Sitting outside the George in the sunshine over a pint and a cheddar and cider Welsh rarebit, the clock bells behind me chimed two o’clock and I decided I really ought to be living in Wedmore. Problem is that many others make the same decision about this bustling, ‘happening’, pretty place. There are four (!) estate agents in the village and apparently house prices are 20% more than nearby areas. Marie Greenwood of Debbie Fortune Estate Agents said that the village was a ‘taste of London in the Mendips’. She explained the popularity: ‘There are very few villages that offer the amenities that Wedmore have got. There is a lot of creativity and community groups and the community groups also really cross the generations as well, you can see that by how dynamic the amenities are. The primary school is very good which is attractive. Excellent all round.’ She then offered me a cup of tea next time I was in the area – friendly as well.
The village was sought-after even in Alfred the Great’s time. In 878 he gathered his warriors on the Somerset Levels and then marched on to face the invading Danes. After a bloody battle in Wiltshire, King Alfred took the vanquished Danish leader, Guthrum, to Aller to be baptized and then on to his residency at Wedmore for 12 days of peace-making, feasting and other ceremonies. Nothing was signed but the agreement reached was known as the Peace of Wedmore and it severed the Danish hold on the south of England. Result and party.
Since then, Wedmore has been known for a centre for trade and commerce; a licence for a market was granted in 1255 and shops were mentioned as early as the 1500s. Nowadays it is the retail element that is most striking. It still has its own butchers and post office, even a couple of shops selling posh wedding frocks; there’s no supermarket but a Village Store, known locally as the ‘paper shop’ that ‘sells everything’. Wedmore boasts several pubs and eateries but a relatively new public space is the Bluebird Café. Here you can get food, drink, live music, comedy, meeting rooms and all the profits go to local good causes – perhaps captures the spirit of the village?
Any visit must involve sticking your head around the door of St Mary’s Church. There’s the colourful 1520 wall painting of St Christopher which was discovered under layers of plaster when the church was renovated in 1880 – spot the mermaid; the west stained glass window is a memorial to King Alfred, Queen Victoria and a mixture of other monarchs; but my particular favourite are the hundred plus corbels carved into faces (many pretty scary) that stare down to you from the ceiling. Also catch the 14th century Market Cross on the Borough, this was moved in the 1830s to allow road widening, and the splendid Ashton Windmill on the way out of town – nice spot for a picnic.
What’s good enough for Alfred is…
Spoof Art Prize
The internationally recognized Turnip Prize, now in its 26th year, originated and has its home in Wedmore. The inspiration came from Trevor Prideaux and his mates who were sat in a pub startled by the inclusion of Tracey Emin’s unmade bed as a nominee for the Turner Prize. Originally started in the George it has made its way to the New Inn via a year at the public conveniences. The key expression is ‘we know it’s rubbish, but is it art?’ And the important condition is that very little effort is made in the construction. The prize itself is a turnip attached to a block of wood with a rusty nail. There were a phenomenal 195 entries last year – the winner being an old gate with a hat on it, called ‘Party-gate’. A previous winner was two small sweaters attached to a pool cue entitled ‘Queue-Jumpers’. You get the idea. Trevor told me: ‘It’s a bit of fun. We’ll continue to run it as long as the New Inn are happy to have us there and people want to enter – it’ll keep going, I’m sure. It’s added £69,000 to every house and put Wedmore on the map.’ Joking, I’m sure. The artistic entries can be viewed at the New Inn during the first week of December.
STAY OR BUY?
POPULATION: 3,318 (2011)
Stay: The George Inn dates back to the 16th century and is full of historic charm throughout the pub, restaurant and hotel rooms. Has several ghost stories. It is situated right in the heart of the village, close to amenities and shops, right next door to the church. There are five ensuite rooms offering comfort and interest. Outside is a courtyard and a walled pub garden with children’s play area. thegeorgeinnwedmore.co.uk
Buy: Brook House is a three bedroomed property on Church Street that blends period features with contemporary styling and comforts. Built in the 1700s it is Grade II listed. The historic elements include a Georgian staircase and sash windows offering excellent views of St Mary’s Church. There is a small landscaped garden with paved seating area and parking for two vehicles. £750,000. Cooper & Tanner, Wedmore.
