Watchet: Difference between revisions

|country= England

|static_image_name= Watchet.jpg

|static_image_alt=View of multiple houses with sea on the left and hills in the background.

|static_image_caption= View overlooking Watchet

|coordinates = {{coord|51.1795|-3.3242|display=inline,title}}

|official_name= Watchet

|population= 3,785

| population_ref = <ref name="popn">{{cite web|title=Statistics for Wards, LSOAs and Parishes&nbsp;— SUMMARY Profiles |url=http://www.somersetintelligence.org.uk/files/Somerset%20Census%20Key%20Statistics%20-%20Summary%20Profiles.xls |publisher=Somerset Intelligence |accessdate=4 January 2014 |format=Excel |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104204152/http://www.somersetintelligence.org.uk/files/Somerset%20Census%20Key%20Statistics%20-%20Summary%20Profiles.xls |archivedate=4 January 2014 }}</ref>

|civil_parish= Watchet

|shire_district= [[Somerset West and Taunton]]

'''Watchet''' is a [[harbour]] town, [[civil parishes in England|civil parish]] and [[Wards and electoral divisions of the United Kingdom|electoral ward]] in the [[England|English]] [[Ceremonial counties of England|county]] of [[Somerset]], with a population of 3,785.<ref name="popn"/> It is situated {{convert|15|mi}} west of [[Bridgwater]], {{convert|15|mi}} north-west of [[Taunton]], and {{convert|9|mi}} east of [[Minehead]]. The town lies at the mouth of the [[Washford River]] on [[Bridgwater Bay]], part of the [[Bristol Channel]], and on the edge of [[Exmoor|Exmoor National Park]].

The original settlement may have been at the [[Iron Age]] fort [[Daw's Castle]]. It then moved to the mouth of the river and a small harbour developed, named by the celts as "Gwo Coed" meaning Under the Wood.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parishes: St. Decumans, including Watchet and Williton |url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/som/vol5/pp143-171 |accessdate=2016-08-30 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304212927/http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/som/vol5/pp143-171 |archivedate=4 March 2016 }}</ref> After the Saxon conquest of the area the town developed and was known as Weced or Waeced <ref>{{cite web |title=Watchet by Clare Gathercole |url=http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/hes/eus/watchet_eus.htm |accessdate=2016-08-30 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712065836/http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/hes/eus/watchet_eus.htm |archivedate=12 July 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and was attacked by [[Vikings]] in the 10th century. Trade using the harbour gradually grew, despite damage during several severe storms, with import and exports of goods including those from [[Wansbrough Paper Mill]] until the 19th century when it increased with the export of [[iron ore]], brought from the [[Brendon Hills]] via the [[West Somerset Mineral Railway]], mainly to [[Newport, Wales|Newport]] for onward transportation to the [[Ebbw Vale Steelworks]]. The [[West Somerset Railway]] also served the town and port bringing goods and people from the [[Bristol and Exeter Railway]]. The iron ore trade reduced and ceased in the early-20th century. The port continued a smaller commercial trade until 2000 when it was converted into a [[marina]].

Watchet is believed to be the place where [[Decuman|Saint Decuman]] was killed around 706 and its parish church is dedicated to him. At the time of the ''[[Domesday Book]]'' Watchet was part of the estate held by [[William de Moyon]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Medieval town and port, Watchet |url=http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/34163 |website=Somerset Historic Environment Record |publisher=Somerset County Council |accessdate=7 June 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003100958/http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/34163 |archivedate=3 October 2016 }}</ref> The parish of Watchet was in the [[Hundred of Williton and Freemanners|Williton and Freemanners]] [[Hundred (county division)|Hundred]] in the [[Middle Ages]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Somerset Hundreds |url=http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Miscellaneous/ |publisher=GENUKI |accessdate=22 October 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119134349/http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/SOM/Miscellaneous/ |archivedate=19 January 2012 }}</ref> T

