Watchet it is  towns such as Watchet, that are the very essence of all things English, and give us such a wonderful insight in to our history and culture. This delightful Somerset town of Watchet lies on the north coast of the Bristol channel in the historic county of Somerset. To the west of Watchet, lies wild and wonderful Exmoor, to the south lie the beautiful scenic Brendon Hills, but that is not all for the green rolling hills of the Quantocks, are to be found to the east. So one can clearly see Watchet is surrounded by an area of outstanding natural beauty. Watchet: its-self boasts a very long and distinguished history.For there has been a port here for over one thousand years. But the origins of Watchet can be traced back a lot further in time. To the Iron Age in fact, for Iron Age hill forts which were later re-used in the the Dark Ages have been found in a location to the west of Watchet. And to the east of the town there is also evidence of Roman occupation.

Why then was this area considered so important. Well given Watchets location; sheltered by hills on three sides and natural deep harbour. It is easy to see why early Britons inhabited the area. And as the evidence of the various fortifications, tell us, they had recognized  that Watchet and the surrounding area was of strategic importance. Why well they had to  defend themselves from the fierce Danish raiders who were prevalent in that era, and defense, was of course the primary object of the hill forts. The Roman's also inhabited the area and like the native Briton's they also built fortifications here, but it was not roving bands of Vikings, that worried the Romans; it was the indigenous Celts who although defeated never gave up the fight against the invaders . 

Besides the Celts, there were warlike tribes just across the Bristol channel. Perhaps the Romans were wary of the warlike Welsh Tribes. And they had good reason to be wary as West Wales, was the base of Caratacus leader of the Silures and Ordovices Tribes who waged a successful guerrilla campaign against the Roman invaders. ( Who was Caratacus, Caratacus was on a par with the more renowned warrior Queen of the Iceni, Boudicca better known as Boadicea. And like Boadicea he led many uprisings against Roman rule. And Caratacus is just as important to early history as his better know contemporary. It was 9 long years and 36, battles before he was finally defeated, and transported to Rome a captive.) Caratacus was only one of many native Britons who took up arms and  crossed the Bristol channel to oppose the Roman occupiers. Given these facts, one can see exactly why the Romans deemed it necessary to built fortifications in places such as Watchet, and exactly why these fortifications were needed.

Watchet like most West Country towns fell under the Norman influence after the Norman invasion of 1066. And William the Conquerer bequeathed the area to the French nobleman Baron de Moion, who built nearby historic Dunster Castle, which he used as his power base. William also gave the Baron lot's of manors in West Somerset, Devon, and Dorset. And there is no-doubt the imposing Castle at Dunster was a visible reminder to the local population of Norman power, and strength. Given all this happened prior to the 10th century, one can see indeed that Watchet; has a long and rich history indeed. And you can find out all about this early history in Watchet's, excellent Decuman Celtic Center in Market Street.

What has modern day Watchet got to offer? Since the early days when small locally owned vessels traded coastally, and as far as Ireland,the harbour has always been the center of activity in the town. Sadly however in 2000, with the sharp decline in coastal shipping a decision as to the harbours future use had to be made. And only after much soul searching, and anguish did the town council find the answerer. The harbour was decommissioned, and a fine marina built, thus continuing Watchets long and proud association with the sea.

As I stated above with wild, and wonderful Exmoor the rolling hills of the Quantocks, and the Brendon hills, plus lively Minehead and historical Dunster: all within east traveling distance Watchet is the ideal place to choose as a holiday location. The Town itself has a lot to offer, with fine shops, cafés and restaraunts, most of which are located in Swain St the main thoroughfare. And a  must for children and steam train buffs alike is the famous West Somerset Steam  Railway. This unique  railway, has been fully restored to its former glory by steam engine enthusiast's. It runs for 20 miles, from Bishops Lypard to Minehead through some of the most stunning countryside, and one of the places it stops is at Watchet. It is certainly a experience not to be missed, what-ever ones age

The famous poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge; lived in near by Neather Stowly. It is believed that the saying "a man from Porlock" derived  from Coleridge awakening from a dream with the lines "In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree: Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man Down to a sunless sea" in his head. At the very moment he was to commit the poem to paper he was unfortunately interrupted by a visitor on a business matter who had come from Porlock. After the visitor left Coleridge could not remember the rest of the poem: and that is why the great work remained unfinished.

Netherby Stowly, is where the Samuel Taylor Coleridge trail begins, the trail continues to Alfoxton where Coleridges great friends, William and Dorothy Wordsworth lived. William Wordsworth along with Samuel Taylor Coleridge launched what we know to-day as the romantic age in English literature, William Wordsworth was quite a distance from his roots in his beloved Lake District. But I have no-doubt he felt equally at home in this beautiful part of the 'West Country'. Samuel Taylor Coleridge also spent a considerable time in Wordsworth's Lake Districk, where he amused himself by making very perilous decents of the mountains.The trail then continues across the Quantocks and down in to Watchet. For sea anglers there are still chartered boats operating from Watchet. And for walkers, and lovers of wildlife and nature, there is a myriad of beautiful scenic walks and an abundance of wildlife. For the more serious walkers among you the famous South West Coastal Path lies quite close and is easily accessible from Watchet. The less energetic myself included will however either beachcombe, or take a fishing trip. Watchet sits on  the Bristol estuary which has the second highest tidal rise in the world, and there is always flotsam, and jetsam being washed ashore or hunt for fossils, and investigate rock pools on one of the numerous beaches. So given its history, location, and activities I believe its the ideal place to base ones-self for a 'West Country' holiday.!

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