North Petherton

Once claiming to be the largest village in England until the late 20th century when it was classified as a town, North Petherton lies just to the east of the Quantock Hills and close to the Somerset Levels.

The minster church of St Mary has one of the highest towers in the West Country and dates mainly from the 1540's. The great architectural writer, Pevsner, described it as a "tour de force" in a county particularly rich in church towers.

North Petherton was an important settlement in Saxon times. It was here at Petherton Park that the Alfred Jewel, one of the most famous objects surviving from Anglo-Saxon England, was found in 1693.It is inscribed with the words: "Aelfred mec heht gewyrcan" (" Alfred ordered me to be made") and is an elaborate gold ornament with filigree detail. King Alfred took refuge from the Vikings just four miles from North Petherton. The original jewel now lies in the Ashmolean Museum.

The carnival is the other main claim to fame for North Petherton. Each year in November a procession over two miles long consisting of approximately 120 illuminated carnival "carts" passes through the town as part of the Guy Fawkes Carnivals Circuit. There are very good opportunities to view the whole length of the procession as it approaches the centre of North Petherton , which makes for a dramatic spectacle.

The Taunton and Bridgwater Canal and visitor facilities at Maunsel Lock are signed from North Petherton.