With access to wood from the [[Quantock Hills]], records show that paper making was established by 1652.<ref name=WatMus>{{cite web|url=http://www.watchetmuseum.co.uk/social_history.php |title=Social history of Watchet |publisher=Watchet Museum |accessdate=4 February 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221190325/http://www.watchetmuseum.co.uk/social_history.php |archivedate=21 February 2014 }}</ref> In the 15th century, a flour mill was established by the Fulford and Hadley families near the mouth of the [[Washford River]]. By 1587 the Wyndham estate had established a [[Gristmill|fulling and grist mill]] to the south west.<ref name=gathercole/> By 1652, the mill had started to produce paper.<ref name=WatMus/><ref name=BritHist>{{cite web|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/som/vol5/pp143-171 |last1=Baggs |first1=A. P. |last2=Bush |first2=R. J. E. |last3=Siraut |first3=M. C. |title=Parishes: St. Decumans, including Watchet and Williton |website=British History Online |publisher=Victoria County History |accessdate=7 June 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607060445/http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/som/vol5/pp143-171 |archivedate=7 June 2015 }}</ref> In 1846 business partners James Date, William Peach and John Wansbrough bought the business and introduced mechanised-production using a [[water wheel]]-powered pulley system.<ref name=WatMus/><ref name=EvEx/> In the 1860s, the factory was converted to steam power and the local harbour was used to import raw materials and export finished goods.<ref name=BritHist/><ref name=Portsorg>{{cite web|url=http://www.ports.org.uk/port.asp?id=218 |title=Watchet harbour |publisher=Ports.org.uk |accessdate=5 July 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307234030/http://www.ports.org.uk/port.asp?id=218 |archivedate=7 March 2014 }}</ref> Most of the mill was destroyed by fire in 1889 but it was rebuilt and less than ten years later five paper making machines were operating. The mill became the largest manufacturer of paper bags in the UK.<ref name=BritHist/><ref name=EvEx>{{cite web|url=http://www.everythingexmoor.org.uk/encyclopedia_detail.php?ENCid=1025 |title=Wansbrough Paper Mill |publisher=EverythingExmoor.org.uk |accessdate=4 February 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222150820/http://www.everythingexmoor.org.uk/encyclopedia_detail.php?ENCid=1025 |archivedate=22 February 2014 }}</ref> In 1896, the business became the Wansbrough Paper Company, a [[limited liability company]] and is now known as the [[Wansbrough Paper Mill]].<ref name=WatMus/> With an annual capacity of 180,000 tonnes of product and employing 100 people, it is the UK's largest manufacturer of [[coreboard]], and also produces [[containerboard]], recycled [[envelope]], [[bag]] and kraft papers. In December 2015 the paper mill ceased production and closed.<ref name=PapWrld>{{cite web|url=http://www.paper-world.com/firmeninfo.php?sprache=uk&menue=12&keyfirma=1307819&AktuelleSeite=0 |title=Company information&nbsp;— DS Smith Paper, Wansbrough Mill |publisher=BIRKNER International PaperWorld |accessdate=7 June 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626132640/http://www.paper-world.com/firmeninfo.php?sprache=uk&menue=12&keyfirma=1307819&AktuelleSeite=0 |archivedate=26 June 2015 }}</ref>

Watchet developed as a town thanks to its closeness to the minerals within the [[Brendon Hills]], and its access to the [[River Severn]] for onward shipping. Aside from local ships plying trade across the river, from 1564 onwards the port was used for import of salt and wine from [[France]].{{sfn|Farr|1954|pp=125-137}} In 1643 during the [[English Civil War]], a [[Cavalier|Royalist]] ship was sent to Watchet to reinforce for the siege of [[Dunster Castle]]. [[Roundhead|Parliamentarian (Roundhead)]] Captain Popham ordered his troops into the sea with the tide on the ebb, and with the ship unable to move, attacked the ship with fire from their [[carbine]]s. Taken by surprise and under heavy attack, the Royalist commander surrendered the ship, resulting in a ship technically at sea being captured by troops on horseback.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.watchetmuseum.co.uk/maritime.php |title=Maritime history |publisher=Watchet Museum |accessdate=5 July 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724032338/http://watchetmuseum.co.uk/maritime.php |archivedate=24 July 2013 }}</ref>{{sfn|Leete-Hodge|1985|pp=41-42}}

