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Wick St Lawrence - containing the hamlets of Wick, Bourton, and Icelton The name Wick is thought to have derived from the Scandinavian word 'WIK' meaning a creek. Indeed there are many natural and man made rhynes in and around Wick as it is part of the beginning of the Somerset Levels. Parts of Wick date back to medieval times with the Manor being dated as 12th Century. Standing in the middle of the village is the impressive mid 16th century church of St Lawrence. Somerset Court During
the early part of the last century Somerset Court (then known as Banksea
Farm) had a large dairy heard and made it's own cheese on the premises
which was then taken by shire horse and cart to Wick railway station (no
longer in existence) and transported to and sold in South Wales. Puxton The famous leaning tower of Puxton is The Church of St Saviour built in 13th Century. It retains early English characteristics especially in its windows. This little church is well worth a visit. It is signed off the A370 opposite the turn for Wick St Lawrence. Kewstoke Church of St Paul has porch dating
1125 – 1150. The nave and chancel are late 13th Century; the
font is 14th century and the pulpit 15th century.
In 1849 the vicar of Kewstoke, while examining some restoration work,
found a stone reliquary. It held and wooden cup with some dried blood
in the bottom, and this is believed to have come from Canterbury and hold
some of Thomas a Becket’s blood after his murder in 1170. After
the dissolution of the Monasteries the reliquary was brought to Sand Bay
and across the marshes to the church. It is now in Taunton Castle museum,
but the hiding place can still be seen at St Paul's church. Woodspring Priory, built in 1230, belongs to the Landmark Trust is well worth a visit. Many boats have landed at Sand Bay,
carrying Saxon and Norman invaders, Roman traders, smugglers and fishermen.
– No wonder so many stories of ghosts. Patty Parson – the last witch of the Mendip sea board area lived here. She is buried in Kewstoke church yard.
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