Editing Dunster

{{Short description|Village in Somerset, England}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2018}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox UK place
|static_image_name= Dunster.jpg
|static_image_caption= [[Yarn Market, Dunster|Dunster Yarn Market]] in the foreground and [[Dunster Castle]] on the skyline.
|country= England
|official_name= Dunster
|coordinates = {{coord|51.1825|-3.4459|display=inline,title}}
|population= 817
|population_ref=<ref name="popn">{{cite web|title=Statistics for Wards, LSOAs and Parishes&nbsp;— Summary Profiles |url= http://www.somersetintelligence.org.uk/files/Somerset%20Census%20Key%20Statistics%20-%20Summary%20Profiles.xls |publisher=Somerset Intelligence |access-date=4 January 2014 |format=Excel}}</ref>
| unitary_england          = [[Somerset Council|Somerset]]
 | lieutenancy_england      = [[Somerset]]
 | region                   = South West England
|constituency_westminster= [[Tiverton and Minehead (UK Parliament constituency)|Tiverton and Minehead]]
|post_town= MINEHEAD
|postcode_area= TA
|postcode_district= TA24
|dial_code= 01643
|os_grid_reference= SS990436
|website= [https://www.dunster.org.uk  Dunster Village website]
}}

'''Dunster''' is a village that is home to Celtu and [[civil parishes in England|civil parish]] in [[Somerset]], England, within the north-eastern boundary of [[Exmoor]] National Park. It lies on the [[Bristol Channel]] {{convert|2.5|mi|0}} southeast of [[Minehead]] and {{convert|20|mi|0}} northwest of [[Taunton]]. At the [[2011 United Kingdom census|2011 Census]], it had a population of 817.<ref name="popn"/>

There are [[Iron Age]] [[hillforts]] in the area. Saxon Dunster was a parish in the [[Hundred of Carhampton]]. In the Domesday book there are four manors within the parish: Aucome (Alcombe), Avena (Avill), Stantune (Stanton) and Torre. Torre is now the site of the village of Dunster. Torre, including the castle and two watermills, was valued at 15 shillings and Aucome 20 shillings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Text of the Somerset Domesday: Part 2 {{!}} British History Online |url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/som/vol1/pp479-526 |access-date=2022-08-21 |website=british-history.ac.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Parish Information Packs |url=https://somerset-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/A/DIF/121 |access-date=2022-08-21 |website=somerset-cat.swheritage.org.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> The village grew up around [[Dunster Castle]] which was built at Torre by the Norman warrior [[William de Moyon|William I de Moyon]] (d. post 1090) shortly after the [[Norman Conquest]] of 1066. The castle is mentioned in the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086. From that time it was the ''[[caput]]'' of the [[Feudal barony of Dunster]]. The castle was remodelled on several occasions by the Luttrell family who were [[lord of the manor|lords of the manor]] from the 14th to 20th centuries. The [[benedictine]] [[Dunster Priory]] was established in about 1100. The [[Priory Church of St George, Dunster|Priory Church of St George]], [[Dunster Dovecote|dovecote]] and [[Tithe Barn, Dunster|tithe barn]] are all relics from the Priory.

The village became a centre for wool and cloth production and trade, of which the [[Yarn Market, Dunster|Yarn Market]], built by George Luttrell (d.1629), is a relic. There existed formerly a harbour, known as Dunster Haven, at the mouth of the [[River Avill]], but today, the coast having receded, it is now about {{convert|1/2|mi|spell=in}} from the village and no sign of the harbour can be seen on the low lying marshes between the village and the coast. Dunster has a range of heritage sites and cultural attractions which combine with the castle to make it a popular tourist destination with many visitors arriving on the [[West Somerset Railway]], a [[heritage railway]] running from Minehead to [[Bishops Lydeard railway station|Bishops Lydeard]].

The village lies on the route of the [[Macmillan Way West]], Somerset Way and [[Celtic Way]].{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}

==Name==
The name Dunster derives from: [[Dun (fortification)#:~:text=A dun is an ancient or medieval fort.,Old Welsh din (whence Welsh dinas "city" comes).|Dun]]," A '''dun''' is an ancient or medieval fort" and [[Chester (placename element)|chester]], commonly indicates that the place is the site of a [[Roman Britain|Roman]] ''[[Castra|castrum]].''

