Welcome to South Petherton
The Saxon king of Wessex, Ine, built a palace on what is now Silver Street. The settlement that grew around there included a church and even a mint in the 11th century. It was calledSudperetone (the southern tun on the Parrett). During the 17th century, the town was a national centre for creating bronze cauldrons and skillets. Cloth manufacture, continued into the late 18th and 19th century although this was largely replaced by sailcloth and then leather working. The importance of this industry can be seen by the number of mills which remain including; the former flax mill or granary in Hayes End, Joylers Mill, Shutlers Mill, and the former flax mill immediately north of Flaxdrayton Farmhouse.
Today the village is an extremely popular place to live. The pre-school and primary school are both excellent. There is the Blake Hall with the social club below and a hall above where the first Sunday of every month a market is held. The Davies Arts Centre is a local social centre with touring performers and workshops are put on. The range of boutiques and independent businesses in the village make it a great place to visit and live. The community hospital provides care for the area with a 24/7 pharmacy too.