WITHYCOMBE
DOMESDAY BOOK
Edmer holds WITHYCOMBE from the Bishop. Alnoth held it; It paid tax for 3 hides before 1066; Land for 10 ploughs. In lordship 2 ploughs; 6 slaves; 1 hide. 14 villagers and 7 smallholders with 8 ploughs & 2 hides. Meadow, 10 acres; pasture, 550 acres ; woodland, 100 acres, less 4. 1 cob; 3 cattle; 10 pigs; 40 sheep; 30 goats. The value was £4; now £6.
THE NAME OF THE PARISH
The name Withycombe: is said to mean willow valley.
ADMINISTRATION
AN ANCIENT PARISH
LOCAL GOVERNMENT: WILLITON POOR LAW UNION,
RURAL SANITARY DISTRICT, RURAL DISTRICT AND
WEST SOMERSET DISTRICT COUNCIL
CIVIL BOUNDARY CHANGE 1883, 1884 AND 1886
PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION: BRIDGWATER DIVISION 1918-*
RURAL DEANERIES: DUNSTER UNTIL 1872, WIVELISCOMBE 1872-1951,
DUNSTER 1951-1973, EXMOOR 1973-*
THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS
The small white church and tower date from the thirteenth century and there is little evidence of major structural change. The victorian restorations, common in many churches and often blamed for damage to ancient relics, does not appear to have left its mark. A plaque dated 1612 records the death of a witch named Joan Carne.
Withycombe with Rodhuish and Dunster and Carhampton
Local Withycombe Civil Parish Administration
Contact – Clerk to Council Mr Bryan Howe Phone No 01643 704963
e Mail bryan.howe@talk21.com
Contact Details can be found at West Somerset Council.