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West Coker

Civil Parish in Somerset South Somerset

England

West Coker

Dawe's Twineworks West Coker Rescued from near collapse by grant money, the twineworks, established in the mid 19th C, is the only one in Britain with its original Victorian machinery. Not to be confused with the West of England Twine Works which was also situated in West Coker. Open on the 4th Saturday of the month.
Dawe's Twineworks West Coker Credit: Sarah Smith

West Coker is a civil parish located in the county of Somerset, England. It is situated approximately 3 miles southwest of Yeovil, a major town in the region. The parish covers an area of around 3 square miles and is home to a population of approximately 1,500 residents.

The history of West Coker can be traced back to the medieval period, with evidence of human settlement in the area dating back to the Roman times. The village itself has a charming and picturesque character, with many traditional stone-built houses and cottages lining its streets. The local architecture is predominantly Georgian and Victorian, with some buildings dating even further back.

A notable feature of West Coker is its beautiful parish church, dedicated to St. Martin of Tours. This medieval church is a Grade I listed building and is known for its stunning architectural features, including a 15th-century tower and a 17th-century pulpit.

The village also boasts a number of amenities and facilities for its residents, including a primary school, a village hall, and a public house. There are several local businesses, including shops, cafes, and small enterprises, that contribute to the local economy.

The surrounding countryside of West Coker offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, with numerous walking trails and nature reserves in the vicinity. The village is also conveniently located near the A30 road, providing easy access to nearby towns and cities.

Overall, West Coker is a charming and historic village, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for its residents and visitors alike.

