Dunster, in Exmoor National Park, and nestled between the wooded hills and the sea, has often been described as one of England’s best preserved medieval villages with its cobbled pavements and 13th century buildings.
It has such a wealth of historical interest that it was chosen as Time Team’s first project in its “Dig Village” series exploring the history of the classic English village, and the team, led by Professor Tim Taylor, have been working with the residents of Dunster for several years now in the ongoing work in encouraging locals to join in by putting test pits in their gardens and allowing experts in their homes to date buildings, and in general to find out more about life in times gone by, with many of the finds now on display in an area funded by Dig Village in the local village museum.
The most notable buildings of interest are the magnificent castle which stands high above the village, being the former home of the Luttrell family who were major landowners in the area, and given to the National Trust in 1976, the working water mill, St. Georges church and priory, the dovecote, 14th century tithe barn which was restored in 2007 with the aid of a National Lottery grant, and the historic yarn market which is now in the guardianship of English Heritage.
The Yarn Market, a striking octagonal shaped timber framed building is located in the High Street of Dunster, and was built in 1609 to provide a sheltered selling place for the cloth produced from the Dunster wool trade. It was damaged but has survived the battlements of the 160 days siege on Dunster Castle during the English Civil War and a hole in the beams reported to be from a cannonball shot can still be seen in the ancient eaves.
English Heritage are currently looking to raise sufficient funds to repair the roof, the current slates being held in place by oak pins which although they have lasted for centuries are at this time seen to be the weakest point of the roof. It is to be hoped that a suitable solution can be found to preserve this historic building, a famous landmark of Dunster, for future times.
With the environs of Exmoor National Park on the doorstep, and the West Somerset Steam Railway running close by, and the start of the long distance walking trail the South West Coast Path just 2 miles away, Dunster is an ideal destination for a holiday or short break.
Written by: Susan Wilkins
Photo Credit: Tony Wright
Yarn Market Hotel will be exhibiting at stand E14 at the British Tourism & Travel Show at NEC Birmingham on 22-23 October.
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to register for British Tourism & Travel Show, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 22-23 October.