Goathurst

Settlement in Somerset Sedgemoor

England

Goathurst

A corner of St Edward's With several stone tablets surrounding the set aside ground, this corner of the yard has not really changed much for decades.
A corner of St Edward's Credit: Neil Owen

Goathurst is a small village located in Somerset, England. It is situated about 3 miles east of Bridgwater and is part of the Sedgemoor district. With a population of around 250 residents, Goathurst is a close-knit community surrounded by picturesque countryside.

The village is known for its historic charm, with many buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. One notable landmark is Goathurst Church, dedicated to St. Edward the Confessor, which features a medieval tower and beautiful stained glass windows. Another prominent feature is Goathurst Common, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), known for its diverse flora and fauna.

Agriculture has played a significant role in the village's economy throughout its history, and farming remains an important industry in the area. The surrounding fields and meadows provide ample grazing land for livestock, and the village is dotted with traditional farmhouses and barns.

Despite its small size, Goathurst has a strong sense of community, with various social activities and events taking place throughout the year. The village hall serves as a hub for these gatherings and is also used for local meetings and clubs.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Goathurst is surrounded by beautiful countryside, offering opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploring nature. The nearby Quantock Hills, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provide stunning panoramic views and extensive trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

In summary, Goathurst is a charming village in Somerset, characterized by its historic buildings, agricultural heritage, and close community ties. It offers a tranquil rural setting, making it an attractive destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

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Goathurst Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.102808/-3.06421 or Grid Reference ST2534. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A corner of St Edward's With several stone tablets surrounding the set aside ground, this corner of the yard has not really changed much for decades.
A corner of St Edward's
With several stone tablets surrounding the set aside ground, this corner of the yard has not really changed much for decades.
St Edward the Martyr's church graveyard Several of the tombs are very recent, proving this little church is still at the heart of village affairs.
St Edward the Martyr's church graveyard
Several of the tombs are very recent, proving this little church is still at the heart of village affairs.
The Temple of Harmony An interesting folly of 1767, built for Sir Charles Kemeys-Tynte and a replica of the first century Temple of Fortuna Virilis in Rome. It was owned for many years but ended up being used as a cattle shed in modern times. The Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust acquired it in 1993 in a poor state and restored it. The folly is now the private property of the Halswell Estate, although visits can be had on summer Sundays. Grade II* listed.
The Temple of Harmony
An interesting folly of 1767, built for Sir Charles Kemeys-Tynte and a replica of the first century Temple of Fortuna Virilis in Rome. It was owned for many years but ended up being used as a cattle shed in modern times. The Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust acquired it in 1993 in a poor state and restored it. The folly is now the private property of the Halswell Estate, although visits can be had on summer Sundays. Grade II* listed.
A signpost and a place This Somerset not only has arms to guide travellers in the right direction, it also has a triangular 'collar' that informs of the location's name. They are often found in uplands areas of outstanding natural beauty.
A signpost and a place
This Somerset not only has arms to guide travellers in the right direction, it also has a triangular 'collar' that informs of the location's name. They are often found in uplands areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Goathurst notices The noticeboard is close to the thatched roof Lodge. The bench is dedicated to a local woman.
Goathurst notices
The noticeboard is close to the thatched roof Lodge. The bench is dedicated to a local woman.
Goathurst lychgate, to God and the lost Entrance to the old church, via the lychgate. Up inside the roof are several gilded texts that praise God and are also dedicated to the six village men who were lost in WWI, and the single lost in WWII.
Goathurst lychgate, to God and the lost
Entrance to the old church, via the lychgate. Up inside the roof are several gilded texts that praise God and are also dedicated to the six village men who were lost in WWI, and the single lost in WWII.
St Edward the Martyr's church, Goathurst Goathurst is a tiny village, without shop, school or pub. Just this ancient and historic church and a hall are the sum of the assets.