==History==
Within {{convert|2|mi|spell=in}} of the village itself are several [[British Iron Age|Iron Age]] [[British hillforts|hillforts]] showing evidence of early human occupation. These include [[Bat's Castle]] and [[Black Ball Camp]] on Gallox Hill,{{sfn|Adkins|1992|pp=23-26}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/search/fr.cfm?rcn=NMR_NATINV-36857 |title=Black Ball Camp |access-date=28 September 2007 |work=Arts and Humanities Data Service (AHDS) }}</ref> [[Long Wood Enclosure]]<ref name=nhle>{{NHLE|desc=Later prehistoric defended enclosure, Long Wood|num=1008255|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref><ref name=exmoorher>{{cite web|title=MSO9087 – Long Wood Enclosure|url=http://www.exmoorher.co.uk/hbsmr-web/record.aspx?UID=MSO9087-Long-Wood-Enclosure|website=Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record|publisher=Exmoor National Park|access-date=1 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{PastScape|mname=Longwood|mnumber=36926|access-date=1 December 2014}}</ref> and a similar earthwork on Grabbist Hill.<ref>{{PastScape|mnumber=36851 |access-date=29 June 2015 }}</ref>

[[File:Dunster Castle.jpg|alt=Upper sections of castle walls and towers showing above trees.|thumb|left|[[Dunster Castle]]]]

Dunster is mentioned as a parish and [[Dunster Castle]] as belonging to [[William de Moyon|William I de Moyon]] (alias de Moion, also de Mohun) in the 1086 Domesday Book.<ref name="Domesday">{{cite web | url=https://somerset-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/A/DIF/121 | title=Parish Information Packs }}</ref> After the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century, he constructed a timber castle on the site as part of the pacification of Somerset.{{sfn|Prior|2006}} A stone [[shell keep]] was built on the motte by the start of the 12th century, and the castle survived a siege during the early years of [[the Anarchy]]. At the end of the 14th century the de Mohuns sold the castle to the [[Earl of Carhampton|Luttrell family]], who continued to occupy the property until the late 20th century.{{sfn|Garnett|2003}} During the [[English Civil War]], Dunster was initially held as a garrison for the [[Cavalier|Royalists]].<ref name="cwinsom">{{cite web|url=http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/ASH/Civilwar.htm|title=The Civil War in Somerset|publisher=Somerset County Council|access-date=29 June 2015|archive-date=17 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717061104/http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/ASH/Civilwar.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> It fell to the [[Roundhead|Parliamentarians]] in 1645 and orders were sent out for the castle to be demolished.<ref name="cwinsom"/> However, these were not carried out, and the castle remained the garrison for Parliamentarian troops until 1650.{{sfn|Bryant1977|p=18}} Dunster is regularly home to Taunton Garrison who re-enact plays, battles, and life in the civil war.<ref>{{cite web|title=Introduction to the Taunton Garrison|url=http://www.tauntongarrison.org/page2.htm|publisher=Taunton Garrison|access-date=19 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209140026/http://tauntongarrison.org/page2.htm|archive-date=9 December 2013}}</ref> Major alterations to the castle were undertaken by [[Henry Fownes Luttrell (died 1780)|Henry Fownes Luttrell]] who had acquired it through marriage to [[Margaret Fownes-Luttrell]] in 1747. Following the death of Alexander Luttrell in 1944, the family was unable to afford the [[inheritance tax|death duties]] on his estate. The castle and surrounding lands were sold off to a property firm, the family continuing to live in the castle as tenants. The Luttrells bought back the castle in 1954, but in 1976 Colonel [[Walter Luttrell]] gave Dunster Castle and most of its contents to the [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]], which operates it as a [[tourist attraction]]. It is a Grade I [[listed building]] and [[scheduled monument]].

