Ilchester

Settlement in Somerset South Somerset

England

Ilchester

Ilchester is a small town located in the county of Somerset, England. Situated on the River Yeo, it is approximately 6 miles north of Yeovil and 4 miles west of Ilminster. The town has a population of around 2,000 residents.

Historically, Ilchester was an important Roman settlement known as Lindinis. Evidence of its Roman past can still be seen in the remains of a Roman bridge and the nearby Cadbury Castle, an Iron Age hillfort thought to have been used by the Romans as a supply depot. The town also played a significant role in the English Civil War, with its castle being a strategic stronghold.

Today, Ilchester is a charming town with a rich heritage. The main street, known as Silver Street, is lined with well-preserved Georgian buildings, giving it a distinct character. The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the Church of St. Mary Major, which dates back to the 13th century and features a 16th-century pulpit.

Ilchester is known for its agricultural heritage, with farming being an important industry in the area. The town is surrounded by picturesque countryside, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. It also benefits from its proximity to the larger towns of Yeovil and Taunton, providing residents with access to a wider range of amenities and services.

In conclusion, Ilchester is a small town in Somerset with a fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and a strong agricultural presence. It offers residents a peaceful rural lifestyle while being conveniently located near larger towns.

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Ilchester Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.001966/-2.682784 or Grid Reference ST5222. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Church of St. Mary Major, Ilchester

The Mallick Family

Looking Westbound along the A303.

Taken from bridge on B3151 near Northover.

The Mallick Family

Looking along the Eastbound A303

Photograph taken from B3151 bridge outside Northover.

The Mallick Family

Ilchester Bypass

The A303 from the bridge on Pillbridge Lane

Rupert Fleetingly

Gas Works

Gas works on Pillbridge Lane, Ilchester

Rupert Fleetingly

Watermeadows by the Yeo

Cattle grazing the watermeadows alongside the river Yeo just upstream from Ilchester. Limington church is just visible on the skyline

Peter Goodwin

Footbridges and weir on the Yeo

Church at Northover, Ilchester, in the background

Peter Goodwin

Ilchester Bridge

Ilchester was a major town where the Fosse way crosses the River Yeo over this bridge. Now a bypassed backwater - though it still gets the sound of the traffic plus the aircraft from Yeovilton .

Peter Goodwin

Outside the Ilchester Arms

Looking south from the hostelry, along the main street in Ilchester

Chris Heaton

Sock Dennis Farm

Approaching the farm along the Leland Trail from Ilchester - having just crossed Bearley Brook

Chris Heaton

River Yeo in Ilchester

Viewed looking downstream from Ilchester Bridge, the River Yeo is also known by its Old English name of the River Ivel. The name Ilchester is derived from the Old English 'Givelcestre' meaning 'The fort on the River Ivel'.

Nigel Cox

Ilchester Bridge

Although the Fosse Way crossed the River Yeo at this point, the bridge itself dates from the late 12th or early 13th century. However it was extensively remodelled in 1797. These are the northern three of the bridge's seven arches on the downstream side. To the right of the right-hand arch is the central island which was the location of a gaol and a chapel in the 16th century.

Nigel Cox

Ilchester: The Market Cross

This column was built in 1795 at the north end of the town green on the site of an earlier market cross. Somerset County Council's Historic Environment Record describes it thus: "Ham stone. Circular base with two chamfered offsets, set on circular step; square stepped plinth carrying simple Doric column with entablature moulding over, then square-plan block with sundials having sheet metal gnomons, and a ball finial with wrought-iron wind vane." It is a Grade II listed structure and English Heritage Listed Building Number 263445. The top portion was blown over in a storm on 25 January 1991 and rebuilt the following year.

Nigel Cox

Ilchester: St Andrew's Church, Northover

This church is now disused and in the care of The Churches Conservation Trust. Although no longer needed for regular worship churches like these remain as consecrated buildings.

Nigel Cox

Cottage at Limington

Mike Searle

Cottage at Limington (2)

Mike Searle

Three Oaks

These are at Three Oaks Farm, so it seems reasonable to assume that the farm (just off to the left) is named after them. The busy A37 is a few feet to the right of the camera.

Derek Harper