The port remained open to service the papermills, importing wood pulp and [[Esparto|esparto grass]] from [[Russia]] and [[Scandinavia]], using mainly East European registered vessels after World War II.{{sfn|Farr|1974|p=61}} Requiring a return load, the result was that Watchet became a leading UK port for the export of car parts, tractors and other industrial goods. However, with the replacement of coal with oil from the mid-1960s, the port traffic began to terminally decline. The harbour was in commercial use until 2000, the harbour has now been converted into a [[marina]] for pleasure boats.{{sfn|Body|Gallop|2015|pp=117-122}} It is surrounded by renovated quaysides and narrow streets. The commercial esplanade has been refurbished with new shelters, information points, and the provision of new paving in some areas, as well as railings, lamps, curved benches, planters and new tree plantings.

There are several museums in the town, including the [[Market House Museum]], which explores the history of the town and its harbour. The building was constructed in 1820 on the site of the previous market house which had been demolished in 1805. It was converted into a museum in 1979.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=The Market House|num=1180325|accessdate=7 June 2015}}</ref> It houses a collection of exhibits about the natural history of Watchet and the surrounding area. The focus is on nautical and maritime history of the port.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.watchettowncouncil.org/things_to_see.php |title=Market House Museum&nbsp;— Corner of Market St. and the Esplanade |publisher=Watchet Town Council |accessdate=2009-05-26 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830022952/http://www.watchettowncouncil.org/things_to_see.php |archivedate=30 August 2009 }}</ref> Artefacts include those relating to: Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Land Transport, Maritime, Natural Sciences, Science and Technology and Social History.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.culture24.org.uk/sw000146 |title=Watchet Market House Museum |publisher=Culture 24 |accessdate=2009-05-26 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716184056/http://www.culture24.org.uk/sw000146 |archivedate=16 July 2011 }}</ref> At the rear of the museum building is the old town [[Village lock-up|lock-up]] for the temporary detention of people, often drunks who were usually released the next day or to hold people being brought before the local magistrate. The [[Watchet Boat Museum]], which is housed in the 1862 [[Victorian architecture]] former railway goods shed, displays the unusual local [[flatner]] boats and associated artefacts.<ref name=wsrwa>{{cite web|url=http://westsomersetrailway.vticket.co.uk/article.php/18/watchet_/ |title=Watchet |publisher=West Somerset Railway |accessdate=7 June 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219170136/http://westsomersetrailway.vticket.co.uk/article.php/18/watchet_/ |archivedate=19 February 2016 }}</ref>

The [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution]] stationed a [[Lifeboat (rescue)|lifeboat]] at Watchet in 1875. The station was closed in 1944 by which time the nearby station at {{Lbs|Minehead}} had been equipped with a motor lifeboat that could cover the area around Watchet.<ref>{{cite book |last= Denton |first= Tony |title= Handbook 2009 |year= 2009 |publisher= Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society |location= Shrewsbury |page= 60 }}</ref> The boat was launched from the slipway at the western corner of the harbour, but the boat house was at the southern corner near the railway station and the boat was taken along the quay on a carriage. Since closure the boat house has been converted into a library.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Library / Lifeboat Station |url=http://www.watchetconservationsociety.co.uk/building_library.html |publisher=Watchet Conservation Society |accessdate=7 June 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219170136/http://www.watchetconservationsociety.co.uk/building_library.html |archivedate=19 February 2016 }}</ref>

