Ilchester
(Redirected from Ilchester, Somerset)
  Map sources for Ilchester at grid reference ST521226 |
Ilchester is a village and parish in Somerset, England, situated on the River Yeo five miles north of Yeovil. The village has a population of 2,021.[1]
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History
In the Roman period, it was named Lindinis and was the site of a fort on the Fosse Way, and later served as the regional capital for the Durotriges.[2]
Around 1000AD there was a mint at Ilchester, which was moved to South Cadbury following attacks by the Danes,[2] and prior to the Siege of Ilchester in 1088.
The town was a base for Henry III of England for a short period in 1250.[2]
During the 11th and 12th century it was the county town of Somerset.[2]
Ilchester was the parliamentary seat of Sir William Manners (later Lord Huntingtower) in 1802, 1812 and 1818, however it is said that he maintained his position by demolishing the houses of his opponents and putting them in the workhouse which meant they did not have the vote. This was defeated by Lord Darlington who built houses for his supporters and thereby became the Member of Parliament.[2]
Churches
Ilchester had at least eight churches in medieval times of which two remain. The church of St. Mary Major dates from the 13th century and is a grade II* listed building,[3] as is the Church of St Andrew which is slightly more recent.[4]
References
- ^ Population estimates 2002. Somerset County Council. Retrieved on 2006-11-11.
- ^ a b c d e Dunning, Robert (1983). A History of Somerset. Chichester: Phillimore & Co. ISBN 0850334616.
- ^ church of St. Mary Major. Images of England. Retrieved on 2006-11-11.
- ^ church of St. Andrew. Images of England. Retrieved on 2006-11-11.
External links
- The Somerset Urban Archaeological Survey: Ilchester, by Miranda Richardson
- Photos of Ilchester in 3d (Anaglyphs)
Categories
Villages in Somerset | South Somerset | Roman forts in England | History of Somerset