Goathurst

Civil Parish 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 civil parish located in Somerset, England. It lies approximately 5 miles north of the town of Bridgwater and 9 miles west of Taunton. The village is situated on the northern slopes of the Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The parish covers an area of about 1,000 acres and is predominantly rural, with a small population of around 200 people. It is surrounded by picturesque countryside, characterized by rolling hills, woodlands, and meadows. The landscape offers stunning views and is popular with walkers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.

Goathurst is known for its historic buildings, including the Grade I listed St Edward's Church, which dates back to the 12th century. The church features a striking tower and a medieval stained glass window. Nearby is the former Goathurst Manor, now a private residence, which has a rich history dating back to the 14th century.

The village has a strong agricultural heritage, with several farms still operating in the area. It is a peaceful and close-knit community, with a village hall that serves as a hub for various social and community activities.

Despite its small size, Goathurst has gained some recognition in popular culture. It was featured in the novel "Lorna Doone" by R.D. Blackmore, which is set in the nearby Exmoor region. Additionally, the village was used as a filming location for the British television series "The Onedin Line" in the 1970s.

Overall, Goathurst offers a tranquil and scenic countryside escape, with a rich historical background and a strong sense of community.

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Goathurst Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.102036/-3.060136 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 &#039;collar&#039; that informs of the location&#039;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 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&#039;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&#039;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.

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Goathurst is located at Grid Ref: ST2534 (Lat: 51.102036, Lng: -3.060136)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Sedgemoor

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///forwarded.stormed.splice. Near North Petherton, Somerset

Nearby Locations

Chantry Wood Goathurst Goathurst

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.102036,-3.060136

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

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Goathland Yorkshire

Godalming Surrey

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