeard

Martin Bodman

Whiskey Trail Crossing

Sandy Lane is a public footpath that links Sandhill Park and Bishops Lydeard. The alternative name of Whiskey Trail came from the American servicemen billeted in the grounds of the Park during WW2. It crosses the West Somerset Railway as shown in the picture.

Steve Edge

Bishops Lydeard

The crossroads on what could be called the village centre.

Tony Atkin

Arrival at Bishop's Lydeard

Roger Cornfoot

Bishops Lydeard watermill

This watermill turns and is open to visitors

Jim Woodward-Nutt

Bishops Lydeard, West Somerset Railway

The Water tower and signals at the southern end of the station platform.

Robin Lucas

Loco number 88 taking on water, WSR Bishops Lydeard

The tender is being topped up with water ready for its next journey. The locomotive was built in 1925 by Robert Stephenson and Co Ltd in Darlington. It is a 2-8-0 wheel configuration and has two cylinders and Walschaert's valve gear. It has an adhesion weight of 59½ tons (60.45 tonnes) over four axles. It is a development of the Fowler heavy freight engine of 1914 differing mainly in having a boiler combined heating surface of 1845 square feet (171.41 square metres) as compared with 1681 square feet (156.17 square metres). (Source: 'The Somerset and Dorset Railway', Robin Atthill 1967, Pan Books).

Brian Robert Marshall

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East Lydeard is located at Grid Ref: ST1729 (Lat: 51.061847, Lng: -3.174125)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Somerset West and Taunton

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset