Discover Evercreech

Evercreech combines architectural history with traces of the work once carried out in the village. Specific points of interest include a medieval stone cross, St Peter's Church, historic houses and commercial buildings, and the former silk industry. There is also a garden in the village centre and regular talks by the Evercreech History Society. Together, these offer a clear focus for your stay on local history, architecture and individual cultural events.

Church, stone cross and historic houses

The 15th-century medieval stone cross stands 50 m west of St Peter's Church, at the junction of High Street and Oxford Street. It is a well-preserved example of its type. Its octagonal base has four steps; the socket stone was made from a single block of stone.

St Peter's Church is an Anglican parish church and is Grade I listed. Its chancel dates from around 1300 and has original Early English-style tracery windows. The church is open daily from approximately 9:00 to 18:00; when dusk falls earlier, opening hours end at dusk. Check the opening hours again before your visit.

Evercreech House dates from the mid- or late 18th century and is now divided into three apartments. Its irregular Classical plan consists of three distinct sections. Evercreech House is believed to have been the home of General Charles George Gordon. Batt's House is an 18th-century house with a shop attached to its west side. Its stone mullioned windows have two and three lights; the house also occupies a prominent position on the street. By comparison, Evercreech House is notable for its three-part plan, while Batt's House stands out for its attached shop and window design.

Small Down Knoll camp provides an archaeological counterpoint to the architectural history: the monument comprises a small, multivallate hillfort and a round barrow cemetery. Both features form part of a single monument and offer a different perspective on the past from the church and houses.

Silk production and village life

The local history also includes industrial and agricultural work. Evercreech's first silk mill was built in Shapway Lane in 1792. Kemp's Mill opened in 1860, where silk velvet was woven. Until well into the 20th century, cheese was made on most local farms in the parish. Together, these historical details show the range of activities, from textile processing to agricultural production.

Garden and local events

The Millennium Garden is a peaceful haven in the centre of the village. It can be accessed via The Drangs, a network of footpaths. As local paths can change, check access before your visit.

The Evercreech History Society regularly holds talks with guest speakers. Meetings take place on the third Tuesday of each month at 19:30, from September to May. Check the current programme before travelling if you would like to include a specific talk in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Maundown, Holcombe, North Brewham, Washford, Clatworthy, Beckington, Tintinhull, Lydford.

For the wider travel guide: Somerset.