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West Coker Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.923918/-2.682992 or Grid Reference ST5214. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dawe's Twineworks West Coker Rescued from near collapse by grant money, the twineworks, established in the mid 19th C, is the only one in Britain with its original Victorian machinery. Not to be confused with the West of England Twine Works which was also situated in West Coker. Open on the 4th Saturday of the month.
Dawe's Twineworks West Coker
Rescued from near collapse by grant money, the twineworks, established in the mid 19th C, is the only one in Britain with its original Victorian machinery. Not to be confused with the West of England Twine Works which was also situated in West Coker. Open on the 4th Saturday of the month.
Dawe's Twineworks West Coker (2)
Dawe's Twineworks West Coker (2)
Stone Stile, West Coker On Somerset footpath Y 29/13 at the junction of Ridge and Chur Lanes, looking South. The view looking towards the road is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7250710">ST5113 : Stone Stile, West Coker</a>.
Stone Stile, West Coker
On Somerset footpath Y 29/13 at the junction of Ridge and Chur Lanes, looking South. The view looking towards the road is ST5113 : Stone Stile, West Coker.
Stone Stile, West Coker On Somerset footpath Y 29/13 at the junction of Ridge and Chur Lanes, looking North. The view looking from the road is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7250709">ST5113 : Stone Stile, West Coker</a>.
Stone Stile, West Coker
On Somerset footpath Y 29/13 at the junction of Ridge and Chur Lanes, looking North. The view looking from the road is ST5113 : Stone Stile, West Coker.
Old Fingerpost, West Coker Hill / A30 At the junction of Collarway Lane, West Coker Hill and the A30 slip road and the bridge over the A30. An image of the makers' Inscription is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7259440">ST5013 : Old Fingerpost, West Coker Hill / above A30</a>. The context view is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1180072">ST5013 : Near Coker Hill Bridge</a>. Inscription: 1 West Coker // 1 Hardington // (on post) Somerset // Sheldon Wells Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST5013A
Old Fingerpost, West Coker Hill / A30
At the junction of Collarway Lane, West Coker Hill and the A30 slip road and the bridge over the A30. An image of the makers' Inscription is ST5013 : Old Fingerpost, West Coker Hill / above A30. The context view is ST5013 : Near Coker Hill Bridge. Inscription: 1 West Coker // 1 Hardington // (on post) Somerset // Sheldon Wells Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST5013A
Old Milestone, West Coker / A30 On the NW side of the A30 in a cutting. Near the bridge carrying the West Coker Hill / Collarway Lane road. It is difficult to get to on foot, the verges are slight and the cutting long, under the bridge non-existent verges. This image was taken from a slow moving vehicle. Inscription: IV / Yeovil Grade II listed see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1417785" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1417785">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> Milestone Society National ID: SO_YVCW04
Old Milestone, West Coker / A30
On the NW side of the A30 in a cutting. Near the bridge carrying the West Coker Hill / Collarway Lane road. It is difficult to get to on foot, the verges are slight and the cutting long, under the bridge non-existent verges. This image was taken from a slow moving vehicle. Inscription: IV / Yeovil Grade II listed see LinkExternal link Milestone Society National ID: SO_YVCW04
Old Boundary Stone, West Coker / East Chinnock A curious broken stone. This was lying exactly at the position of a boundary stone (on maps up to 1962). The inscription could be interpreted signifying a "county" stone, marking the extent of responsibility for the bridge if it was C / YHD (Yeovil Hundred Division). Inscription: C / YHI Milestone Society National ID: SO_WCOECH01pb
Old Boundary Stone, West Coker / East Chinnock
A curious broken stone. This was lying exactly at the position of a boundary stone (on maps up to 1962). The inscription could be interpreted signifying a "county" stone, marking the extent of responsibility for the bridge if it was C / YHD (Yeovil Hundred Division). Inscription: C / YHI Milestone Society National ID: SO_WCOECH01pb
Old Fingerpost, West Coker Hill / above A30 At the junction of Collarway Lane, West Coker Hill and the A30 slip road and the bridge over the A30. The view of the fingers is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7253471">ST5013 : Old Fingerpost, West Coker Hill / A30</a>.
Old Fingerpost, West Coker Hill / above A30
At the junction of Collarway Lane, West Coker Hill and the A30 slip road and the bridge over the A30. The view of the fingers is ST5013 : Old Fingerpost, West Coker Hill / A30.
Modern church window - West Coker The window was designed and created by Stewart Bowman (1936-2019) of Buckinghamshire and installed in 2001. It depicts St Christina of Markyate (1096-1115). She was born in Huntingdonshire and after a colourful life became an anchoress experiencing many visions and eventually founded the Priory at Markyate in Hertfordshire where Cell House is situated today. She was also a skilled embroiderer and made several mitres for Pope Adrian IV. The other is St Martin of Tours, the patron of this church. Born in about AD 336, he had become a Roman soldier who shared his halved cloak with a freezing beggar, which led the way to his becoming a Christian. He performed miracles and in AD 371 became the Bishop of Tours founding a monastery at Marmoutier in France. He became the patron saint of the Third Republic.
Modern church window - West Coker
The window was designed and created by Stewart Bowman (1936-2019) of Buckinghamshire and installed in 2001. It depicts St Christina of Markyate (1096-1115). She was born in Huntingdonshire and after a colourful life became an anchoress experiencing many visions and eventually founded the Priory at Markyate in Hertfordshire where Cell House is situated today. She was also a skilled embroiderer and made several mitres for Pope Adrian IV. The other is St Martin of Tours, the patron of this church. Born in about AD 336, he had become a Roman soldier who shared his halved cloak with a freezing beggar, which led the way to his becoming a Christian. He performed miracles and in AD 371 became the Bishop of Tours founding a monastery at Marmoutier in France. He became the patron saint of the Third Republic.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker This was used to make twine from flax. This had a variety of uses but one major use was sewing the sails of sailing vessels, including those of naval vessels. The long 'walk' is about 100 yards long and the twine was twisted on the first floor under the roof and then finished by washing, drying and coating with size on the ground floor.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker
This was used to make twine from flax. This had a variety of uses but one major use was sewing the sails of sailing vessels, including those of naval vessels. The long 'walk' is about 100 yards long and the twine was twisted on the first floor under the roof and then finished by washing, drying and coating with size on the ground floor.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - size boiler This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This shows the size boiler where the gelatinous size used to coat the twine was prepared by boiling up rabbit pelts. Apparently it smelt appalling.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - size boiler
