Brambles Bed and Breakfast
Whitnage Cottage | Whitnage | Uplowman | Tiverton | Devon | EX16 7DS
01884 829211 | Email
Wellington (Somerset) B&B Accommodation
Hotel | Bed and Breakfast | Accommodation | Wellington | Somerset
Brambles Bed and Breakfast is 16 minutes (9.5 miles) via A38 from Wellington in Somerset.
About Wellington:
Wellington, Somerset, is a historic market town nestled in a valley between the Blackdown and Brendon Hills, known for its independent shops, Victorian park, 1930s cinema (The Wellesley), and strong ties to the Duke of Wellington, commemorated by a nearby monument. Once a significant woollen mill centre, it offers a blend of rural charm with amenities, serving as a gateway to the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with good access to Taunton and the M5 motorway. Key Features & Attractions: Wellington Monument: A 175ft column on the Blackdown Hills honoring the Duke of Wellington, a prominent landmark. Wellington Museum: Explore the town's history, including its cloth-making past and the Fox family legacy. The Wellesley: A unique 1930s art deco cinema providing entertainment. Wellington Park: A restored Victorian park with Green Heritage status, ideal for walks. Independent Shops & Food Scene: A vibrant high street with local boutiques and a growing reputation as a "Food Town". Blackdown Hills: Easy access to stunning countryside, walking, and local cider farms like Sheppy's. Wellington Basins: Community woodlands and ponds, a spot for wildlife and angling. History & Culture: Named after the famous Duke of Waterloo, Arthur Wellesley, though he visited only once. Grew significantly in the 18th century due to the Fox family's woollen mills. Has Saxon roots, with the name appearing in early charters. Location: Located in Somerset, near the Devon border, southwest of Taunton. Excellent transport links via the M5 motorway and nearby railway stations.
History of Wellington:
Wellington's history spans from Saxon settlements (potentially owned by Alfred the Great) as "Weolington," growing into a medieval market town with a royal charter in 1215, known for trade along routes like Bristol to Exeter. It passed through noble hands, became famous via the "Iron Duke" Arthur Wellesley (who took his title from the town but visited only once), played a part in Monmouth's Rebellion (1685), and developed significant Georgian architecture, market history (with a park donated in 1903), and historical links to the Wrekin in Shropshire. Saxon & Medieval Roots (Pre-12th Century) Origins: First written records (909 CE) mention "Weolington," possibly meaning "wealthy estate" or "temple clearing," linked to Bishop Asser. Domesday Book (1086): Recorded as "Walintone," a sizeable settlement with a priest, indicating a well-established community. Early Growth: Grew from a Saxon farmstead into a village with a Saxon chapel and a church (now St John the Baptist), becoming a local trade hub. Medieval & Early Modern Period (13th - 17th Centuries) Town Status: Received a royal charter in 1215, solidifying its role as a market town. Market Charter: Lord of the Manor Giles of Erdington obtained a Market Charter in 1244 from Henry III, allowing tolls on market sales. Notable Families: Ownership shifted to the Somersets, Pophams, and eventually the Wellesley family. Monmouth's Rebellion (1685): Secret troop movements for the rebellion were revealed at the Half Moon Inn, contributing to the Duke of Monmouth's defeat at Sedgemoor. The Wellesley Era & Beyond (18th - 19th Centuries) The Iron Duke: Arthur Wellesley (1st Duke of Wellington, victor at Waterloo) took his title from the town, though he rarely visited. Wellington Monument: A monument was erected to honor the Duke's military success. Victorian Development: The Fox family donated Wellington Park in 1903, featuring a notable Victorian landscape design. Key Themes Trade & Markets: A vital commercial center due to its location on trade routes. Religious History: Home to an ancient parish church, with foundations potentially predating Norman times. Architecture: Features Georgian architecture alongside older medieval lanes.
Brambles Bed and Breakfast
Whitnage Cottage | Whitnage | Uplowman | Tiverton | Devon | EX16 7DS
01884 829211 | Email



