Cutcombe

Cutcombe, a large parish 7 m. S.W. from Dunster. It includes Wheddon Cross , the highest point of the road between Dunster and Minehead (nearly 1000 ft. above sea-level). The scenery is very beautiful, Dunkery being a conspicuous feature in the prospect. The church, which is ½ m. from the main road, has undergone extensive restoration, and has for the archaeologist little interest. In the graveyard is the base of an ancient cross, with modern shaft and head.

St Johns Church Cuttcombe

St Johns Church Cutcombe detail on the tower

Cutcombe sheep fair used to be a major Exmoor event. It took palce on what is now the cricket ground. There is still a levestock market in the village but no longer the sheep fair. Cutcombe is the highest village in Somerset lying on the A396 with Wheddon Cross. It was originally called Udicombe in the Domesday Book, but somehow the name evolved into its present one. The parish church is Norman, and offers good views towards the Brendons. A village school was established in the 18th century to educate 100 poor children. The original buildings are now private houses, but in 1875 a headmaster's house and a school for 200 children was built and this still stands today drawing children from the village and from neighbouring parishes.

Contributed by: Jim Knight