[[Dunster Priory]] was established as a [[Benedictine]] monastery around 1100. The first church in Dunster was built by [[William de Mohun]] who gave the church and the [[tithes]] of several manors and two fisheries, to the Benedictine [[Bath Abbey|Abbey at Bath]]. The [[priory]], which was situated just north of the church, became a cell of the [[abbey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/34816|title=Benedictine Priory, Dunster|work=Somerset Historic Environment Record|publisher=Somerset County Council|access-date=7 January 2010}}</ref> The church was shared for worship by the monks and the parishioners, however this led to several conflicts between them. One outcome was the carved [[rood screen]] which divided the church in two with the parish using the west chancel and the monks the east.<ref name="churchhist">{{cite web|url=http://www.dunstertithebarn.org.uk/history-church.htm|title=History of Dunster Church & Priory |publisher=Dunster Tithe Barn|access-date=7 January 2010}}</ref> The priory church is now in parochial use as the [[Priory Church of St George, Dunster|Priory Church of St George]] which still contains 12th and 13th century work, although most of the current building is from the 15th century. It has been designated as a [[Listed building|Grade I listed building]].<ref name="Images of England">{{NHLE |num=1057646 |desc=Priory Church of St George, Dunster |access-date=6 March 2008}}</ref>{{sfn|Poyntz Wright|1981}} In 1332 it became more separated from the Abbey at Bath and became a priory in its own right.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/som/vol2/pp81-82|title=Houses of Benedictine monks: The priory of Dunster'|last=Page|first=William|date=1911|work=A History of the County of Somerset: Volume 2|publisher=British History Online|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref> In the "[[Valor Ecclesiasticus]]" of 1535 the net annual income of the Dunster Tithe Barn is recorded as being £37.4.8d (£37 23p), with £6.13s7d ( £6.68p ) being passed on to the priory in [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]].<ref name="Dunster Tithe Barn">{{cite web|url=http://www.everythingexmoor.org.uk/encyclopedia_detail.php?ENCid=344|title=Dunster Tithe Barn|publisher=Everything Exmoor|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref> In 1346 [[Cleeve Abbey]] built a nunnery in Dunster, but it was never inhabited by nuns and was used as a guest house.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.localhistories.org/dunster.html|title=A History of Dunster|last=Lambert|first=Tim|publisher=Local History .org|access-date=7 January 2010}}</ref> The priory was dissolved as part of the [[dissolution of the monasteries]] in 1539. Dunster was part of the [[Hundred (county subdivision)|hundred]] of [[Carhampton (hundred)|Carhampton]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Carhampton Hundred |url=http://www.domesdaymap.co.uk/hundred/carhampton/ |work=Domesday Map |access-date=23 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008052003/http://www.domesdaymap.co.uk/hundred/carhampton/ |archive-date=8 October 2012 }}</ref> but St&nbsp;George's was the seat of the local [[deanery]], overseeing the area's parish churches.

[[File:Gallox Bridge - Dunster, Somerset - geograph.org.uk - 116409.jpg|thumb|[[Gallox Bridge]]]]

The manors of Alcombe, Stanton (or Staunton), and Avill were also mentioned as settlements in the 1086 Domesday Book.<ref>{{cite book |last=Savage |first=James |title=History of the hundred of Carhampton |publisher=Bristol |date=1830 |pages=392, 581 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=TrUHAAAAQAAJ}}</ref><ref>''Open Domesday [https://opendomesday.org]'', by Anna Powell-Smith</ref>

Dunster had become a centre for woollen and clothing production by the 13th century, with the market dating back to at least 1222, and a particular kind of kersey or broadcloth became known as 'Dunsters'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.everythingexmoor.org.uk/encyclopedia_detail.php?ENCid=1133|title=Yarn Market Dunster|publisher=Everything Exmoor|access-date=21 January 2015|archive-date=17 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817220050/http://www.everythingexmoor.org.uk/encyclopedia_detail.php?ENCid=1133|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=gathercole>{{cite web|url=http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/hes/downloads/Somerset_EUS_Dunster.pdf |title=Dunster |last=Gathercole |first=Clare |work=The Somerset Urban Archaeological Survey |publisher=Somerset County Council |access-date=6 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225020003/http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/hes/downloads/Somerset_EUS_Dunster.pdf |archive-date=25 December 2013 }}</ref> The prosperity of Dunster was based on the wool trade, with profits helping to pay for the construction of the tower of the Priory Church of St George and provide other amenities. The 15th century [[Gallox Bridge, Dunster|Gallox Bridge]] was one of the main routes over the [[River Avill]] on the southern outskirts.<ref>{{PastScape|mnumber=36854|mname=Gallox Bridge|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref> The market was held in "The Shambles" however these shops were demolished in 1825 and now only the [[Yarn Market, Dunster|Yarn Market]] remains.{{sfn|Burnett|1969|p=3}}

