Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Wincanton is a historic market town lying on the River Cale in eastern Somerset. The town has Saxon origins. It is recorded in Domesday as 'Wincaleton'. It grew to be a prosperous mediæval market and cloth-making town, receiving a market and fair charter in 1556. Clock-making and the brickworks of Nathaniel Ireson were significant subsequent industries. The Wincanton Skirmish (20th Nov 1688) was one of only two substantial battles during the Glorious Revolution. From the late 19th century, milk production and haulage became major industries. Wincanton Racecourse dates back to 1867, operating on its current site since 1927. The Church of St Peter and St Paul (C of E) has Norman origins but was largely rebuilt from 1887–91 by J. D. Sedding. The Dogs (aka The Old House) is one of the few buildings in the town known to predate a serious fire in 1707. The town is within the council area of Somerset.

Place Type: Town
Historic County: Somerset
Lat, Long: 51.056089,-2.4113244
Grid Reference: ST 7126 2860
Civil Parish: Wincanton CP
Council Area: Somerset CA
Police Area: Avon and Somerset PA

GBPN ID: 50038
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Wincanton,_Somerset_50038

 Peruse Somerset on Wikishire