The civil parish of Watchet is governed by a [[town council]], having previously been [[Watchet Urban District]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Watchet UD |url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10135308 |work=A vision of Britain Through Time |publisher=University of Portsmouth |accessdate=5 January 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106031737/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10135308 |archivedate=6 January 2014 }}</ref> Administratively, the civil parish falls within the [[Somerset West and Taunton]] [[Non-metropolitan district|local government district]] and the [[Somerset]] [[Non-metropolitan county|shire county]]. Administrative tasks are shared between county, district and town councils. In 2011, the parish had a population of 3,785.<ref name="popn"/><ref name=wtcwtc>{{cite web | url = http://www.watchettowncouncil.org/?page=council | title = Watchet Town Council | publisher = Watchet Town Council | accessdate = 8 October 2008 }}</ref>

Watchet forms part of the [[Bridgwater and West Somerset (UK Parliament constituency)|Bridgwater and West Somerset]] [[United Kingdom constituencies#County constituencies and borough constituencies|county constituency]] represented in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]]. It elects one [[Member of parliament|Member of parliament (MP)]] by the [[First-past-the-post voting|First-past-the-post]] system of election. The current MP is [[Ian Liddell-Grainger]], a member of the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservatives]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hciolists/alcm.cfm#B |title=Alphabetical List of Constituencies and Members of Parliament |publisher=House Of Commons Information Office |accessdate=19 January 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117044453/http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hciolists/alcm.cfm |archivedate=17 January 2008 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Residents of Watchet also form part of the electorate for the [[South West England (European Parliament constituency)|South West England]] constituency for elections to the [[European Parliament]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europarl.org.uk/uk_meps/southwest.asp |title=UK MEPs for the South West |accessdate=11 January 2008 |format= |work=European Parliament UK Office |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217202015/http://www.europarl.org.uk/uk_meps/southwest.asp |archivedate=17 December 2007 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>

[[Image:Ancient mariner statue.jpg|thumb|right|upright|A statue of the Ancient Mariner at Watchet Harbour, unveiled in September 2003 as a tribute to [[Samuel Taylor Coleridge]]]]

The foreshore at Watchet is rocky, with a high {{convert|6|m}} [[tidal range]]. The cliffs between Watchet and [[Blue Anchor]] show a distinct pale, greenish blue colour, resulting from the coloured [[alabaster]] found there. The name "Watchet" or "Watchet Blue" was used in the 16th century to denote this colour.{{sfn|Leete-Hodge|1985|p=41}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Nearby |url=http://www.pilgrimcorner.co.uk/nearby.html |publisher=Pilgrim Corner |accessdate=7 June 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225047/http://www.pilgrimcorner.co.uk/nearby.html |archivedate=3 March 2016 }}</ref> A fragment of a lower jaw from a [[Phytosaur]] ''longirostrine archosaur'' has been described from early [[Hettangian]] strata.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Maisch|first1=Michael W.|last2=Kapitzke|first2=Martin|title=A presumably marine phytosaur (Reptilia: Archosauria) from the pre-planorbis beds (Hettangian) of England|journal=Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie - Abhandlungen|volume=257|issue=3|pages=373|doi=10.1127/0077-7749/2010/0076|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233517047_A_presumably_marine_phytosaur_%28Reptilia_Archosauria%29_from_the_pre-planorbis_beds_%28Hettangian%29_of_England|year=2010}}</ref>

Kentsford Bridge is a [[packhorse bridge]] over the Washford River. It existed before the [[Reformation]], possibly being a route to [[Cleeve Abbey]] and was repaired in 1613. The bridge is {{convert|54|in}} wide and has a total span of {{convert|16|ft}}.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hinchliffe|first1=Ernest|title=Guide to the Packhorse Bridges of England|date=1994|publisher=Cicerone|isbn=978-1852841430|pages=152–153}}</ref>

