Gazetteer of
British Place Names

North Petherton is a historic market town located on the western edge of the Somerset levels in central Somerset. The settlement developed on one of the historic communication routes through Somerset, now the A38. The town has Saxon origins, serving as the centre of a large royal estate and the meeting place for the North Petherton Hundred. It is listed in Domesday as 'Norperet', held directly by the King. Henry II expanded the royal estate into the Royal Forest of Petherton Park, which existed until the 17th century. By the 14th century, North Petherton had grown into a significant administrative hub, awarded a charter for a market and annual fair in 1318. The town's prosperity developed around cloth manufacture, leather working, basket making and brewing. The Church of St Mary (C of E) dates from the 15th century, its fine tower being built around 1508. The town is within the council area of Somerset.

Place Type: Town
Historic County: Somerset
Lat, Long: 51.091069,-3.017133
Grid Reference: ST 2886 3290
Civil Parish: North Petherton CP
Council Area: Somerset CA
Police Area: Avon and Somerset PA

GBPN ID: 33190
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/North_Petherton,_Somerset_33190

 Explore North Petherton on Wikishire
 Peruse Somerset on Wikishire