Dunster Beach, which includes the mouth of the [[River Avill]], is located half a mile from the village, and used to have a significant harbour, known as Dunster Haven, which was used for the export of wool from Saxon times;<ref name="gathercole"/> however, it was last used in the 17th century and has now disappeared, as [[Fill dirt|new land was laid down]] among the dykes, meadows and marshes near the shore.{{sfn|Farr|1954|pp=138-140}} During the [[Second World War]], considerable defences were built along the coast as a part of [[British anti-invasion preparations of World War II|British anti-invasion preparations]], though the north coast of Somerset was an unlikely invasion site.{{sfn|Foot|2006|pp=95-101}} Some of the structures remain to this day. Most notable are the [[Bunker#Pillbox|pillboxes]] on the foreshore of Dunster Beach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/catalogue//adsdata/arch-455-1/dissemination/pdf/Text_Reports/DA63_TEXT_-_DUNSTER_BEACH.pdf|title=Dunster Beach|publisher=Archaeology Data Service|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref> These are strong buildings made from pebbles taken from the beach and bonded together with concrete. From these, soldiers could have held their ground if the [[Nazi Germany|Germans]] had ever invaded.{{sfn|Concannon|1995|pp=34-40}} The beach site has a number of privately owned [[beach hut]]s (or chalets as some owners call them) along with a small shop, a tennis court and a putting green. The chalets, measuring {{convert|18|by|14|ft|m}}, can be let out for holidays; some owners live in them all the year round.{{sfn|Concannon|1995|pp=83-87}}

==Governance==
[[File:The Nunnery - geograph.org.uk - 1237969.jpg|thumb|left|The Nunnery]]
The [[Parish councils of England|parish council]] has responsibility for local issues, including setting an [[Rates (tax)|annual precept]] to cover the council's operating costs and producing annual accounts for public scrutiny. The parish council evaluates local planning applications and works with the local police, district council officers, and [[Neighbourhood Watch (UK)|neighbourhood watch]] groups on matters of crime, security, and traffic. The parish council's role also includes initiating projects for the maintenance and repair of parish facilities, as well as consulting with the district council on the maintenance, repair, and improvement of highways, drainage, footpaths, public transport, and street cleaning. Conservation matters (including trees and listed buildings) and environmental issues are also the responsibility of the council.

For [[local government in England|local government]] purposes, since 1 April 2023, the parish comes under the [[Unitary authorities of England|unitary authority]] of [[Somerset Council]]. Prior to this, it was part of the [[non-metropolitan district]] of [[Somerset West and Taunton]] (formed on 1 April 2019) and, before this, the district of [[West Somerset]] (established under the [[Local Government Act 1972]]). It was part of [[Williton Rural District]] before 1974.<ref name=willitonrd>{{cite web|title=Williton RD|url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10042021|work=A vision of Britain Through Time|publisher=University of Portsmouth|access-date=5 January 2014}}</ref>

As Dunster falls within the [[Exmoor National Park]], some functions normally administered by district or county councils have, since 1997, fallen under the Exmoor National Park Authority, which is known as a 'single-purpose' authority, whose purpose is to "conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Parks" and "promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Parks by the public",<ref name="ENPA">{{cite web |url=http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/about-us/who-we-are-and-what-we-do |title=About The Exmoor National Park Authority |date=15 June 2015 |access-date=29 June 2015 |publisher=Exmoor National Park }}</ref> including responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Historic Environment Research Framework for Exmoor|url=http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/137268/research_framework_series1.pdf|publisher=Exmoor National Park|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref>

Dunster is the most populous area of the [[electoral ward]] Dunster and Timbercombe. The ward extends North East to the [[Bristol Channel]] and South West to [[Timberscombe]]. The total population at the [[2011 United Kingdom census|2011 Census]] was 1,219.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukcensusdata.com/dunster-and-timberscombe-e05008921#sthash.DOIvZl4b.dpbs|title=Dunster and Timberscombe ward 2011|access-date= 2 March 2015}}</ref>

It is also part of the [[Tiverton and Minehead (UK Parliament constituency)|Tiverton and Minehead]] [[county constituency]] represented in the [[British House of Commons|House of Commons]] of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]]. It elects one [[Member of parliament|Member of parliament (MP)]] by the [[first past the post]] system of election.

