Welcome to Watchet
CLICK FOR 2021 CENSUS DATAIntroduction
Watchet is a harbour town, civil parish and electoral ward in the county of Somerset, England, with a population in 2011 of 3,785. It is situated 15 miles (24 km) west of Bridgwater, 15 miles (24 km) north-west of Taunton, and 9 miles (14 km) east of Minehead. The town lies at the mouth of the Washford River on Bridgwater Bay, part of the Bristol Channel, and on the edge of Exmoor National Park. The original settlement may have been at the Iron Age fort, Daw's Castle. It then moved to the mouth of the river and a small harbour developed, named by the celts as Gwo Coed meaning "under the wood". After the Saxon conquest of the area the town developed, becoming known as Weced or Waeced, and was attacked by Vikings in the 10th century. Trade using the harbour gradually grew, despite damage during several severe storms, with import and exports of goods including those from Wansbrough Paper Mill until the 19th century when it increased with the export of iron ore, brought from the Brendon Hills via the West Somerset Mineral Railway, mainly to Newport for onward transportation to the Ebbw Vale Steelworks. The West Somerset Railway also served the town and port bringing goods and people from the Bristol and Exeter Railway. The iron ore trade reduced, finally ceasing in the early 20th century. The port continued a smaller commercial trade until 2000 when it was converted into a marina. In 2016, Watchet joined the rest of West Somerset in receiving 'Opportunity Area' status.The church is dedicated to Saint Decuman who is thought to have died here around 706. An early church was built near Daw's Castle and a new church was erected in the 15th century. It has several tombs and monuments to Sir John Wyndham and his family who were the lords of the manor. Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, which was written in the area, is commemorated by a statue on the harbourside.
Parish Information
Parish statistics
Area |
344 hectares |
---|---|
Population |
3,953 (2021) |
Density |
1,150 people/km2 |
Mean age |
43.7 |
Ward |
Watchet & Williton |
District |
West Somerset |
Postcodes |
TA23 |
ONS ID |
E04008862 |
Council
Contact details for Watchet Parish Council, including current councillors, precept data and election results.
Education
View educational establishments in Watchet Parish. Data includes OFSTED rating and current appointed governors.
Business
Business directory listing local businesses operating within Watchet Parish.
Property
Price paid data for all property sold in Watchet Parish since 2018. Includes average prices for each property type.
Heritage
Local heritage sites, historic churches, heritage pubs plus local heritage initiatives for Watchet Parish.
Local News
Hosted and licensed by Somerset County Gazette
Lucy Payne from Watchet crowned UBBF English champion
Published: 15th Apr 2024
Hosted and licensed by BBC
Watchet could almost double in size if developments are approved
Published: 6th Jan 2024
Hosted and licensed by West Somerset Free Press
Line-up revealed for first 'Words In Watchet Festival' later in February
Published: 6th Feb 2024