West Chinnock brings together several traces of its history: the origins of the Church of Saint Mary in the 13th century, buildings and memorials from later centuries, and Coker cloth-making. The first stage of the Liberty Trail, from Ham Hill to West Chinnock, is another feature. Local history and a specific walking route thus stand side by side as distinct points of interest to consider when planning.

Church and architectural styles

The origins and building phase of the Church of Saint Mary should be distinguished. Its origins date back to the 13th century, but the building was completely rebuilt in the late 19th century. The two dates therefore tell different chapters: its medieval beginnings and a major renewal centuries later. The building materials include ashlar and Ham stone; Welsh slate covers the roof between the gabled ends. Those interested in architectural history can consider the dating, masonry and roof design as separate details.

The Two Cottages at Snails Hill present a different picture: a pair of cottages dating from the early 19th century. The buildings are made of local rubble stone, and their roofs are covered with double-lap clay tiles in a Roman pattern. Compared with the church, a later date of construction and a specific tile pattern take centre stage here. Details of the two buildings illustrate different aspects of local architecture: the church’s combination of earlier origins and later rebuilding, and the cottages’ materials and roof design.

Memorials and family history

The Paul Chest Tomb and Patten Chest Tomb shift the focus from architectural history to people remembered by name. The Paul tomb dates from the late 18th century, is made of Ham stone and is surrounded by wrought-iron railings. It commemorates Elizabeth Paul, who died in 1794, and her family. The Patten tomb is an 18th-century Ham stone monument to Robert and Mary Patten and their sons Thomas and John. The sons’ years of death are recorded: Thomas died in 1770 and John in 1771. The dates of Robert and Mary’s deaths, however, are uncertain. The two memorials therefore also differ in the specific life dates that have been passed down.

Cloth-making and the Liberty Trail

West Chinnock continued to be a centre of Coker cloth-making. Richard Hayward had the Church Cottages built for his weavers; the connection between the buildings and the weavers’ work is explicitly stated here. Another historical trace leads to Stoneways, a cottage in West Chinnock where Nicholas Templeman lived before setting off to join Monmouth. Together, these details offer different insights: into local cloth-making, cottages built for weavers, and Templeman’s former home.

The first stage of the Liberty Trail runs from Ham Hill to West Chinnock. The route is listed as 3½ miles and 1¾ hours. This time estimate applies to this stage; any other plans in West Chinnock should be considered separately when planning. Check the route details before setting out, as recommended for the route.

Pub food

The Muddled Man Inn serves traditional pub dishes prepared with produce from local farms. The menu may change; bear this in mind when planning a meal.

Discover more destinations: Porlock, Montacute, Cucklington, Dunster, Frome, Fitzhead, Chilcompton, Chiselborough

For the broader travel overview: Somerset.