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Wedmore is a large village and civil parish in the county of Somerset, England.[1] It is situated on raised ground, in the Somerset Levels between the River Axe and River Brue, often called the Isle of Wedmore. The parish consists of three main villages: Wedmore, Blackford and Theale, with the 17 hamlets of Bagley, Blakeway, Clewer, Crickham, Cocklake, Heath House, Latcham, Little Ireland, Middle Stoughton, Mudgley, Panborough, Sand, Stoughton Cross, Washbrook, West End, West Ham and West Stoughton. The parish of Wedmore has a population of 3,318 according to the 2011 census.[2]

Key Information

Its facilities include a medical and dental practice, pharmacy, butcher's, a village store with off licence, three pubs, restaurant, café and several other local shops. It is 4 miles (6 km) south of Cheddar, 7 miles (11 km) west of the city of Wells and 7 miles (11 km) north west of Glastonbury.

History

[edit]

Iron Age remains have been found in the Wedmore area,[3] and there are a number of Roman sites in the district.

The name Wedmore in Old English is thought to mean "hunting lodge" or "hunting moor"[4] and there was a Saxon royal estate in the area. Centwine gained control of the area in 682 and named it 'Vadomaer' after one of the Saxon leaders, Vado the famous.[5] After winning the Battle of Ethandun, Alfred the Great caused the Viking leader Guthrum and his followers to be baptised at Aller and then celebrated at Wedmore. After this the Vikings withdrew to East Anglia.

The Treaty of Wedmore is a term used by some historians inferred for the events in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, outlining how in 878 the Viking leader Guthrum was baptised and accepted Alfred the Great as his godfather.[6] No such treaty still exists but there is a document that is not specifically linked to Wedmore that is a Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum.[7] Alfred then left Wedmore in his will to his son Edward the Elder.[8]

Wedmore was part of the hundred of Bempstone.[9] Earthworks from a complex of buildings, including a hall and chapel, surrounded by a moat, have been identified. The site is believed to have been a bishop's palace demolished by John Harewel in the 1380s.[10]

The George Inn

In 1853 a hoard of 200 silver coins dating from the Saxon period was found in the churchyard. In 1988 a Saxon ring, made of copper alloy with a unique knot design and dating from the 6th or 7th century, was found in the village by Tim Purnell. It has been authenticated by the British Museum and a modern copy made by local jeweller Erica Sharpe.[11]

According to the 1086 Domesday Book, Wedmore/Wetmore was one of the holdings of the Bishop of Wells with 18 cottagers, woodlands, pasture and two fisheries.

In the medieval period, Wedmore was the centre for the surrounding agricultural area, with weekly markets as well as a larger annual one. The market cross dates from the 14th century.[12]

In the 17th century Dr John Westover built a mental hospital to which patients came from all over the West Country.[13] This is believed to have been England's first private lunatic asylum. The doctor is thought to have treated his patients compassionately, ensuring that they had luxuries such as playing cards and tobacco. He kept a record of the ailments of Wedmore people over a period of 15 years.[14]

The original post office in Church Street opposite the church itself, dates from Georgian times,[15] while the Old Vicarage was built at the end of the 15th century.[16] The George Hotel was a 16th-century coaching inn.[17] John Tonkin built a fashionable house, in the Italianate style, which is now the pharmacy.[8][18]

The pharmacy

In 1799 Hannah More established a Sunday school for children in Wedmore in the face of opposition from the vicar and local gentry.[19]

Wedmore's market cross was moved roughly 100 yards along The Borough in the 1830s to allow widening of the high street.

Between 1881 and 1898 the Reverend Hervey produced the Wedmore Chronicle which gives a picture of the people and area at the time.[20]

In late 2018, Strongvox Homes commissioned the development of 35 new houses to the east of Wedmore First School Academy on Blackford Road, with a completion date of early 2020. The scheme comes in the wake of a previous application to build 60 homes opposite the school and 18 opposite Westholme Farm, also on Blackford Road. The development plans were called "ludicrous" and "unnecessary" by residents concerned about the strain placed on infrastructure in the Wedmore region. Wedmore Parish Council supported the development, saying "The neighbourhood plan will provide an element of affordable housing, which is much-needed in the village."[21]

Governance

[edit]

The parish council has responsibility for local issues, including setting an annual precept (local rate) to cover the council's operating costs and producing annual accounts for public scrutiny. The parish council evaluates local planning applications and works with the local police, district council officers, and neighbourhood watch groups on matters of crime, security, and traffic. The parish council's role includes initiating projects for the maintenance and repair of parish facilities, as well as consulting with the district council on the maintenance, repair, and improvement of highways, drainage, footpaths, public transport, and street cleaning. Conservation matters (including trees and listed buildings) and environmental issues are also the responsibility of the council.

For local government purposes, since 1 April 2023, the village comes under the unitary authority of Somerset Council. Prior to this, it was part of the non-metropolitan district of Sedgemoor, which was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, having previously been part of Axbridge Rural District.

The village is in the Wedmore and Mark electoral ward. Although Wedmore is the most populous area, the ward stretches east to Mark. Wedmore is part of the UK Parliament constituency of Wells and Mendip Hills.

International relations

[edit]

Wedmore has been twinned with Saint-Médard-de-Guizières in Aquitaine, France, since 1975. A piece of public art was given as a gift to the people of Wedmore in 1995 by the citizens of Saint-Médard-de-Guizières, named the "Grape Press", to mark the twentieth anniversary of the twinning. The press is maintained by the Twinning Association and is part of the display that enabled the Wedmore in Bloom initiative achieve a Gold Award in 2009. In exchange, Wedmore gave the French town a British red phone box.[4]

Geography

[edit]
Church Street

Wedmore is situated on raised ground, in the Somerset Levels between the River Axe and River Brue, often called the Isle of Wedmore, which is composed of Blue Lias and marl.[22]

South of Wedmore are the Tealham and Tadham Moors, a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest which form part of the extensive grazing marsh and ditch systems of the Somerset Levels and Moors. The water table is high throughout the greater part of the year with winter flooding occurring annually, by over-topping of the River Brue. 113 aquatic and bankside vascular plant species have been recorded from the field ditches, rhynes and deep arterial watercourses. A diverse invertebrate fauna is associated in particular with ditches that have a good submerged plant community. The water beetle fauna is exceptionally rich, with the nationally rare species Hydrophilus piceus and Hydrochara caraboides together with the rare soldier flies Stratiomys furcata and Odontomyia ornata. Good numbers of dragonflies and damselflies occur including the Hairy Dragonfly (Brachytron pratense) and the Variable Damselfly (Coenagrion pulchellum).[23]

