History of Fitzhead, Somerset, England

14th Century - Fitzhead Tithe Barn Constructed
Set in the pretty village of Fitzhead, just 9 miles from Taunton surrounded by beautiful countryside, the Tithe Barn is a fascinating medieval building, standing near the fine redstone church of St James.

Dating probably from the middle of the 14th century and believed to have been the Church House where dignitaries would meet, and the Parish Church business was conducted (including the brewing of the strong Church Ale). Nowadays the Tithe Barn is the Village Hall where functions are held and the business of the village is conducted.
fitzhead.com

15th Century - The church of St James the Great constructed in Fitzhead
The church of St James the Great, Fitzhead, standing on high ground beside the mediaeval Tithe Barn, has been a focal point in the village for over 500 years. The village has a reputation for being caring and self dependent and this is reflected in the enthusiasm and devotion there is to church life in Fitzhead.

The building is a fine, largely 15th century church consisting of nave and north aisle, chancel, and vestry. It has a western tower with separate entry.
fitzhead.com

Late 16th Century - Fitzhead Court and The Manor are constructed.
Fitzhead Court and The Manor date from the late 16th century. The building was constructed by Major Robert Cannon (died 1685) a royalist veteran of the Civil War, and passed through his successors to the Somerville Barons. The estate was sold to Baron Ashburton in 1840.
wikipedia.org

17th Century - Fitzhead Inn constructed
The Fitzhead Inn is the last remaining public house in the village, there were seven at one time and began back in the 17th Century.
www.thefitzheadinn.co.uk

1852 - Fitzhead
Fitzhead, Somerset, a parish in the west division of the hun. of Kingsbury, union of Wellington, 171 miles from London (coach road 149), 3 from Wiveliscombe, 8 from Taunton. - Gt. West. Rail. through Bristol to Taunton thence y miles: from Derby through Birmingham and Bristol to Taunton &c., 185 miles - Money orders issued at Wiveliscombe: London letters deliv. 8 1/ 2 a.m.: post closes 5 1/ 2 p.m. - The living (St. Mary), a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Bath and Wells, is valued at £9. 11s, 5d.: pres. net income, £76g: patron, Vicar of Wiveliscombe: pers. incumbent, T. M. Cornish, 1834: contains 1,190 acres: 59 houses: pop( in 1841, 339: ass. prop. £2,316: poor ates in 1838, £246, 2s.
The British gazetteer... by Benjamin Clarke, H.G. Collins, 1852

1868 - Fitzhead
"FITZHEAD, a parish in the W. division of the hundred of Kingsbury, county Somerset, 3 miles E. of Wiveliscombe, and 8 W. of Taunton, its post town. The Wellington station on the Great Western railway is nearly 6 miles to the S. of the village. The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Bath and Wells, value £76, in the gift of the Vicar of Wiveliscombe. The church is a stone structure dedicated to St. James. There is a parochial school and a Sunday-school. Fitzhead House is the principal residence. Lord Ashburton is lord of the manor."
The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)

1870-72
FITZHEAD, a parish in Wellington district, Somerset; 3 miles ENE of Wiveliscombe, and 3½ WSW of Bishops-Lydiard r. station. It has a post office under Taunton. Acres, 1, 208. Real property, £2, 283. Pop., 309. - Houses, 62. The property is divided among a few. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Bath and Wells-Value, £200. Patron, the Vicar of Wiveliscombe. The church is good.
Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales by John Marius Wilson, 1870-72

1976 - Britain's visitors attracted by TVI's colorful kitchenware
WIVELISCOMBE.
England (CP) - A converted dairy barn in the nearby Somerset village of Fitzhead has a visitors' book containing the names of callers from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United States and West Germany.

The attraction that brought them to Burrow Hill Farm is a special range of kitchen accessories and giftware produced by Taunton Vale Industries (TVI) of Wiveliscombe...
The Brandon Sun
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
October 7, 1976

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Fitzhead:
St. James' Church: Start your visit with a trip to the village's beautiful parish church. St. James' Church is a Grade II-listed building dating back to the 13th century. Take a moment to admire its historic architecture and serene atmosphere.

Fitzhead Village Green: Fitzhead is known for its quintessential English village green. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. You can sit on the green, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Walking and Hiking: Somerset is known for its stunning countryside, and Fitzhead is no exception. There are several scenic walking and hiking trails in the area. The West Somerset Circular Walk is a popular choice, offering beautiful views of the countryside.

Village Pub: The Fitzhead Inn is a traditional English pub located in the heart of the village. It's a cozy place to enjoy a pint of local ale or a hearty meal. The pub often hosts community events and live music, so check their... Read MORE...