==Geography==
[[File:Dunster Butter Cross - geograph.org.uk - 1702292.jpg|thumb|[[Dunster Butter Cross]]]]
Dunster Castle was positioned on a steep, {{convert|200|ft|adj=on}} high hill. Geologically, the hill is an outcrop of Hangman Grits, a type of red [[sandstone]].{{sfn|Mackenzie|1897}} During the early medieval period the sea reached the base of the hill, close to the mouth of the River Avill, offering a natural defence and making the village an inland port.{{sfn|Dunning|1995|pp=37-39}}{{sfn|Creighton|Higham|2003|pp=41-42}}<ref name="Dunning pp.37">Dunning, pp.37–39; Creighton, pp.41–42.</ref>

Nearby is the [[Dunster Park and Heathlands]] [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]] noted for nationally important lowland dry [[heath]], dry lowland acid grassland, wood-pasture with [[veteran tree]]s and [[Ancient woodland|ancient semi-natural oak woodland]] habitats. The fauna of the lowland heath includes the [[heath fritillary]] (''Mellicta athalia''), a nationally rare butterfly. The assemblage of [[beetle]]s associated with the veteran trees is of national significance because of the variety and abundance of species.<ref>{{cite web | title=Dunster Park and Heathlands | work=English Nature | url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/2000415.pdf | access-date=12 August 2006}}</ref>

Along with the rest of [[South West England]], Dunster has a [[Temperateness|temperate climate]] which is generally wetter and milder than the rest of England. The mean annual temperature in the area is {{convert|8.3|°C|°F|abbr=on}} with a [[season]]al and [[Diurnal motion|diurnal]] variation, but due to the modifying effect of the sea the range is less than in most other parts of the UK. January is the coldest month, with mean minimum temperatures between {{convert|1|and|2|C|F}}. July and August are the warmest months in the region, with mean daily maxima around {{convert|21|°C|°F|abbr=on}}. In general, December is the month with the least sunshine and June the month with the most sun. The south west of England has a favoured location with regard to the [[Azores High]] when it extends its influence north-eastwards towards the UK, particularly in summer.<ref name="metoffice">{{cite web | title=About south-west England | publisher=Met Office |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/regional-climates/sw | access-date=29 June 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060225164404/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/location/southwestengland/index.html| archive-date = 25 February 2006}}</ref> [[Cumulus cloud|Cloud]] often forms inland, especially near hills, and reduce the amount of sunshine that reaches the park. The average annual sunshine is about 1,600 hours. [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Rainfall]] tends to be associated with [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] [[Low-pressure area|depressions]] or with [[convection]]. In summer, convection, caused by the sun heating the land surface more than the sea, sometimes forms rain clouds and at that time of year a large proportion of the rainfall comes from showers and [[thunderstorm]]s. Annual precipitation is around {{convert|800|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name=filex07>{{cite web |url=http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/learning/?a=122273 |title=Water on Exmoor&nbsp;– Filex 7 |access-date=30 November 2011 |work=Exmoor National Park }}</ref> Local weather data is collected at [[Nettlecombe, Somerset|Nettlecombe]].<ref>{{cite web | publisher = [[UKMO]] | url= http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate-network/#?tab=climateNetwork | title = Weather Stations|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref>