Climate

[edit]

Along with the rest of South West England, Wedmore has a temperate climate which is generally wetter and milder than the rest of the country.[24] The annual mean temperature is approximately 10 °C (50.0 °F). Seasonal temperature variation is less extreme than most of the United Kingdom because of the adjacent sea temperatures. The summer months of July and August are the warmest with mean daily maxima of approximately 21 °C (69.8 °F). In winter mean minimum temperatures of 1 °C (33.8 °F) or 2 °C (35.6 °F) are common.[24] In the summer the Azores high pressure affects the south-west of England; however, convective cloud sometimes forms inland, reducing the number of hours of sunshine. Annual sunshine rates are slightly less than the regional average of 1,600 hours.[24] In December 1998 there were 20 days without sun recorded at Yeovilton. Most of the rainfall in the south-west is caused by Atlantic depressions or by convection. Most of the rainfall in autumn and winter is caused by the Atlantic depressions, which is when they are most active. In summer, a large proportion of the rainfall is caused by sun heating the ground leading to convection and to showers and thunderstorms. Average rainfall is around 700 mm (28 in). About 8–15 days of snowfall is typical. November to March have the highest mean wind speeds, and June to August have the lightest winds. The predominant wind direction is from the south-west.[24]

Demography

[edit]

The population of Wedmore, recorded in the 2011 census, is 3,318. Since Wedmore has a higher level of residents born in the UK than the national average and a lower rate of residents either born in other EU countries or outside the EU, it does not have a significant immigrant population.[25]

Education

[edit]

The educational system in the Cheddar Valley consists of first schools for children between the ages of 4 and 9, two middle schools (ages 9 to 13) and a secondary school for pupils up to the age of 18 years.

Hugh Sexey Middle School

Established in 1876 as Wedmore First School, and upgrading to academy status in July 2011, the first school built for Wedmore has 211 pupils, with a capacity of 210, aged from four to nine. On 1 September 2016, it became part of a multi-academy trust known as the Wessex Learning Trust. The trust comprises eight schools within the Cheddar Valley geographic area who together offer educational provision from ages 2–19.

Hugh Sexey is a middle school and specialist Technology College in Blackford named after royal auditor Hugh Sexey (1556–1619). The school had 620 pupils in June 2012, who join aged 9 in Year 5 and stay until age 13 in Year 8, after which they go to The Kings of Wessex Academy in Cheddar.[26][27] Hugh Sexey is also a Wessex Learning Trust member.

I.T. for the Terrified was started in Wedmore in 1999,[28] as a community project so that volunteers could share their computer skills with the local community in a user-friendly and informal setting. In 2001 it moved to the rear of The George Hotel, and in 2009 it moved to a converted cow barn in the grounds of The Kings of Wessex Academy in Cheddar.[29]

Transport

[edit]

Historically, and apart from school services, Wedmore has been poorly served. The first regularly timed daily bus service began in the mid-1980—a regular service between Wells to the east and Burnham-on-Sea to the west. There is also a service between Glastonbury to the south-east and Shipham via Cheddar to the north.

Wedmore Community Bus

[edit]

The Isle of Wedmore Rural Transport Association, known locally as the Wedmore Community Bus, consists of a voluntary committee which runs a community bus service in conjunction with Somerset County Council. Established in the late 1970s,[30] it currently operates a return service from Wedmore to Bridgwater, Taunton, Glastonbury and Weston-super-Mare, each town being served on one day per week. Each service is timed to leave Wedmore at about 9:30 am, reaching Wedmore on the return in the early afternoon.Occasional services are also run to Cribbs Causeway shopping centre, near Bristol.

Religious sites

[edit]
Stone building with square tower
Church of St Mary

The Church of St Mary is predominantly from the 15th century, although some 12th- and 13th-century work survives. The tower, which was built around 1400,[31] with its set-back buttresses, includes triple two-light bell chamber windows; those to the centre are louvred, those to each side blank. The gardens that surround the church are best viewed from the top of this tower.[32] St Mary's Church is a Grade I listed building.[33]

Wedmore Methodist Church, on Sand Road, was built in 1817 replacing an earlier chapel which was built in 1795 on the site of the present Village Hall. It is a Grade II listed building built of local Wedmore stone.[34][35] The Sunday School Room was built in 1896 and the church was refurbished in 1901 when a porch was added. In 2008 the vestry was completely refurbished and new furniture installed.[36]

Wedmore Baptist Church had been open since 1857 on Grants Lane, but closed to parishioners in March 2010 due to a limited number of people attending services. A church committee member put this down to an increase in numbers at the nearby Bagley Baptist Church, also in the Wedmore parish, which has livelier services that attract young people.[37]

The village of Theale is served by Christ Church, built in 1826–28, and Blackford is served by Holy Trinity, built in 1821–23. Both churches were designed by Richard Carver.[38][39]

Culture

[edit]

Wedmore has a number of annual festivals including the Arts Festival, a summer street fair, Wedmore by Lamplight street fair at Christmas, and a large Harvest Home and village parade on the playing field each year. Wedmore Playing Fields also offer sporting facilities for tennis, football, cricket and bowls.

Arts events are held at Wedmore Village Hall, both those produced locally and national tours. Wedmore Opera stages large-scale classic opera in a specially designed and constructed marquee venue and also in Wedmore Village Hall.[40] The group were founded in 1988 "around a kitchen table"[41] and to date have staged more than 60 performances of 18 productions.[42] They recently performed Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance, and in 2018 they aim to stage Verdi's La Traviata to mark their 30th anniversary, as this was their first production.[43] Wedmore Theatre[44] is the longest standing arts organisation in Wedmore and has put on many productions over the past 40 years.

Local people created and host the original Turnip Prize, a parody of the Turner Prize. This competition (celebrating the worst of bad modern art) takes place annually at The New Inn.[45]

There is an annual Wedmore Real Ale Festival in September.

Notable residents

[edit]

Sport

[edit]
  • Dickie Burrough (1909–1994), first-class cricketer, was born in Wedmore.
  • William Burrough (1875–1939), first-class cricketer and father of Dickie Burrough, died in Wedmore.
  • Jos Buttler (born 1990), Lancashire and England wicketkeeper, grew up in Wedmore.[46]
  • John Griffiths (1931–1982), first-class cricketer, died in Wedmore.
  • Charles Smith (1898–1955), first-class cricketer and Royal Marines officer, was born in Wedmore.

