St Decumans

Settlement in Somerset Somerset West and Taunton

England

St Decumans

Former GWR shed at Williton This corrugated metal shed with steel framing, now housing railway stock under restoration, was re-erected here in 1992 from its original home in the Great Western Railway&#039;s Swindon works where it was first erected in 1899. It&#039;s unusual for a relocated building, or one of this type, to be listed, but it is indeed given grade II status (list entry 1241069) as &quot;a remarkably well preserved and very early example of a steel-framed all-metal building&quot;. — Former GWR shed at Williton Credit: Stephen Craven

St Decumans is a small village located in the county of Somerset, England. Situated approximately 3 miles west of the town of Watchet, it lies within the district of West Somerset. Named after the 8th-century Welsh saint Decuman, the village is steeped in rich history and boasts a charming rural setting.

The village is home to a close-knit community and offers a tranquil environment for its residents. It is predominantly residential, with a scattering of traditional stone cottages and farmhouses dotting the landscape. The village is surrounded by picturesque countryside, with rolling hills, green fields, and meandering streams.

St Decumans is known for its historic church, St. Decuman's Church, which dates back to the 13th century. The church is a fine example of medieval architecture and attracts visitors interested in its historical significance. Additionally, the village is in close proximity to the Quantock Hills, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Although small in size, St Decumans offers basic amenities, including a village hall, a primary school, and a local pub. For further amenities, residents can easily access the nearby town of Watchet, which offers a wider range of shops, restaurants, and services.

Overall, St Decumans is a picturesque village that combines a rich historical heritage with a peaceful rural setting, making it an idyllic place to live or visit for those seeking a slower pace of life and a connection with nature.

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St Decumans Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.175852/-3.335385 or Grid Reference ST0642. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Former GWR shed at Williton

This corrugated metal shed with steel framing, now housing railway stock under restoration, was re-erected here in 1992 from its original home in the Great Western Railway's Swindon works where it was first erected in 1899. It's unusual for a relocated building, or one of this type, to be listed, but it is indeed given grade II status (list entry 1241069) as "a remarkably well preserved and very early example of a steel-framed all-metal building".

Stephen Craven

Steam meets diesel at Williton

A steam-hauled train heading for Bishop's Lydeard approaches Williton sidings where a diesel multiple unit is stabled.

Stephen Craven

Horse jumps at Williton

The 'iron horse' is not the only variety to be seen from the West Somerset Railway.

Stephen Craven

Liddymore Lane or Doniford Road?

I am in no doubt as to the location of this photo, but OpenStreetMap labels it Liddymore Lane while the OS and Google Map call it Doniford Road. What do locals call it?

Stephen Craven

Watchet Library

The library occupies a former lifeboat station, close to the harbour. The harbour is now a marina and it would be tricky to launch a lifeboat from here. Seen from the railway. ST0743 : Watchet Library shows a closer view, and ST0743 : Sand bags and barbed wire the war memorial alongside it.

Stephen Craven

Methodist sesquicentenary

Watchet Wesleyan Methodist church was opened in 1871 and is still in use, the congregation celebrating the 150th anniversary at the time of this photo. It's grade II listed (list entry 1057626).

Stephen Craven

Watchet station platform

Watchet was the original terminus of the railway in 1862, built to capture the fishing trade. There was only ever this single platform for passenger trains, but several sidings, one of them extending on to the eastern pier, long since lifted. The town no longer acts as a fishing port,

Stephen Craven

Watchet station building

Watchet was the original terminus of the railway in 1862, built to capture the fishing trade. The line was later extended to Minehead, but there was only ever a single platform for passenger trains, and this station building unusually built at right angles to the line. See also ST0743 : Watchet Railway Station.

Stephen Craven

Watchet boatyard

Watchet was a fishing harbour at one time, but now serves as a marina for pleasure craft.

Stephen Craven

Watchet - St Decumans Church

Colin Park

Watchet Harbour

Colin Park

Watchet Harbour & lighthouse

Colin Park

Path leading down to Kentsford Farm from B3191, west of Watchet

Colin Park

Tree tunnel on path between Kentsford Farm & Washford

The coastal path between Watchet and Blue Anchor is currently closed (October 2021) but this attractive alternative route takes you inland and goes via this 'tree tunnel' for about a mile between Kentsford Farm and Washford. This was once the route of the West Somerset Mineral Railway which carried iron ore from mines in the Brendon Hills to the coast at Watchet.

Colin Park