Hatch Beauchamp: Local History, Church and Hatch Court

Hatch Beauchamp brings together several strands of local history: a parish church of Norman origin, the grounds of Hatch Court, a former railway station and a Baptist chapel complex with three different dates. A monthly farmers’ market and the CLOSE Gallery add local activities to the mix. The village can therefore be viewed from different perspectives: architectural history, landscape and current visiting hours each offer a different point of reference.

Church and architectural history

The Church of St John the Baptist is a Grade I listed building. Its history includes a Norman origin, a tower dating from around 1500 and a porch dated 1530. The dates are not equally precise: the tower is dated to approximately 1500, while the porch has a specific date. Remnants of medieval stained glass survive in the upper panels of the west window on the north wall of the north aisle. So, as well as the building itself, individual surviving details form part of the church’s history.

The Baptist Chapel is another historic complex. It comprises a chapel from 1783, a manse from 1855 and schoolrooms from 1883. The three dates refer to different parts of the complex, so they should not be combined into a single construction date. Together with the church, they represent two distinct strands of local architectural history.

Railway station and Hatch Court

The railway’s history is also linked to a specific location. The former Hatch Beauchamp Railway Station was built around 1865 for the Bristol and Exeter Railway Company; its design was based on plans by Brunel. The station was later demolished. A cast-iron boundary marker from 1911 marks the former railway site where the station stood. The station and the marker therefore belong to different points in the same local history: one recalls the railway’s construction, while the other marks the site after the station’s demolition.

Hatch Court offers a different scale on which to view the area. The grounds cover about 60 hectares: approximately 30 hectares of gardens and pleasure grounds, and around 30 hectares of parkland. The two areas are roughly equal in size; both the total area and its division are approximate. Hatch Court lies on a ridge. The land drops steeply to the north through Line Wood, while it slopes more gently to the east, west and south.

Farmers’ market, gallery and recreation area

The farmers’ market and community café take place on the second Saturday of each month from 10 am to 12 noon. The market offers meat products, cakes, baked goods, preserves, fresh fruit and vegetables, and Somerset honey. As it is worth checking the date before travelling and the vendors and products may change, checking the latest information can help you plan.

The CLOSE Gallery presents a programme featuring internationally recognised artists and emerging voices in the historic setting of Close House and its sculpture grounds. During exhibitions, the gallery is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm, and on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm. Visits outside exhibition hours can be arranged by appointment. Opening hours and arrangements may change, so check them before planning your visit.

At the recreation area beside the Village Hall, you’ll find play equipment, a cricket pitch, a tennis court, a multi-use games area, picnic spots and parking. The facilities sit alongside one another and offer different ways to spend time outdoors. The market, gallery and recreation area each have their own visiting arrangements: the market follows a monthly schedule, the gallery is open during exhibitions or by arrangement, and the recreation area offers a choice of facilities.

Discover more destinations: Lydford, Nunney, Wincanton, Fitzhead, Somerton, West Quantoxhead, Bruton, Cutcombe

For the main travel overview: Somerset.