Other

[edit]
  • Arthur Dalzell, 13th Earl of Carnwath (1851–1941), British Army officer and representative peer of Scotland, died at his country residence, Sand House.
  • Penelope Fitzgerald (1916–2000), Booker prize-winning novelist, poet, essayist and biographer, was a weekend resident at Theale Post Office, c. 1981 – c. 1986.[47]
  • John Giles (1812–1867), Anglican priest, was born in Wedmore.[48]
  • Gary Glitter (born 1944), glam rock singer, owned a country home in Wedmore at the time of his arrest in 1997.[49]
  • Tessa Munt (born 1959), MP for Wells, 2010–2015, lives in Wedmore.[50]
  • Lyndon Smith (born 1964), academic, lives in Wedmore.[51]

Further reading

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Wedmore

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Wedmore is a village and civil parish in the Sedgemoor district of Somerset, England, situated on the Isle of Wedmore, a ridge of higher ground amid the surrounding low-lying Somerset Levels between the River Axe and River Brue. The parish covers 41.68 square kilometres and recorded a population of 3,292 in the 2021 United Kingdom census. Historically, Wedmore gained prominence as the site of the Treaty of Wedmore in 878, where King Alfred the Great of Wessex negotiated peace with the Viking leader Guthrum following Alfred's victory at the Battle of Edington, establishing a boundary that divided England into Anglo-Saxon territories in the south and the Danelaw in the north. The village's name derives from Anglo-Saxon terms meaning "hunting lodge" or "hunting moor," reflecting its early role as a royal estate with prehistoric roots tracing back to Iron Age settlements. Today, Wedmore functions as a thriving rural community with local amenities including shops, pubs, and a post office, supported by its parish council, while maintaining a landscape shaped by agriculture and proximity to the Levels' wetlands.

History

Anglo-Saxon Origins and King Alfred's Legacy

The name Wedmore derives from Wēdmōr, combining elements suggesting a "moor" or marshy upland associated with or wooded terrain, indicative of early Anglo-Saxon settlement in the Somerset Levels region during the 5th to 7th centuries, when Germanic tribes established agricultural communities amid the wetlands. Archaeological finds, such as a copper alloy Saxon ring discovered locally, support continuity of Anglo-Saxon from this formative period, though evidence of pre-9th-century structures remains limited to place-name and scattered artifacts rather than extensive excavations. By the late , Wedmore functioned as a villa regalis—a royal estate—implied by its role in high-level assemblies, reflecting centralized authority under West Saxon kings amid ongoing threats from Mercian and Viking incursions. In 878, following King Alfred's guerrilla campaign from the stronghold of against the Viking led by , Alfred decisively defeated the invaders at the (also known as Ethandun). Guthrum sought terms, leading to his as a Christian at Aller, approximately 5 miles from Wedmore, where Alfred stood as sponsor; Guthrum adopted the name and acknowledged Alfred as spiritual father. The records that Alfred then hosted Guthrum and 30 of his key retainers for 12 days at Wedmore, honoring them with gifts to seal the alliance and affirm Guthrum's legitimacy over Christian subjects in Viking-held territories. This gathering, often termed the Peace of Wedmore, delineated boundaries—Vikings east of the River Thames, to the west—paving the way for Guthrum's withdrawal to and a fragile truce that Alfred reinforced through fortifications and codes. Alfred's legacy at Wedmore underscores his strategy of blending military victory with diplomatic conversion, transforming a potential vassal into an allied ruler and halting the Viking advance that had nearly overrun Wessex; the event's proximity to Athelney, where Alfred famously rallied resistance, cemented Wedmore's symbolic role in narratives of English resilience, as chronicled by contemporaries like Asser, who emphasized the king's piety and foresight in averting total conquest. While the Chronicle provides the primary eyewitness-derived account, later medieval elaborations occasionally conflate details, such as precise treaty terms, with the surviving Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum (c. 878–890) offering legal corollaries on mutual protections rather than a verbatim Wedmore document. This episode not only preserved West Saxon sovereignty but also integrated Christian ritual into statecraft, influencing subsequent Anglo-Saxon kingship models amid persistent Scandinavian pressures.

Medieval Development and Feudal Economy

In the Domesday Book of 1086, Wedmore was chiefly a possession of the Bishop of Wells, comprising 13 villagers, 14 smallholders, 18 cottagers, and 4 slaves—equivalent to 45 households—supported by 36 ploughlands, 4 lord's plough teams, 9 men's plough teams, 70 acres of meadow, pasture measuring 1 league by 1, 50 acres of woodland, and 2 fisheries. This yielded a valuation of £17, underscoring a feudal economy reliant on mixed , extensive for sheep and , milling, and riverine amid the marshy . A secondary holding under Robert of Auberville and King William included 17 villagers, 20 smallholders, 2 slaves, 32 burgesses, and 7 tributaries, with 20 ploughlands, 15 acres of meadow, comparable pasture and woodland, 2 mills valued at 12s 5d, and 3 fisheries, valued at £33 1s 5d—bringing the settlement's total households to 88.5 and highlighting early manorial fragmentation. Post-Conquest, Wedmore's lands, previously a royal manor granted to Bishop Giso around 1062, were reorganized by 1136 into six prebends under the Dean and Chapter of Wells, vesting primary lordship in the Dean, who held rights confirmed by a 1157 and a late-12th-century , including privileges. The Dean maintained a high-status residence at Mudgley, site of a medieval akin to episcopal palaces, though absentee lordship periodically strained local administration. Sub-manors such as Allerton (11 hides), Weare (6 hides), Blackford, and Mark fell under Wells' oversight, while Panborough pertained to , enforcing a hierarchical feudal structure of cultivation, tenant labor services, and customary rents tied to hides and holdings. Economic development accelerated in the with King Henry III's 1255 charter to Dean Giles de , authorizing a weekly market and a three-day from 21 to 23 , which bolstered trading and fairs as core revenue streams in a landscape. Concurrently, a planned "" emerged in the late 12th or , featuring burgage tenures, a port-reeve for oversight, and market spaces near stream crossings, blending feudal with proto-urban to maximize episcopal income from rents and tolls. Medieval drainage efforts improved meadows and arable extents, sustaining fisheries and woodland resources, though the (1347–1351) diminished labor pools, hastening serfdom's erosion and shifting toward leaseholds. By the , institutions like the 1449 of St. Mary reflected communal adaptations within this evolving economy, centered on agrarian output and regional exchange.

