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West Coker is a large village and civil parish in Somerset, England, situated south west of Yeovil.
Artifacts from early settlement in the parish include a polished stone axe and boat shaped-bronze brooch. A Roman villa has been excavated and a bronze plate inscribed to the god Mars discovered. From this Mars was given the title Mars Rigisamus (which means "greatest king" or "king of kings") as it depicts a standing naked male figure with a close-fitting helmet; his right hand may have once held a weapon, and he probably originally also had a shield (both are now lost). The same epithet for a god is recorded from Bourges in Gaul. The use of this epithet implies that Mars had an extremely high status, over and above his warrior function.
The manor descended with its neighbour East Coker until the 14th century when it passed to a junior branch of the Courtenay family. It was later held by the Dukes of Somerset and Northumberland protectors of Edward VI and later still by the Portmans of Orchard Portman.
The original manor house burned down during an attack in the Wars of the Roses, although the current hamstone manor house has medieval origins, the earliest surviving portions probably being of around 1500. It is a grade I listed building.
The village had a long history of growing hemp and flax for sailcloth manufacture, which made "Coker Canvas" highly prized by naval captains during the Napoleonic Wars. Dawe's Twineworks, a late 19th-century historic building in the village used for the manufacture of rope and twine, was a featured candidate on the BBC Restoration TV series in 2006. The ropewalk was on the Heritage at Risk Register until local volunteers formed the Coker Rope & Sail Trust and raised substantial funding, including from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Dawe's Twineworks is now Britain’s only surviving Victorian twineworks with its original working machinery, and is open to visitors on the fourth Saturday of every month.
For local government purposes, since 1 April 2023, the parish comes under the unitary authority of Somerset Council. Prior to this, it was part of the non-metropolitan district of South Somerset (established under the Local Government Act 1972). It was part of Yeovil Rural District before 1974.
The village is in 'Coker' electoral ward. The wards stretches from Odcombe in the north west to Barwick in the north east and Hardington Mandeville in the south west. The population of the ward at the 2011 census was 5,310.
It is also part of the Yeovil county constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elects one Member of Parliament (MP) by the first past the post system of election.
* Hospitality: The village currently has one functioning pub and a hotel. The New Inn, a 17th century public house which also offers a dining and accommodation. Lanes Hotel with a 4 star rating, offers accommodation, a spa, bar, and dining. Previously, there were two others public houses: The George (temporarily closed) and The Castle Inn, which suffered a fire in 2013 and ultimately closed in 2016. Previously, there was also a bistro on East Street, and a bar called the Rum Hole located in the basement of what is now Lanes Hotel.
Approximately one mile east of the village centre, the Yeovil Court hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment. Every Christmas Eve the village hold an event known as "carols in the square". This is a community fundraising event drawing crowds to sing carols accompanied by live musicians.
* Retail and Services: A garage in the village centre provides MOT testing, fuel, and a local shop. Other businesses include a butcher's shop and a post office.
* Education: West Coker Primary School serves the local community with a student population of roughly 30 pupils.
* Community Spaces: The West Coker Village Hall, administered by the West Coker Commemoration Fund charity, provides a venue for a variety of events. Additionally, the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Pavilion, opened in November 2022 at the Recreation Ground on Halves Lane, offers a space for sports and community activities.
* Media: The village benefits from a regular community publication, the Ropewalker, which keeps residents informed of local news and events.
Points of Interest:
* Dawe's Twineworks: This museum preserves the history of rope and twine production in West Coker, featuring working machinery and interactive exhibits.
* Hatherstone Wood: This small woodland was developed in 1999 as part of the Woodland Trust's "woodland on your doorstep" scheme.
* West Coker Fen: A designated nature reserve, West Coker Fen provides habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare orchids and wetland birds. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and walkers.
Transport:
* A petrol station and convenience store are located approximately one mile east of the village.
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