The harbour was also linked, with a [[Watchet (WSMR) railway station|separate station]], to the independent [[West Somerset Mineral Railway]], that ran to [[iron ore]] mines in the [[Brendon Hills]] south west of the town. From Watchet the ore was carried across the Bristol Channel by ship to [[Newport, Wales|Newport]] and thence to [[Ebbw Vale]] for smelting to extract the iron. The line was ready for traffic from Watchet to Roadwater by April 1857,{{sfn|Mitchell|Smith|1990}}{{sfn|Thomas|1966}} Although the outward terminal of the line was to be the quay at Watchet, the pier had been practically unusable for some considerable time, and boats were beached and loaded direct from carts brought on to the foreshore.{{sfn|Farr|1954|pp=125-137}} After considerable public pressure, the Watchet Harbour Act was passed in 1857, placing it under the control of Commissioners; they built a new east pier and rebuilt the west pier; the work was finished in 1862, and 500&nbsp;ton vessels could enter the harbour.{{sfn|Thomas|1966}} Passenger services were also provided from Watchet, however these werre not financially successful and with the declining output from the Iron ore mines the line closed in 1898.{{sfn|Carter|1959}}{{sfn|Mitchell|Smith|1990}} It briefly reopened in the early 20th century.<ref>{{cite web|title=MSO7702 - Colton Pits |url=http://www.exmoorher.co.uk/hbsmr-web/record.aspx?UID=MSO7702-Colton-Pits-(Monument) |publisher=Exmoor National Park |accessdate=8 October 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014184807/http://www.exmoorher.co.uk/hbsmr-web/record.aspx?UID=MSO7702-Colton-Pits-%28Monument%29 |archivedate=14 October 2014 }}</ref>

The trackbed of the old West Somerset Mineral Railway now forms a path, which can be followed from the harbour at Watchet to [[Washford railway station|Washford station]], also on the West Somerset Railway.<ref name="wsrwa"/><ref name=wtcdo>{{cite web|url=http://www.watchettowncouncil.org/?page=do |title=Things to do |publisher=Watchet Town Council |accessdate=8 October 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115090841/http://www.watchettowncouncil.org/?page=do |archivedate=15 January 2009 }}</ref>

The [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] [[Church of St Decuman, Watchet|St Decuman's church]] is probably on an ancient pre-Christian site, on a hill top between Watchet and Williton. An earlier church was situated by the sea at [[Daw's Castle]] (probably the original site of Watchet) but was abandoned because of sea erosion. When the church was rebuilt in the 12th century it appears that the bones of St Decuman were moved. The chancel of the present church is unusually wide and may have housed the tomb of St Decuman. The "Translation of Saint Decuman" used to be celebrated. The 15th century, Grade I [[Listed building|listed]], [[Church of St Decuman, Watchet|Church of St Decuman]] is dedicated to him.<ref name="IoE">{{IoE|264603 |Parish church of St Decuman |accessdate=1 March 2008 }}</ref> The [[Norman architecture|Norman]] church was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries when the central tower was demolished and the present one built at the west end. It was [[Victorian restoration|restored]] and reseated by [[James Piers St Aubyn]] in 1886-1891, with further internal alterations being made in 1896 when the [[Caen]] stone [[reredos]] was erected.<ref name="IoE"/><ref>{{NHLE|desc=Parish church of St Decuman|num=1057662|accessdate=7 June 2015}}</ref>

The church was described by [[Francis Carolus Eeles]] ("St Decuman's Church") in 1932. He highlighted a fine geometrical east window with original tracery dating from the end of the 13th century and the [[Perpendicular Period|perpendicular]] window tracery in the south isle. The series of wagon roofs with rich carving are above the [[rood screen]] in [[nave]] and south [[aisle]]. The Wyndham Chapel occupies the east end of the north aisle and is dedicated to the Wyndham family of nearby [[Orchard Wyndham]] House, former [[lord of the manor|lords of the manor]]. Included is a memorial to [[John Wyndham (1558–1645)|Sir John Wyndham]] (1558&ndash;1645), who played an important role in the establishment of defence organisation in the [[West Country]] against the threat of the [[Spanish Armada]]. Next to his monument is one to his parents, and the chest tomb of his grandparents, with [[monumental brass]]es, serves to separate the chapel from the chancel. A mural monument exists with kneeling effigies of two of Sir John's sons, Henry and George, as well as other monuments to the later family of Wyndham. The organ was presented to the church in 1933 by W. Wyndham.