Enclosure and Industrial Shifts

The enclosure of common lands around Wedmore commenced on a small scale from the , but accelerated dramatically in the late , with principal enclosures occurring circa 1785–1791 through parliamentary acts targeting the surrounding moors and fields. These measures privatized open fields and previously used for communal and arable farming, reallocating them into consolidated holdings that facilitated more efficient , drainage, and livestock management under individual ownership. In the ' low-lying terrain, such enclosures often involved embankments and drainage works to combat flooding, transforming fragmented strips into hedged fields that boosted yields during the Agricultural Revolution. Wedmore's local economy, predominantly agrarian, benefited from these shifts between the late 18th and mid-19th centuries, as improved farming practices supported higher productivity in , cheese production (notably influencing nearby Cheddar), and rearing. A weekly market, dormant since , was revived, alongside annual cattle fairs that prospered, drawing traders and stimulating trade in and produce; reflected this, peaking at approximately 2,800 residents in 1841. emerged with the construction of larger farmhouses, local businesses, a for enclosure-related , and a to serve expanding rural needs. Industrial development remained limited, constrained by Wedmore's isolation in the wetlands without early rail links—turnpikes arrived late, and no railway connected the village until the —preventing the influx of or mechanized seen elsewhere in . The post-1840s agricultural depression, exacerbated by cheap imports and falling grain prices, reversed gains, causing and stagnation in non-farm sectors; enclosures, while increasing landowner efficiency, displaced smallholders and cottagers reliant on , contributing to without offsetting urban migration to industrial centers. Thus, Wedmore's "industrial shifts" manifested primarily as agricultural modernization rather than factory-based production, preserving a economy vulnerable to market fluctuations.

20th-Century Changes and Post-War Growth

In the early 20th century, Wedmore's economy remained tied to agriculture amid broader rural challenges, including the lingering effects of late-19th-century depressions that weakened local markets; traditional cattle fairs, revived in the 19th century, ultimately failed during this period. Population continued a steady decline from its 1841 peak of over 3,000, reflecting out-migration and limited non-agricultural opportunities in the Somerset Levels region. Post-World War II initiatives significantly altered the surrounding landscape through intensified drainage efforts across the , enabling greater agricultural productivity via peatland reclamation and mechanization, though Wedmore's elevated position spared it direct flooding risks. These changes supported dairy and arable farming intensification but did not reverse Wedmore's local until broader transport improvements facilitated . From the onward, halted, with gradual growth transforming Wedmore into a commuter village; suburban housing expanded on higher ground to the west and southwest, attracting residents working in nearby urban centers like and Wells via improved road access along the A39. Modest infrastructure developments included a works east of the village center and the establishment of a on Cheddar Road, underscoring limited but steady post-war modernization amid reduced reliance on . By the late , this shift bolstered local services while preserving the village's rural character.

Geography and Environment

Location and Topography

Wedmore is situated in the Mendip district of Somerset, South West England, at geographic coordinates 51°13′48″N 2°48′36″W. The village lies approximately 4 miles (6 km) south of Axbridge, 11 miles (18 km) southeast of Weston-super-Mare, and midway between Wells and Burnham-on-Sea. This positioning places it centrally relative to regional landmarks, including the Mendip Hills to the north and the Somerset Levels surrounding it to the south and east. The topography of Wedmore centers on the Isle of Wedmore, a raised spanning roughly 19 km² that elevates to a maximum of 65 m above the adjacent lowlands of the . This "isle" consists of firmer, undulating terrain formed by keuper and other resistant deposits, contrasting sharply with the flat, peat-rich marshes and moors of the Levels, which lie at 3-4 m above . The village itself occupies ground averaging 25-30 m in , with gentle slopes descending to the surrounding wetlands between the Rivers Axe and Brue. This elevated setting historically isolated Wedmore as an amid seasonally flooded terrain until medieval drainage efforts connected it to the mainland. The topography affords panoramic views across the Levels toward the Polden Hills and , while the local landscape features rocky outcrops and slopes supporting .

Geology and the Somerset Levels

The Isle of Wedmore, on which the village is situated, forms a low-lying hill rising to approximately 72 metres above mean , elevated relative to the surrounding through a geological structure known as a relay ramp between the Weare and Mudgley faults. This ramp, dipping gently southwest at about 3°, originated from during the period (approximately 199–183 million years ago), with subsequent fault breaching by the Wedmore Fault contributing to the local topography of undulating ridges and better drainage compared to the adjacent lowlands. Bedrock beneath Wedmore consists primarily of Upper Group (mudstones and halite-bearing strata, up to 610 metres thick, dated 252–201 million years ago) overlain by Lower formations, including the Blue Anchor Formation limestones, Westbury Formation mudstones and limestones, and interbedded mudstones and limestones. A notable local feature is Wedmore Stone, a lenticular deposit of hard grey composed of shell fragments from the Westbury Beds, which weathers to brown and has been quarried for building materials. These beds (approximately 209–201 million years old) represent marine sedimentary layers transitional between and systems, exposed or near-surface in the area. The relay ramp structure facilitated historical drainage efforts, with major improvements occurring between 1230–1330 AD, 1770–1830 AD, and from 1939 onward, mitigating flood risks inherent to the broader regional geology. The , encompassing Wedmore, are surfaced by the Somerset Levels Formation, comprising dark blue-grey silty clays, silts, subordinate sands, beds, and gravels up to 35 metres thick, deposited during post-glacial over the last 10,000 years. These unconsolidated deposits, resting unconformably on and , infill buried valleys in estuarine, marine, and terrestrial environments, with shelly gravels and sands at higher levels reflecting sea-level fluctuations from the Ipswichian Stage onward. Inland moors and coastal marine clays dominate, interspersed with interglacial Burtle Beds—sands and gravels from warmer Pleistocene intervals—creating waterlogged, poorly drained terrain prone to seasonal inundation, in contrast to the structurally elevated Wedmore. This veneer supports the Levels' characteristic flat, fertile alluvial landscape but necessitates ongoing management to counter and flooding exacerbated by decomposition.