{{Weather box|location = Nettlecombe 96&nbsp;m asl, 1971–2000
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan high C = 7.9
|Feb high C = 8.0
|Mar high C = 10.2
|Apr high C = 12.2
|May high C = 15.6
|Jun high C = 18.3
|Jul high C = 20.7
|Aug high C = 20.5
|Sep high C = 17.8
|Oct high C = 14.2
|Nov high C = 10.8
|Dec high C = 8.8
|year high C = 13.8
|Jan low C = 1.9
|Feb low C = 1.8
|Mar low C = 3.0
|Apr low C = 3.6
|May low C = 6.2
|Jun low C = 8.8
|Jul low C = 10.9
|Aug low C = 10.8
|Sep low C = 9.0
|Oct low C = 6.7
|Nov low C = 4.1
|Dec low C = 2.9
|year low C = 5.8
|Jan precipitation mm = 123.6
|Feb precipitation mm = 87.6
|Mar precipitation mm = 80.6
|Apr precipitation mm = 66.3
|May precipitation mm = 62.6
|Jun precipitation mm = 58.7
|Jul precipitation mm = 43.4
|Aug precipitation mm = 66.5
|Sep precipitation mm = 85.4
|Oct precipitation mm = 108.6
|Nov precipitation mm = 106.6
|Dec precipitation mm = 128.7
|year precipitation mm = 1018.6
|source 1 = [[MetOffice]]<ref>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/sites/nettlecombe.html 
 |title=Nettlecombe Climate 
 |access-date=9 November 2011 
 |publisher=[[UKMO]] 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302215910/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/sites/nettlecombe.html 
 |archive-date= 2 March 2014 
}}</ref>
|date=November 2011}}

==Economy and demographics==
[[File:Visitor Centre in Dunster - geograph.org.uk - 915873.jpg|thumb|The [[Exmoor]] National Park visitor centre]]
The village provides a variety of shops and amenities for both local residents and visitors. These are largely situated in West Street and the [[high street]]. The village has numerous restaurants and three [[Public houses|pubs]] with considerable trade being brought by tourists visiting the heritage sites and particularly the castle which attracted approximately 150,000 visitors in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Latest Visitor Figures (2014) |url=http://www.alva.org.uk/details.cfm?p=423 |publisher=Association of Leading Visitor Attractions |access-date=19 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413023806/http://www.alva.org.uk/details.cfm?p=423 |archive-date=13 April 2015 }}</ref> Although there is still some agriculture, the previous reliance on the wool trade has been replaced by service industries catering to the visitors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Historic Dunster|url=http://www.visitdunster.co.uk/History_2.html|publisher=Visit Dunster|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref> Both [[day-tripper]]s and those staying for longer periods are catered for with shops, [[pub]]s, cafes and hotels.<ref>{{cite web|title=Economic History|url=http://www.victoriacountyhistory.ac.uk/sites/default/files/work-in-progress/dunster_economic_history_1st_draft_edited.pdf|publisher=Victoria County History|access-date=29 June 2015|page=69}}</ref> 52.6% of people within the parish are employed which is slightly lower than the 61.9% in England and Wales and the 65.2% in Somerset.<ref name="popn"/>

At the time of the 2011 census there were 817 people living in the parish. 13.2% were children up the age of 15 years. 52.3% were between 16 and 64 with 34.5 being 65 and older. This is an older population than in the rest of Somerset and England and Wales in general. In line with the rest of Somerset the majority of the population (95%) describes themselves as [[White British]]. 69.7% of the population live in property which they own, with 14.3% living in social rented accommodation and 12.9% privately rented. There is a higher proportion of people living alone than in other areas. The housing is fairly evenly divided between detached, semi-detached and terraced house, with 5.7% living in [[Apartment|flats]].<ref name="popn"/>

