Chard

The town of Chard in Somerset is set on high ground and is the highest settlement in the county, offering breathtaking views across the picturesque countryside. As well as being the highest town in Somerset, Chard is also the most southerly, lying very close to the Devon border. The discovery of artefacts indicates that the town has been settled since at least Roman times and by the Saxon period, a church and small settlement were established. Although there are other claims by other towns to being the Camelot of King Arthur, Chard sites the translation of its description in the Domesday Book as the ‘Royal House of Cerdic’ as evidence that it is the real Camelot. Cerdic founded the Kingdom of Wessex at the end of the 5^th century and was believed by some to be the original King Arthur.

Chard has been a market town since 1285 and this continues every Monday when a vibrant market brings local produce and crafts to the centre. There are ample amenities, shops, eateries and pubs here as well as a wealth of history to explore. Chard’s museum provides a fascinating insight into local life with exhibits and several collections of national importance; including those of John Stringfellow who in the 19^th century was an early pioneer of powered flight and James Gillingham whowas an important maker of artificial limbs around the same time. Nearby are wonderful open spaces and countryside as well as a Local Nature Reserve popular for walking, fishing and bird-watching; with a bird hide providing glimpses of herons, kingfishers, cormorants, grebes, ducks and woodland songbirds.

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