Climate Data and Environmental Risks

Wedmore lies within the temperate zone typical of southwest , featuring mild winters, cool summers, and consistent year-round influenced by Atlantic weather systems. The mean annual is approximately 10.7°C, with average highs of 21°C in and lows of about 2°C in or . Summer daytime highs rarely exceed 25°C, while winter nights seldom drop below freezing for extended periods. Annual precipitation totals around 864 mm, distributed fairly evenly but with peaks in autumn and winter; averages 83 mm, the wettest month, while sees about 61 mm, the driest. The receive slightly less on average at 725 mm yearly, but local and exposure contribute to Wedmore's higher totals and occasional intense downpours. Sunshine hours average 1,500-1,600 annually, with the sunniest periods in May and . The area's predominant environmental risk is flooding from rivers, surface water, and groundwater, stemming from its position in the low-elevation Somerset Levels, much of which sits below high tide levels and relies on pumping and drainage systems. Historical events include severe inundations in 1872-1873 and 1929-1930, but the 2013-2014 winter stands out, with over 17,000 acres flooded, more than 600 homes affected, and prolonged submersion due to exceptional rainfall exceeding 500 mm in two months combined with inadequate dredging of the River Parrett. Recent incidents, such as those during Storm Bert in January 2025, have prompted local flood warden activations and highlighted ongoing vulnerabilities, with 29% above-average rainfall in the preceding winter 2023-2024 exacerbating runoff. Flood mitigation involves raised embankments, sluices, and pumps, but risks persist from upstream catchment saturation and ; government assessments classify parts of Wedmore as high-probability flood zones for rivers and . While projections anticipate wetter winters and potential intensification of extreme rainfall—up to 20-30% more intense events by mid-century—historical analyses attribute much severity to maintenance lapses rather than solely climatic shifts, as pre-20th-century floods rival modern ones without dredge neglect. Adaptation efforts, including projects, focus on elevating and enhancing natural buffers like wetlands to manage causal factors beyond alone.

Governance

Civil Parish Structure

Wedmore civil parish is administered by the Wedmore Parish Council, the primary local authority responsible for community services, amenities, and representation to higher tiers of government. The parish is subdivided into three electoral wards—Wedmore, Blackford, and —each corresponding to one of the main villages and electing councillors to address localized priorities such as rural services and resident concerns. The council comprises eleven elected members, who serve four-year terms and convene monthly to deliberate on matters including planning consultations, maintenance of public spaces, and community projects. Elections occur periodically, with recent processes in 2023 and 2025 involving both contested polls and co-options to fill vacancies, as evidenced by turnout rates varying from 35.5% in Wedmore Ward to 40% in Blackford Ward during a prior vote. Administrative support is provided by a parish clerk, Mrs. Lindsey Baker, operating from the Council Rooms at Grants Lane, Wedmore, BS28 4EA, with contact facilitated through official channels for public inquiries and reporting issues. The council operates under standard governance frameworks, emphasizing resident engagement through annual parish meetings and transparency in decision-making, while interfacing with —the overseeing broader district functions since April 2023—for strategic alignment.

Local Policies and Community Governance

Wedmore Parish Council serves as the primary body for local governance, responsible for managing community services, planning input, and emergency preparedness within the . The council operates under a framework of adopted standing orders, financial regulations, and a aligned with national standards for parish councils in . Decision-making occurs through regular meetings of the full council and specialized committees, emphasizing transparency and . A of local is the Wedmore Neighbourhood Plan, formally adopted on 22 May 2019, which sets out land-use policies to guide development while preserving the village's rural character and amenities. The plan prioritizes limited housing growth, with policies restricting new builds to infill sites and small-scale extensions to meet local needs, including thresholds reduced to six units to address rural affordability. It also mandates protection of green spaces, heritage assets, and , requiring developments to demonstrate no adverse impact on the ' flood-prone environment. Economic policies support local businesses and without encouraging large-scale industrialization. Environmental and sustainability policies include a dedicated and Environmental and Biodiversity Policy, which guide council actions on , , and low-carbon initiatives amid the parish's vulnerability to ing. The council's Community Engagement Strategy outlines mechanisms for resident input, such as public consultations and events, fostering . The Community Resilience Committee coordinates emergency planning, focusing on mitigation given the parish's location on the ; initiatives include volunteer mobilization, drain maintenance reporting, and infrastructure improvements like enhanced community spaces. Recent efforts have emphasized resilience projects and drives, supported by groups like the Wedmore Community Power Co-operative, which promotes and .

Twinning and External Relations

Wedmore maintains a formal twinning partnership with Saint-Médard-de-Guizières, a commune in the department of southwestern , established in 1975 to foster cultural, social, and educational exchanges between the two rural communities. The Wedmore Twinning Association, a volunteer , coordinates reciprocal visits, events, and initiatives to promote mutual understanding, including language exchanges and joint celebrations. The partnership has endured for five decades, marked by periodic delegations and gifts symbolizing goodwill; for instance, in 1995, Saint-Médard-de-Guizières presented Wedmore with a public art installation commemorating the 20th anniversary. Recent activities include a 2024 visit by 20 Wedmore residents to Saint-Médard-de-Guizières for a four-day cultural program, and plans for a 2025 hosting event from 31 July to 3 August to celebrate the 50th anniversary with festivities at St Mary's Church. Beyond this twinning, Wedmore has no documented formal external relations or sister village agreements with other international localities, reflecting its focus on local community governance within rather than broader diplomatic or economic ties.

Demographics

The of Wedmore recorded a of 3,292 in the 2021 United Kingdom census, a slight decrease from 3,318 in the 2011 . This equates to a decadal decline of 0.8%, or an average annual change of -0.08%. The parish spans 41.68 s, resulting in a of 79 persons per as of 2021. Historical data indicate relative stability in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with the rising from approximately 3,111 in 2001 to 3,318 by 2011 before the recent dip. This pattern reflects broader trends in rural parishes, where modest growth in the post-war period has given way to slower changes amid aging demographics and limited inward migration. Earlier records, such as those from the late , show smaller settlements with around 329 houses in 1791, suggesting a population under 2,000, consistent with pre-industrial rural densities before agricultural and infrastructural expansions.
Census YearPopulationChange from Previous (%)
20013,111-
20113,318+6.7
20213,292-0.8

Socio-Economic Indicators

According to the Census, 63% of Wedmore residents aged 16-74 were employees, 21% were self-employed (an increase from 17% in 2001), and stood at 1.8%. employed 6% of the working population, exceeding the Somerset average of 3%. Additionally, 26% of residents worked from home, up from 20% in 2001, reflecting a trend toward remote or local employment in this rural parish. Housing tenure data from the 2011 Census indicates high home ownership at 85%, with limited social rented or affordable options, contributing to noted pressures for smaller, lower-cost dwellings. Average property values reached £568,000 by February 2018, 30% higher than in 2001, signaling relative affluence amid rising housing costs. Car ownership was elevated, with 63% of households possessing two or more vehicles, aligning with commuting patterns where 63% drove to work. Wedmore exhibits low deprivation relative to national benchmarks, consistent with Somerset's overall ranking as one of England's less deprived counties (92nd out of 151 local authorities in the 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation, where lower numbers indicate higher deprivation). Specific parish-level IMD ranks are not publicly detailed in aggregated sources, but the area's high , home ownership, and property values suggest minimal or deprivation. Local business activity includes 49 retail and service premises as of April 2018, with about 25% of working-age residents employed within the parish.

