Somerton, Somerset
Somerton Market Cross
"Though Somerton was once an important centre both in Somerset and in all Wessex, much of
modernity has passed it by", wrote Bryan Little in his Portrait of Somerset (2nd edition, 1971). "No really
major road runs through it, the main line trains to and from Exeter and beyond now roar past a shut and derelict station, and the little
town seems to have no substantial industry." He considered that Somerton was still a place of quiet charm, mostly built of local blue
lias "whose close-set blocks have now mellowed to a more ordinary grey."
Somerton was once the site of King Ine's royal 'burh' and this was followed by a castle in the Middle Ages which has
now disappeared. The market place is no longer dominated by a castle, but the medieval market cross rebuilt in the reign
of Charles II. West Street looks much as it would have done in the 19th century and the fine Broad Street has an attractive
aspect. The former "Red Lion" (previously the Ilchester Arms), a coaching inn and post-house is now an apartment
conversion.
Somerton, looking from the chapel into West Street
A bit of old Somerton. Somerton mill, Somerton flood
