Fitzhead is a small rural village in a hilly landscape. Several specific points of interest are available to help plan your visit: St James the Great and its building history, the medieval cross in the churchyard, and 17th-century tombs. There is also a Ramblers walking route through the village and a one-day pottery workshop, which can be booked by arrangement. This gives you the option of focusing on cultural history, walking or a hands-on craft session.
St James the Great and its building history
St James the Great dates predominantly from the 15th century and comprises a nave, north aisle, chancel and vestry. The tower is in the Early English Perpendicular style. In 1849, the nave and chancel were rebuilt using the old materials. The 15th-century chancel screen was moved back to the entrance to the chancel in 1900. The dates refer to different things: the 15th century describes the church’s predominant period of construction and the age of the chancel screen; 1849 dates the rebuilding of two parts, and 1900 the repositioning of the screen. This sets out the building’s age and later alterations in a clear chronological sequence.
The cross, tombs and historic details
The churchyard contains a 14th-century cross with features of medieval figurative sculpture. It was restored in 1908 and also received a new head that year. Despite the restoration work and new head, it is in good condition; it is probably still in its original position. Three chest tombs in a row south of the tower date from the early to late 17th century. The Mary Byam Chest Tomb is a chest tomb made of dressed sandstone from the mid-17th century. Its inscription names Mary, the wife of William Byam, who died in 1648. The chronology therefore spans the 14th-century cross and the 17th-century tombs; in the case of the Mary Byam Chest Tomb, the inscription identifies a person and a specific year of death.
Near Knapp Cottage stands an early 19th-century milestone. It is made of dressed granite and cast iron. A cast-iron plate bears the inscription “Wiveliscombe 3 miles”. As an inscribed roadside feature, it adds another historic object to the building and tomb history.
Fitzhead Court and things to do
Fitzhead Court is also part of the village’s history. Richard Beadon retained Fitzhead Court and 87 acres before selling the estate to Alexander Baring, Lord Ashburton, in 1840. Baring was a banker and MP for Taunton. This change of ownership adds an economic and political dimension to the village’s history.
For walkers, the Ramblers route “Meandering Across Somerset Part 10” passes through Fitzhead between Wellington and Wiveliscombe. A one-day workshop in Fitzhead offers wheel throwing and painting in the traditional maiolica style. The activities differ in format: the route passes through the village, while the workshop lasts one day and is booked by arrangement. Be sure to agree on a date with the provider in advance.
Discover more destinations: Lydford, Glastonbury, Sparkford, West Huntspill, Highbridge, Taunton, Brent Knoll, Exford.
For the main travel overview: Somerset.