Economy

Agricultural Heritage

Wedmore's agricultural heritage is rooted in its position on the edge of the , where fertile soils supported farming from . The of 1086 recorded the manor with 10 hides of land, including arable ploughed by oxen, 70 acres of for hay, and livestock such as 17 oxen and 3 swine, alongside fisheries yielding rent. Following the in 1347–1350, labor shortages prompted a shift toward , reducing serf-based arable cultivation and emphasizing extensive suited to the marshy terrain. By 1255, King Henry III had granted a weekly Tuesday market and an annual fair from July 21–23, fostering local livestock trade that formed the economic backbone of the rural community. Dairy production emerged as a , with evidence of and cheese making by the early . In 1609, Durstoun Priddian of Wedmore received a licence to sell in , followed in 1612 by Richard Counsell's broader permission to trade and cheese across , , , and Dorset, indicating organized surplus output for regional markets. Traditional practices persisted, as documented in oral histories from farmers like Ralph Wilcox of , Wedmore, who maintained family methods including summer pasturing on Levels grasslands to optimize yields from cows grazing nutrient-rich leys. Acts of 1791–1792 converted commons like Wedmore Moor into arable and improved pasture, enhancing drainage via rhines and boosting productivity amid late-18th-century agricultural revolutions, which revived the weekly market and cattle fairs. The early 20th century highlighted Wedmore's role in dairy education and cheese heritage through the Somerset Cheese School at Glendale Farm, where the Bath and West of England Society conducted demonstrations and trained milkers, as evidenced by 1905 photographs of operations focused on seasonal Cheddar-style production from to . These efforts preserved techniques amid national declines in farm-based cheesemaking, though agricultural downturns later saw fairs lapse by the early 1900s. Today, this legacy endures in local farms emphasizing grassland-based systems, reflecting the area's adaptation to wet soils favoring over intensive arable farming.

Contemporary Employment and Commuting

In Wedmore, approximately 21% of employed residents are self-employed, an increase from 17% in 2001, reflecting the village's rural economy with opportunities in small-scale enterprises and . remains low at 1.8%, while 6% of the workforce is engaged in , exceeding the average of 3%. Local employment is bolstered by the retail and sectors, which support 49 premises in the village center and draw tourists, enabling about 25% of working-age residents to work within the parish. Commuting patterns emphasize , with 63% of employed residents driving to work and 63% of households owning two or more vehicles, amid limited options. Around 26% work from home, up from 20% in 2001, facilitated by efforts to improve and mobile coverage for remote and local operations. Common destinations include nearby Wells and for higher-wage jobs, with the nearest railway stations at and Highbridge, approximately 10 miles away. Local policies prioritize retaining and enhancing village-center retail (Class A1 uses) alongside mixed non-retail services (A2-A5), while permitting small-scale conversions (under 150 m²) to sustain employment without large-scale development.

Education and Social Services

Primary and Secondary Schools

Wedmore First School Academy provides for pupils aged 4 to 9, with nursery places available from age 2, at its site on Blackford Road in Wedmore. The academy, which converted in 2011, operates under the Learning Trust and had a headteacher of Mrs Shelley as of recent records. Established originally in 1876, the school emphasizes a rural setting with grounds overlooking fields and orchards, serving the local community in a system common in parts of . Secondary education for Wedmore residents begins at Hugh Sexey Middle School, a coeducational for ages 9 to 13 located in Blackford, adjacent to Wedmore. Part of the Learning Trust since 2016, it is led by headteacher Mr Matthew Drew and integrates into its curriculum while maintaining academy status. The serves approximately 500-600 pupils, drawing from surrounding villages, before students transition to upper schools such as The Kings of School in Cheddar. Both schools contribute to the area's by accommodating the structure, which spans primary to early secondary phases.

Historical Educational Initiatives

The earliest documented evidence of formal education in Wedmore dates to 1707, when churchwardens' accounts recorded expenditures for "mending the Schoole-house windows, 1s. 6d." By 1732, the parish vestry appointed a to teach poor children, providing an annual of £4. Subsequent appointments included Joseph Chapman in 1751 at £5 per year, followed by John Rickard in 1757—who also served as bookkeeper—and William Nicholls from 1783 to 1785, who instructed 10 boys for £5 5s. annually. The school was likely housed in the Chantry House, where a was added in 1761 to accommodate teaching. Informal dame schools supplemented these efforts; one such institution, operated by Priscilla Latcham, provided early instruction to local children, including William White Tucker in the late . In 1799, philanthropist initiated a Sunday school in Pilcorn Street under the direction of Mrs. Carrol, aimed at educating working-class children amid broader evangelical reforms in . This venture encountered resistance from the local and , prompting the vestry to establish a competing parish school. The saw the rise of state-influenced with the Wedmore Board , founded in on a site formerly occupied by a Methodist from 1795. This institution reflected national trends toward compulsory elementary schooling under the , though Wedmore's economic stagnation limited further expansions until later decades. A surviving former schoolroom, now Grade II listed, underscores the architectural legacy of these initiatives.

Transport and Infrastructure

Road Access and Maintenance Issues

Wedmore's road infrastructure, primarily comprising narrow rural lanes and B-roads such as the B3151 connecting to nearby Cheddar and Wells, presents access challenges due to its location in the low-lying , where seasonal flooding can render routes impassable. In March 2014, heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding in the area, prompting concerns over village accessibility and requiring diversion routes for residents and visitors. More recent efforts by the Somerset Rivers Authority have included enhanced drainage maintenance in 2023-24, involving gully emptying and jetting at multiple sites to mitigate flood risks and preserve road access during wet periods. Potholes and surface degradation remain persistent maintenance issues, attributed to "perfect pothole weather" involving freeze-thaw cycles, as stated by the leader of in May 2025. Local authorities encourage reporting via the portal, which handles defects like potholes, edge loss, and mud on roads, with Wedmore Parish Council directing residents to this system for prompt repairs. In April 2025, parish updates highlighted the ease of online reporting for such issues, reflecting ongoing community efforts to address deteriorating surfaces exacerbated by heavy agricultural traffic and climate variability. Frequent temporary road closures for repairs and utility works disrupt access, including a bridge project on the Cheddar to Wedmore road noted in 2025 community discussions and closures on The Causeway from October 4-5, 2025, for maintenance by contractors. These interventions, while necessary, contribute to localized congestion on alternative narrow paths, underscoring the strain on a network designed for lower traffic volumes. Somerset Council's oversight aims to prioritize through defect repairs, though rural funding constraints limit comprehensive upgrades.

