Ilminster, nestled in the heart of Somerset, boasts a history that stretches back over a thousand years. From its Saxon roots to its status as a thriving market town, Ilminster has retained a charm and character shaped by centuries of change.
The town's name originates from the River Ile and the Minster Church of St Mary, a landmark that continues to watch over the town today. Ilminster was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, and by the 13th century, it had been granted market rights—sealing its role as a hub for trade in the region.
In the medieval era, the wool and cloth trade brought prosperity, and the town thrived with weekly markets and fairs. Many of Ilminster’s historic buildings, including timber-framed houses and stone cottages, date from this period.
During the English Civil War, Ilminster found itself caught in the political turbulence that gripped the nation. Royalist and Parliamentary forces both passed through, and local families were often split in their loyalties.
The arrival of the railway in the 19th century connected Ilminster to larger markets and further shaped its economic fortunes. Though the station has since closed, the former railway line lives on as the Ilminster Greenway.
Today, walking through Ilminster is like strolling through a living timeline, where Saxon foundations, medieval craftsmanship, Georgian elegance, and Victorian innovation all quietly coexist.
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