A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE PARISH

The Parish of North Curry, with a population of 1600 (2001 Census) and covering an area of 5500 acres, lies eight miles to the east of Taunton, Somerset, and comprises the village of North Curry and the hamlets of Helland, Knapp, Lillesdon, Newport and Wrantage. North Curry has the first designated Conservation Area in Taunton Deane. The village stands on a ridge flanked to the north and south by moors and wetlands barely 7m above sea level. The tidal river Tone, in the northern Curry Moor, frequently overflows the flood defence system forming a lake for visiting wildlife. The area is bordered by the RSPB Sanctuary at West Sedgemoor. The region, being part of the area known as the Somerset Levels, is characterised by a patchwork of rhines and by rows of pollarded willows, and remains the centre of the willow industry producing basket work and charcoal.

The northern side of the village is dominated by the imposing Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, known as the "Cathedral of the Moors". The Church was built in about 1300 on the site of an earlier church. Church Road, leading from the Church to the Square, in the centre of the Conservation Area, has numerous attractive listed buildings.

Queen Square in the centre of the village has a Post Office and general store with a  central green, a War Memorial and a memorial to Queen Victoria. The Parish has two pubs and the thriving community also benefits from a school, health centre, village hall, playing field and pavilion.

You can click on any picture to see these and other views in more detail