This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This shows the size boiler where the gelatinous size used to coat the twine was prepared by boiling up rabbit pelts. Apparently it smelt appalling.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - oil engine This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. The site is believed to have originally had a steam engine and then later gas and oil engines. The final engine was a Ruston & Hornsby 30 horsepower oil engine that was removed after closure. The current engine was installed during restoration and is a 23 horsepower Shanks of Arbroath built in 1927 and used in Scotland. The cylinder is 9" x 16" amounting to 16 litres. It is seen here running.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - oil engine
This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. The site is believed to have originally had a steam engine and then later gas and oil engines. The final engine was a Ruston & Hornsby 30 horsepower oil engine that was removed after closure. The current engine was installed during restoration and is a 23 horsepower Shanks of Arbroath built in 1927 and used in Scotland. The cylinder is 9" x 16" amounting to 16 litres. It is seen here running.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - the twisting walk This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This is the top floor of the 'walk' that is 300' long. The twine is made in 600' lengths and twisted from several pieces of yarn by the twisting heads behind the fence. These are driven by the oil engine and those on the right are set up with yarn. The fast and loose drives on the right were set up to drive the heads in either direction to produce S or Z yarn. It means the demonstrators can now put twist in and then take it out again. The drives on the left of the aisle only produce S yarn and are not set up.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - the twisting walk
This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This is the top floor of the 'walk' that is 300' long. The twine is made in 600' lengths and twisted from several pieces of yarn by the twisting heads behind the fence. These are driven by the oil engine and those on the right are set up with yarn. The fast and loose drives on the right were set up to drive the heads in either direction to produce S or Z yarn. It means the demonstrators can now put twist in and then take it out again. The drives on the left of the aisle only produce S yarn and are not set up.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - twisting head This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This shows the driving end of the twist walk with the twisting head driven by an oil engine via fast and loose pulleys. Several strands of yarn are twisted to produce twine and although the walk is 300' long each length is 600' because it does a double journey to and from hooks on the twisting head. This was briefly demonstrated.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - twisting head
This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This shows the driving end of the twist walk with the twisting head driven by an oil engine via fast and loose pulleys. Several strands of yarn are twisted to produce twine and although the walk is 300' long each length is 600' because it does a double journey to and from hooks on the twisting head. This was briefly demonstrated.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - twisting heads This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This shows the driving end of the twist walk with the twisting heads driven by an oil engine via fast and loose pulleys. Several strands of yarn are twisted to produce twine and although the walk is 300' long each length is 600' because it does a double journey to and from hooks on the twisting head. This was briefly demonstrated. Each of the two sets of hooks produces 6 lengths.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - twisting heads
This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This shows the driving end of the twist walk with the twisting heads driven by an oil engine via fast and loose pulleys. Several strands of yarn are twisted to produce twine and although the walk is 300' long each length is 600' because it does a double journey to and from hooks on the twisting head. This was briefly demonstrated. Each of the two sets of hooks produces 6 lengths.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - the twisting walk This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This shows the top floor of the 'walk' and is the twisting floor. Only one side has been rigged with yarn. The photographer is near the far end and looking back towards the twisting heads nearly 300' away. Behind the photographer is the 'cross' that hold the ends of the yarn as it loops back and the pulley system that provides the tension.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - the twisting walk
This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This shows the top floor of the 'walk' and is the twisting floor. Only one side has been rigged with yarn. The photographer is near the far end and looking back towards the twisting heads nearly 300' away. Behind the photographer is the 'cross' that hold the ends of the yarn as it loops back and the pulley system that provides the tension.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - the end of the twisting walk This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This shows the top floor of the 'walk' and is the twisting floor. Only one side has been rigged with yarn. The photographer is near the far end and looking at the end of the walk where the 'cross' is attached to the tensioning pulley system. The cross has the yarn threaded at the other end of the walk and is then walked the 300' while pulling the yarn off the creel. When the twine is twisted it shortens and pulls the cross back towards the twisting heads. The operator knows from how far it is pulled when the right moment is to disconnect the drive and stop twisting.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - the end of the twisting walk
This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This shows the top floor of the 'walk' and is the twisting floor. Only one side has been rigged with yarn. The photographer is near the far end and looking at the end of the walk where the 'cross' is attached to the tensioning pulley system. The cross has the yarn threaded at the other end of the walk and is then walked the 300' while pulling the yarn off the creel. When the twine is twisted it shortens and pulls the cross back towards the twisting heads. The operator knows from how far it is pulled when the right moment is to disconnect the drive and stop twisting.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - the finishing walk This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This shows the ground floor of the open sided finishing walk with two of the tensioning idlers. The twine is formed into continuous loops 600' long and driven by the oil engine. At the far end the twine is first washed in a water trough. Then it is dried by just being run in a loop. It is then treated with size to preserve it and finally polished to remove any projecting pieces. It was a sunny day and the lighting was a problem that got worse as the sun dropped lower.
Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker - the finishing walk
This works made twine from flax yarn and closed in 1968. It has more recently been restored and a visitor centre has been built alongside. This shows the ground floor of the open sided finishing walk with two of the tensioning idlers. The twine is formed into continuous loops 600' long and driven by the oil engine. At the far end the twine is first washed in a water trough. Then it is dried by just being run in a loop. It is then treated with size to preserve it and finally polished to remove any projecting pieces. It was a sunny day and the lighting was a problem that got worse as the sun dropped lower.
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West Coker is located at Grid Ref: ST5214 (Lat: 50.923918, Lng: -2.682992)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: South Somerset

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///manhole.newsstand.recover. Near West Coker, Somerset

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