St Decuman's well is below the church. It is a 19th-century reconstruction of the earlier well on the site which dates from the [[Middle Ages]].<ref>{{NHLE|desc=St Decuman's Well, north-west of parish church|num=1345561|accessdate=7 June 2015}}</ref> In addition to the Church of St Decumen there is also a Methodist church in Watchet. It was built as a [[Wesleyanism|Wesleyan]] chapel in 1871.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Methodist Church|num=1057626|accessdate=7 June 2015}}</ref> The [[Baptist]] church was built in 1824.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Baptist Church and Sunday School, railings and gate|num=1345563|accessdate=7 June 2015}}</ref> [[Cleeve Abbey]], one of the best preserved [[Middle Ages|medieval]] [[monastery|monasteries]] in England, lies about {{convert|2|mi}} west of Watchet, in the village of [[Washford]].

*{{cite book | title = A Field Guide to Somerset Archaeology | first1 = Lesley | last1 = Adkins | first2 = Roy |last2=Adkins | year = 1992 | isbn = 978-0946159949 | location = Wimborne, Dorset | publisher = Dovecote Press |ref=harv}}

*{{cite book | title = The Archaeology of Somerset | first = Michael | last = Aston | editor = Ian Burrow | year = 1982 | isbn = 978-0861830282|ref=harv }}

*{{cite book |title=Somerset airfields in the Second World War |last=Berryman |first=David |authorlink= |author2= |year=2006 |publisher=Countryside Books |location=Newbury |isbn=1-85306-864-0 |ref=harv }}

*{{cite book|last1=Body|first1=Geoff|last2=Gallop|first2=Roy|title=Any Muddy Bottom: A History of Somerset's Waterborne Trade|date=2015|publisher=History Press|isbn=9780750961639|ref=harv}}

*{{cite book|last1=Carter|first1=E.|title=An Historical Geography of the Railways of the British Isles|date=1959|publisher=Cassell|ref=harv}}

*{{cite book |title=Somerset Harbours |last=Farr |first=Grahame |authorlink= |author2= |year=1954 |publisher=Christopher Johnson |ref=harv }}

*{{cite book|last1=Farr|first1=Grahame|title=Ships and Harbours of Exmoor|date=1974|publisher=Exmoor Press|isbn=978-0900131158|edition=2|ref=harv}}

*{{cite book |title=Curiosities of Somerset |last=Leete-Hodge |first=Lornie |authorlink= |author2= |year=1985 |publisher=Bossiney Books |location=Bodmin |isbn=978-0-906456-99-6 |ref=harv}}

*{{cite book|last1=Mitchell|first1=Vic|last2=Smith|first2=Keith|title=Branch Line to Minehead: Preservation Perfection|date=1990|publisher=Middleton Press|isbn=978-0906520802|ref=harv}}

*{{cite book|last1=Norman|first1=W.H. (Ben)|title=Legends and Folklore of Watchet|date=1992|publisher=W.H.(Ben) Norman|isbn=978-0951084212|ref=harv}}

*{{cite book|last1=Oakley|first1=Mike|title=Somerset Railway Stations|date=2006|publisher=Dovecote Press|isbn=978-1904349099|ref=harv}}

*{{cite book|last1=Thomas|first1=David St John|title=Regional History of the Railways of Great Britain: The West Country v. 1|date=1966|publisher=David & Charles|ref=harv}}

*{{cite book |title=Portrait of the Quantocks |last=Waite |first=Vincent |authorlink= |author2= |year=1964 |publisher=Robert Hale |location=London |isbn=978-0709111580 |ref=harv }}

{{commons category|Watchet}}