Community Transport Solutions

The Wedmore Community Bus operates as a volunteer-run, not-for-profit service providing scheduled routes from Wedmore to key destinations including , , , and , with fares set at low levels to ensure accessibility for local residents. This service emphasizes personalized pick-up and drop-off, accommodating individual needs while maintaining a fixed timetable, and is also available for private group hires such as outings or events. Operated by a team of local volunteers, it addresses gaps in commercial public transport in the rural area, where fixed bus routes are limited. Complementing this, Mendip Community Transport's Route 67 provides a regular connection along the B3139 corridor, linking Wedmore with nearby villages such as , Henton, Bleadney, Wookey, and to the city of Wells, facilitating access to markets, medical facilities, and employment hubs. This demand-responsive service operates under Council's community transport framework, which supports schemes offering both individual and group travel options tailored to rural mobility challenges. Additional initiatives include a monthly service to Bath city centre, launched in December 2024 and running on the of each month (except public holidays), aimed at expanding options for shopping and cultural access. Volunteer-driven schemes, coordinated through local contacts like a single (01934 806299), further enable ad-hoc transport for medical appointments and social trips, often at minimal cost contributions. These solutions collectively mitigate isolation in Wedmore's dispersed community, relying on community funding and partnerships rather than subsidized public operators.

Religious and Cultural Heritage

St. Andrew's Church and Ecclesiastical History

The parish church in Wedmore is the Church of St Mary, a Grade I listed building predominantly constructed in the 15th century in Perpendicular style, incorporating earlier 12th- and 13th-century fabric. It features a cruciform plan with nave, north and south aisles, chancel, transepts, and a prominent central crossing tower with set-back buttresses and arcaded parapet. The south porch doorway dates to circa 1200, with detached shafts and leaf capitals, while the chancel and southeast chapel exhibit 13th-century cusped windows. Interior elements include tall thin piers, 15th-century lean-to roofs, a fan-vaulted tower, a 14th-century octagonal font, and a medieval wall painting of St Christopher. The church underwent restoration in 1880, revealing pre-Reformation features such as a slab altar. Ecclesiastical history in Wedmore traces to the late , when in 682 King Centwine of granted the Isle of Wedmore to Bishop Wilfrid of for a , though the grant was rescinded by Caedwalla in 685 and reverted to royal possession. The site likely hosted a Saxon church, given Wedmore's status as part of the royal estate, potentially linked to Alfred's nearby residence. A pivotal event occurred in 878, following Alfred's victory at Edington: Viking leader , baptized at Aller, resided at Wedmore with Alfred for three weeks, where he underwent the chrysom-loosing , formalizing the Peace of Wedmore treaty that divided between Saxon and Danish territories. By the Norman period, Bishop Giso of Wells secured endowments for Wedmore church in 1062 from , including local lands and those at Mudgley and Mark, integrating it into the Wells until the Dissolution in 1547. The church was divided into prebends by 1136, with assignments to the sub-dean and dean of Wells. A Guild of St Mary , established in 1449 with lands yielding £9 annually, supported priestly duties until its suppression in 1548 amid Henrician reforms. Monuments within include 17th-century memorials to the Boulting family (1622) and brasses to George Hodges (1684) and Thomas Hodges (1583), alongside piscinae and in east and west windows. The structure's elevated position and commanding tower underscore its enduring role as a focal point of local worship, with records noting 1,000 communicants attending a single service in 1547.

Archaeological Finds and Traditions

Archaeological evidence in Wedmore indicates human activity from the prehistoric period onward, though finds are sparse and often unstratified. artifacts, including an axe and hammer stone, have been recorded in the parish, suggesting early agrarian or tool-using presence. Roman-era remains are more substantial, with an inhumation in a , second- to third-century pottery sherds, and possible building footings uncovered at The Close on the southwest edge of the village during 1990s excavations. Additional Roman pottery was found in the Old Vicarage garden and in large quantities during 1870s quarrying at Shortland, alongside isolated sherds near Combe Lane and a fourth-century . These point to scattered settlement or activity in the Romano-British landscape, potentially linked to broader exploitation of the , but no major villa or nucleated site has been identified. The Saxon period yields the most notable artifacts, aligning with Wedmore's documented role as a royal estate by the late seventh century. A copper-alloy wire finger-ring, dated to the sixth or seventh century by the due to its twisted interlaced knot bezel design akin to examples from Droxford, , was discovered in April 1988 in a flowerbed at on Cheddar Road. Tenth-century occupation layers at The Close further evidence continuity, while a of approximately 200 late tenth- to early eleventh-century silver , plus a ninth-century , was unearthed in the churchyard in 1853, reflecting economic activity tied to the site's status. These finds underscore Wedmore's early medieval significance, though a gap in evidence persists between the Roman era and the 1040s, puzzling given textual records of its importance. Medieval archaeology includes an eleventh- to thirteenth-century pottery scatter north of Pilcorn Street, thirteenth-century encaustic tiles, and a sixteenth-century brooch at the Old Vicarage, indicating post-Conquest development around ecclesiastical and manorial cores. Excavations and watching briefs, such as at the brewery site in 1983 and churchyard in 1993, have supplemented these, but no large-scale monastic or urban remains have emerged. The village cross, a medieval wayside marker, contributes to understanding local religious customs and routeways, exemplifying sculptural traditions in Somerset. Wedmore's traditions blend historical precedents with enduring rural customs. The site's role as a royal vill facilitated events like the 878 hosting of and his for and Peace of Wedmore negotiations, establishing a legacy of and rooted in Anglo-Saxon estate practices. A charter-granted market and from 1255 perpetuated commercial gatherings. In modern times, the annual Home festival, held since at least the nineteenth century, celebrates agricultural heritage through a , traditional luncheon with local and , and entertainments, drawing record crowds and preserving Somerset's communal customs amid contemporary farming life.

