CASTLE CARY

'Castle Cary' is a market town in south Somerset, England, five miles north west of Wincanton and eight miles south of Shepton Mallet.
The town is situated on the River Cary, a tributary of the Parrett.

Contents

History

Transport

Attractions

Education

References

External links

History

Castle Cary was the site of a 10th century castle that was built on the hill behind the town. This was erected during the reign of King Stephen, but has now completely disappeared apart from a few earthworks. The town grew around the mediaeval weaving industry and is home to a horsehair weaving factory.

Transport

Castle Cary railway station is on the main West of England railway between Penzance and London Paddington, and the Heart of Wessex Line between Bristol and Weymouth. It is the nearest station to Shepton Mallet and the site of the Glastonbury Festival.

Attractions

Attractions in Castle Cary include a small circular eighteenth century gaol and a museum. The site of Cary Castle is above the town. The largest church in the town is All Saints', notable for its high steeple, there is also a Methodist church and St Andrew's in the neighbouring town of Ansford. Notable people from the town include the 18th century diarist James Woodforde who was curate between 1765 and 1775 and Douglas Macmillan, founder of the Macmillan Cancer Relief charity. The Macmillan Way walking trail passes through the town.

The town has become increasingly popular with people moving out of London and looking for somewhere quiet to raise a family. The high speed railway line to London, good local schools and services, along with an attractive rural setting have all played their part in the recent growth of the town. The recent construction of a large dry pet food factory by Crown Pet Foods will also create jobs in the area. Nearby is Wyvern Waste's recycling centre, based on the old army camp at Dimmer. It holds educational tours around the site for schools.
The Living History Group is an active group of local amateur historians in the town who have published several books concerning the history of Castle Cary and its personalities. In 1900, for example, Castle Cary cricket club provided five players for the Devon and Somerset Wanderers team that won the only Olympic cricket title. The Cricket Club, are to mark their 175th anniversary in 2012, with a celebration of the Castle Cary players that played in 1900, whilst the London Games take place.
On June 19, 2004, Castle Cary was granted Fairtrade Village status.

Education

The village has a primary and a secondary school.

References

External links

★ Castle Cary Town Council

★ The Somerset Urban Archaeological Survey: Castle Cary, by Miranda Richardson

★ All Saints' Church

★ St Andrew's Ansford

★ Castle Cary Museum

★ Living History Group