Evercreech’s history stretches from the medieval stone cross and St Peter’s to silk production and houses dating from the 18th century. The Millennium Garden offers a different focal point in the village centre. A visit can therefore take in different highlights: the parish church and monument, former silk-making, historic houses or the garden. The History Society adds to the village’s history with regular talks.
The Stone Cross and St Peter’s
The medieval stone cross stands 50 m west of St Peter’s Church, at the junction of High Street and Oxford Street. It dates from the 15th century and is considered a well-preserved example of its kind. Its octagonal base has four steps; the socket stone above it was made from a single block of stone.
The Church of St Peter is an Anglican parish church with Grade I listing. Its chancel dates from around 1300 and has original Early English-style tracery windows. Tracery is the stonework that divides a window into sections, and here it makes the historic design visible in a specific architectural feature.
Silk History and Historic Houses
Evercreech’s first silk mill was built in Shapway Lane in 1792. Kemp’s Mill opened in 1860, where silk velvet was woven. These two dates represent different aspects of local silk history: the first silk mill on the one hand, and the opening of a mill with velvet weaving on the other.
Evercreech House is a country house dating from the mid or late 18th century and is now divided into three apartments. Its irregular classical floor 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 on the west side and stone-mullioned windows with two or three lights. It occupies a prominent position on the road. In contrast with Evercreech House, the extension, window style and position on the road stand out here, while the other house’s architectural character is defined by its floor plan and three-part layout.
Garden, Landscape and Former Farming
Evercreech lies on rocky ground with numerous springs. The Millennium Garden, a peaceful haven, is in the centre of the village. It is accessed via The Drangs, a network of footpaths. As local paths may change, check access before your visit.
Cheesemaking is also part of the parish’s history: cheese was made on most local farms until the 20th century.
Talks and Opening Hours
The Evercreech History Society holds regular talks by guest speakers and meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 19:30 between September and May. If you are planning your stay around a talk, check the current programme in advance. St Peter’s is open daily from about 9 am to 6 pm, or until dusk when it gets dark earlier. Check opening hours before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Minehead, Hatch Beauchamp, Shepton Mallet, North Petherton, Holford, West Coker, Templecombe.
For the wider travel overview: Somerset.