Community Life

Local Events and Societies

Wedmore maintains an active network of societies and clubs that promote social cohesion, recreation, and cultural engagement among residents. The Isle of Wedmore Society convenes monthly meetings at the Masonic Hall, delivering lectures centered on , , and community-relevant topics as part of its 2025 program. The Isle of Wedmore Gardening Club organizes gatherings for horticultural enthusiasts of varying expertise, fostering knowledge exchange on practices. Wedmore Theatre supports amateur dramatic productions and performances, enabling participation in stage arts. Sports and leisure clubs include the Wedmore Cricket Club, which fields teams for matches; the Isle of Wedmore Bowls Club, dedicated to lawn bowls; the Isle of Wedmore Golf Club, offering golfing facilities and bridge sessions; and the Wedmore Tennis Club, providing court access for players. Green Wedmore advances environmental sustainability through local initiatives. Additional groups encompass the Wedmore Dance Group for dance instruction, Wedmore Bridge Club for weekly card games, and youth-oriented programs like Wedmore Scouts' Beavers section for children aged 6-8. The Rotary Club of Mendip extends service-oriented activities to the area. Prominent annual events underscore communal participation. The Wedmore Real Ale Festival occurs each September, showcasing , craft beers, and local vendors to celebrate brewing traditions and community ties. The Clash of the Choirs, held in March at St Mary's Church, pits local school, community, and choirs against one another in a competition judged by audience applause via clapometer, marking its ninth edition in 2025 with around 350 attendees. The Wedmore spans nine days in May, featuring , , performances, and talks to nurture emerging local artists. The Sand Cider Festival, a family-oriented micro-event at Ashgrove Farm, returns annually to highlight regional and rural heritage. These gatherings, often supported by the Parish Council's Events and Community Engagement Committee, enhance civic pride and inclusivity.

Sports and Leisure Activities

Wedmore's primary sports facilities are concentrated at the Wedmore Playing Fields, a community-managed site that hosts multiple clubs and serves as a hub for local recreational activities. The fields support organized team sports and individual pursuits, with pitches and courts maintained for year-round use despite the rural setting's seasonal weather challenges. Cricket has deep roots in the village, with Wedmore Cricket Club established in 1850 and operating two senior teams in County leagues—Division 4 and Division 7—as of recent seasons. The club fields a midweek T20 side, a Sunday development team, and a thriving junior section, alongside efforts to launch a women's team through weekly training sessions. Matches occur at the Recreation Ground, emphasizing social engagement alongside competitive play for participants of varying abilities. Football is facilitated by the Isle of Wedmore Football Club, an FA Charter Standard Community Club covering the Cheddar Valley area, with senior men's teams in Division 2 and reserves, plus women's, veterans', and junior squads from U6 to U16 for both boys and girls. The club prioritizes grassroots development, offering training and matches on the playing fields' pitches. Tennis and provide additional racket and lawn-based options. Wedmore Tennis Club, with approximately 260 members as of 2023, features floodlit courts, a clubhouse with changing facilities, and programs for competitive, social, fitness-oriented, and junior play, including cardio tennis and holiday tournaments. The Isle of Wedmore Club offers year-round outdoor with free coaching for all ages and abilities, promoting health and social interaction on dedicated greens. Golf enthusiasts access the Isle of Wedmore , an 18-hole par-70 course spanning 6,057 yards, equipped with a clubhouse, practice area, and pro shop, catering to members seeking a more solitary or group leisure pursuit amid the local landscape. Beyond organized sports, leisure includes extensive walking trails across Wedmore Moor and the , such as the 2-hour Mudgley loop through woods with Mendip views or circular routes to the River Axe, supporting and exploration of the flat, terrain. These paths, documented in local guides, highlight the area's natural amenities for casual outdoor activity.

Notable Residents

Historical Notables

Herbert Dickinson Burrough (6 February 1909 – 9 April 1994), known as Dickie Burrough, was an English born in Wedmore, . A right-handed batsman who occasionally opened the innings, he played 171 first-class matches for from 1927 to 1947, scoring over 6,000 runs at an average of around 20. Burrough began his career with Wedmore Cricket Club before advancing to county level, where he was noted for consistent performances in domestic fixtures. His father, William George Burrough (22 July 1875 – 30 December 1939), was also a first-class er who represented in four matches and served as a key figure in Wedmore Cricket Club. Born in Clun, , William scored his first century for Wedmore in 1902 and took 90 wickets at an average of 8.5 in the 1907 season, contributing significantly to local before his death at Wedmore Hill House in the village.

Contemporary Figures

Trevor Prideaux, a resident of Wedmore since 1995, founded the Turnip Prize in 1999 as a satirical counterpoint to the , inviting entries of intentionally poor or humorous "crap art" judged annually at The New Inn pub in the village. The event has drawn local and national attention, with Prideaux organizing ceremonies featuring winners receiving a turnip mounted on a nail, and he has documented its history in the book The Turnip Prize: We Know It's Crap... But Is It Art?. Prideaux also contributes to other community events in Wedmore, enhancing its cultural life. Paul Gadd, stage name (born 1944), resided in Wedmore during the early 2000s before his convictions for ; he rose to fame as a glam rock performer with hits like "Rock and Roll Part 2" in the 1970s but faced imprisonment in the UK and for related offenses, including a 16-year sentence in 2015 for historic assaults on three girls. Local sentiment toward his association with the village has been negative.

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  97. https://www.facebook.com/WedmoreCricketClub/
  98. https://www.theisleofwedmore.net/business-directory/wedmore-cricket-club/
  99. https://www.isleofwedmorefc.co.uk/
  100. https://www.facebook.com/wedmorefootballclub/
  101. https://www.wedmoretennis.co.uk/about-us
  102. https://isleofwedmorebowlsclub.org/
  103. https://www.theisleofwedmore.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/WalksAroundWedmore.pdf
  104. https://www.alltrails.com/england/somerset/wedmore
  105. https://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/wedmore-walking-route
  106. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/dickie-burrough-9314
  107. https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/3/3471/3471.html
  108. https://somersetcricketmuseum.co.uk/wedmore-cricket-club-club-history/
  109. https://stats.thecricketer.com/Archive/Players/3/3472/3472.html
  110. https://www.hachette.co.uk/contributor/trevor-prideaux/
  111. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turnip-Prize-Retrospective-know-crap/dp/1844039390
  112. https://www.burnhamandhighbridgeweeklynews.co.uk/news/11824074.former-wedmore-resident-gary-glitter-sentenced-to-16-years/
  113. https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1814322/pretty-town-expensive-locals-not-snobs
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