St Edward is actually a Saxon figure: he was reputedly murdered by his stepmother at Corfe Castle in 978. The church is fourteenth century, and was largely associated with the local manor house. Grade I listed.
St Edward the Martyr's church, Goathurst
Goathurst is a tiny village, without shop, school or pub. Just this ancient and historic church and a hall are the sum of the assets. St Edward is actually a Saxon figure: he was reputedly murdered by his stepmother at Corfe Castle in 978. The church is fourteenth century, and was largely associated with the local manor house. Grade I listed.
South side of St Edward the Martyr The church is mainly fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, with major restoration in 1884. The tower is Perpendicular in style, with a topping stair turret with slit windows. Grade I listed.
South side of St Edward the Martyr
The church is mainly fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, with major restoration in 1884. The tower is Perpendicular in style, with a topping stair turret with slit windows. Grade I listed.
West end of Edward the Martyr At the base of the tower is a benchmark - see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7443208">ST2534 : Benchmark on St Edward the Martyr</a>.
West end of Edward the Martyr
At the base of the tower is a benchmark - see ST2534 : Benchmark on St Edward the Martyr.
Benchmark on St Edward the Martyr A cutmark of nineteenth century age on the surround of the west door. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7443204">ST2534 : West end of Edward the Martyr</a> for a wider look and <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm91214" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm91214">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> for the entry in the Benchmark Database.
Benchmark on St Edward the Martyr
A cutmark of nineteenth century age on the surround of the west door. See ST2534 : West end of Edward the Martyr for a wider look and LinkExternal link for the entry in the Benchmark Database.
Edward's font The octagonal font dates from the fifteenth century.
Edward's font
The octagonal font dates from the fifteenth century.
Panels under the tower The little village church bears painted panels of early eighteenth century age. The charitable panel is of 1832.
Panels under the tower
The little village church bears painted panels of early eighteenth century age. The charitable panel is of 1832.
Painted panels in St Edward King and Martyr's church The tower interior bears some fine early eighteenth century painted panels.
Painted panels in St Edward King and Martyr's church
The tower interior bears some fine early eighteenth century painted panels.
Funeral hatchments These square panels, set at angles to the vertical, are funeral hatchments. Generally panels on a black (sable) background, they depict the coat of arms and family details of the deceased. Originally they were placed over the door to the owner's house but carried to the church on their passing. Hatchment is derived from early French, meaning achievement.
Funeral hatchments
These square panels, set at angles to the vertical, are funeral hatchments. Generally panels on a black (sable) background, they depict the coat of arms and family details of the deceased. Originally they were placed over the door to the owner's house but carried to the church on their passing. Hatchment is derived from early French, meaning achievement.
Edward's nave A view to the altar in St Edward King and Martyr in Goatshurst. Note the fifteenth century wagon roof with ribs and bosses. The church is very closely associated with the local Halswell-Tynte-Kemys family of Halswell House over the centuries and there are several beautiful tributes in it.
Edward's nave
A view to the altar in St Edward King and Martyr in Goatshurst. Note the fifteenth century wagon roof with ribs and bosses. The church is very closely associated with the local Halswell-Tynte-Kemys family of Halswell House over the centuries and there are several beautiful tributes in it.
South chapel A part of the church has been set aside for the use of the younger parishioners. Note the fine ceiling work.
South chapel
A part of the church has been set aside for the use of the younger parishioners. Note the fine ceiling work.
Pulpit of St Edward King and Martyr The church features a wooden, embroidered pulpit fall of 1733.
Pulpit of St Edward King and Martyr
The church features a wooden, embroidered pulpit fall of 1733.
A hushed memorial Inside St Edward King and Martyr's church are some beautiful and detailed tombs. The pair to the left are that of Sir Nicholas Halswell and his wife, Bridget. Part of the local ruling families, they are surrounded by their nine children.

Halswell died in 1633 and the tomb is over 350 years old; it was once a riot of colour but the impression today is very much muted. It is also beginning to deteriorate and funds are sought for the repairs.

The large white marble tablet to the right is a lengthy Latin memorial to members of the Tynte family - also associated with the village.
A hushed memorial
Inside St Edward King and Martyr's church are some beautiful and detailed tombs. The pair to the left are that of Sir Nicholas Halswell and his wife, Bridget. Part of the local ruling families, they are surrounded by their nine children. Halswell died in 1633 and the tomb is over 350 years old; it was once a riot of colour but the impression today is very much muted. It is also beginning to deteriorate and funds are sought for the repairs. The large white marble tablet to the right is a lengthy Latin memorial to members of the Tynte family - also associated with the village.
Show me another place!

Goathurst is located at Grid Ref: ST2534 (Lat: 51.102808, Lng: -3.06421)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Sedgemoor

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///snapped.pops.freezers. Near North Petherton, Somerset

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.102808,-3.06421
Crossways
Junction: yes
Lat/Long: 51.1028568/-3.0641805
Goathurst
Is In: Somerset, England, UK
Place: hamlet
Population: 222
Lat/Long: 51.1030055/-3.0630125
Bench
Lat/Long: 51.1027497/-3.0646835
Bench
Lat/Long: 51.1028214/-3.0639844
Post Box
Brand: Royal Mail
Brand Wikidata: Q638098
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 12:00; Sa 12:00
Operator: Royal Mail
Operator Wikidata: Q638098
Post Box Type: wall
Ref: TA5 156
Royal Cypher: EIIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102113
Lat/Long: 51.1028374/-3.0636278
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 51.0993978/-3.0678967
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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