Crewkerne in south Somerset is an historic market town and antiques centre on the edge of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The station is looked after by the Friends of Crewkerne Station group whos hard work and creative endeavours has made it a multi award winning station. Stations in Bloom GOLD award winner, accolade saying:
“Definitely a well organised and well disciplined large group taking pride in all they achieve year round. Good floral displays, again all year round, excellent onward travel information and the integration of the adopters group into town activities and indeed newsletters and social media is really good (Facebook -Friends of Crewkerne Station). A great gateway to the town, lovingly maintained by great people.”
Turn left at the station entrance into Misterton (a short 10 minute walk from the station) to sample to delights of Mallabones and Taste of the West winner Cedrics (local produce) and the Globe Inn – a Rail Ale Trail Pub. Turn right and take a short 20 minute stroll from the station to the town centre or a bus ride from the bus stop opposite the station entrance. If you are walking don’t miss the fabulous antiques centre, half way into town. It’s full of interesting nooks and crannies filled by various sellers. Tea and wonderful cakes are available. And of course, further along is Lawrence Auction House, as seen on various BBC TV antiques programmes. There is a lively mix of antiques shops, stunning architecture and places to eat, besides a compact shopping centre with both independent retailers and national stores. Community spirit is strong and there is the Aquacentre swimming pool, The Heritage Centre Museum and a Sports Club all run by volunteers.
Shady Bincombe or Bincombe Beeches – The area is noted for the number of green lanes and footpaths and overlooking the town is Shady Bincombe with walks and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a picnic surrounded by stunning countryside and a way to view the whole of Crewkerne. The view from the Beeches overlooks the whole town and away to Winyards Gap in the south. There is a changing background of wild flowers and plants and evidence of rabbits and badgers. There have also been sighting of deer.There is a well-made path up from behind the Town Hall to the Bincombe Beeches and you can then wander the many pathways along the top of the ridge. All of it close enough to the town to break off for a coffee or lunch. After a short climb you can rest on a bench and look over the whole town with its fifteenth century church and many hamstone buildings.
Crewkerne is noted for its listed buildings including the Victorian Station but there is an industrial heritage which has persisted from the days when it was the centre of the web and rope making industry. The sails of HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson’s Flagship are reputed to have been made here and you can still see the mill buildings where glove making and Bonsoir shirts were made.
Crewkerne is celebrated for its famous hamstone architecture. As you discover some of the wonderful buildings, see how many Blue Plaques you can spot. Follow the architecture and blue plaques around the town.
Georgian Hotel, Market Place is the most complete survival of Crewkerne’s coaching inns. Thomas Hutchins, the proprietor and Crewkerne’s Postmaster between 1619 and 1631, introduced England’s first profitable postal service between London and Plymouth.
The White Hart. This inn, formerly known as The George is the oldest survival of Crewkerne’s hostelries with fine medieval windows and a fireplace dating back to 1500.
Severalls Park. These stone piers mark the entrance to one of the earliest council estates in the country. The housing, trees and recreation grounds are a memorial to the 131 Crewkerne men killed in the First World War.
17 Market Street. This fine Georgian house, with its exceptionally elegant facade, was the Crewkerne home of the Blake family who were pioneers in the Falkland Islands. Hence the name of the adjacent Falkland Square.
Southfield House. Middle Path. John Patch, noted Crewkerne builder and architect, built this house for himself on land purchased in 1837. His characteristic style may be seen in many of the town’s buildings of 1830s and 1840s.
13 Market Square. This late medieval house was originally the Red Lion Inn. It has a fine sixteenth century carved ceiling and a stone vaulted under croft which is probably twelfth century and the oldest surviving structure in Crewkerne.
The Abbey, Abbey Street. Dating from 1636, this Jacobian-style building housed the Crewkerne Grammar School founded by John de Combe in 1499.
Crewkerne and District Museum and Heritage Centre, 29 Market Street, is dedicated to the history of this beautiful market town and the local area, covering a number of aspects, from industry to religion and commerce to education. A great introduction to the area and entry is FREE. Discover the long and interesting history of Crewkerne, from its status as a Saxon Royal Mint, its prosperity thanks to the textile industry and its importance as a stopping place for travellers. Learn about well-known personalities associated with the town, such as Admiral Hardy, who was educated only a few hundred yards away from the museum, plus how ordinary people lived during various periods. Open April to October. (www.crewkernemuseum.co.uk – phone 01460 77079)
For generations a family of Somerset farmers have been wondering if there was ever actually a castle on top of Castle Hill. Records show there was a Norman Castle in the area, but they are not clear about exactly where. Robert Dunning says Henry 1 granted the manor of Crewkerne to Richard de Redvers, earl of Devon in 1107. ‘Croft Castle’ was maintained and probably garrisoned by Richard and then his son Baldwin de Redvers. Around 1150 Baldwin de redvers gave to the Bishop of Salisbury, his neighbour on the north Devon boundary, the service of knights who had previously been attached to his castle. Three were local men from Seaborough, Chedington and Wambrook. Watch Time Team Dig Series 19 Episode 10.