==Culture==
[[File:Dunster st georges ext.jpg|thumb|[[Priory Church of St George, Dunster|Priory Church of St George]]]]
Dunster was the birthplace of the song "[[All Things Bright and Beautiful]]" when [[Cecil Frances Humphreys Alexander|Cecil Alexander]] was staying with Mary Martin, the daughter of one of the owners of [[Martins Bank]]. The nearby hill, Grabbist, was originally [[Erica (plant)|heather]]-covered before its reforestation and was described as the "Purple-headed mountain".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.everythingexmoor.org.uk/encyclopedia_detail.php?ENCid=93|title=Avill Valley|publisher=Everything Exmoor|access-date=29 June 2015|archive-date=1 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701152649/http://www.everythingexmoor.org.uk/encyclopedia_detail.php?ENCid=93|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On the evening of 1 May each year the [[Minehead]] [[Hobby horse|Hobby Horse]] visits Dunster and is received at the Castle. A local newspaper printed in May 1863 says "The origin professes to be in commemoration of the wreck of a vessel at Minehead in remote times, or the advent of a sort of phantom ship which entered the harbour without Captain or crew. Once the custom was encouraged, but now is much neglected, and perhaps soon will fall into desuetude." Another conjecture about its origin is that the hobby horse was the ancient King of the May. The Hobby Horse tradition begins with the waking of the inhabitants of Minehead by the beating of a loud drum. The hobby horse dances its way about the town and on to Dunster Castle.<ref>{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.cajunmusic.co.uk/hh/uk/minehead/sh_frames.htm|publisher=Minehead Hobby Horse|access-date=19 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Minehead Hobby Horse|url=http://www.minehead-online.co.uk/hobbyhorse.htm|publisher=Minehead Online|access-date=19 March 2015}}</ref>

Annually on the third Friday in August the village hosts the well known Dunster Show where local businesses and producers come together to showcase the very best that Exmoor and West Somerset has to offer. A major part of the show is the showing of livestock especially horses, cattle and sheep. The 2023 show was the 175th show.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Dunster Show|url=http://www.thedunstershow.co.uk/|publisher=Dunster Show|access-date=19 March 2015}}</ref> No shows were held in 2020 or 2021 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|Coronavirus pandemic]].

A more recent tradition (started in 1987) is Dunster by Candlelight which takes place every year on the first Friday and Saturday in December when this remarkably preserved medieval village turns its back on the present and lights its streets with candles. To mark the beginning of the festival on Friday at 5 pm, there is the Lantern Lighting Procession that starts on the Steep and continues through the village until all the lanterns in the streets have been lit. The procession of children and their families is accompanied by colourful stilt walkers in costumes who put up the lanterns.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dunster by Candlight|url=http://www.dunsterbycandlelight.co.uk/|publisher=Dunster by Candlight|access-date=19 March 2015}}</ref>

The old English Christmas tradition of burning the [[Ashen faggot]] takes place at the [[Luttrell Arms]] hotel every Christmas Eve.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dunster & Axmouth Ashen Faggot|url=http://calendarcustoms.com/articles/ashen-faggot/|publisher=Calendar Customs|access-date=19 March 2015}}</ref> The pub was formerly a guest house for the [[Abbot]]s of [[Cleeve, Somerset|Cleeve]]; its oldest section dates from 1443.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1057611 |desc=The Luttrell Arms Hotel |access-date=28 September 2007}}</ref>

[[File:St George's church Dunster.ogg|thumb|left|Bells ringing at St George's Church, Dunster.{{refn|The ring of eight bells was re-cast and re-hung in 1875 by Messrs [[John Warner and Sons]] of London, at the sole cost of [[Dunster Castle#19th and 20th centuries|George Luttrell]].{{harv|Hancock|1905|pp=67–71}}&nbsp;Frederick Hancock (1849–1920) was the vicar of Dunster.}}]]

==Religious sites==
The Priory Church of St George is predominantly 15th century with evidence of 12th- and 13th century work. It has been designated as a Grade I listed building.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1057646 |desc=Priory Church of St George |access-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> The church was started by William de Moyon during the 11th century.{{sfn|Dunning|2001|p=21}}The tower was built by Jon Marys of [[Stogursey]] who received a contract from the parish in 1442. He was paid 13s 4d (approx. 67p) for each foot in height and £1 for the [[pinnacle]]s. The work was completed in three years.{{sfn|Poyntz Wright|1981}} Aisles were added in 1504.{{sfn|Dunning2007|p=44}}

The church was shared for worship between the monks of Dunster Priory and the parishioners, however this led to several conflicts between them. One outcome was the carved rood screen which divided the church in two with the parish using the west chancel and the monks the east.<ref name="churchhist"/> It was [[Victorian restoration|restored]] in 1875–77 by [[George Edmund Street]]. The church has a [[cruciform]] plan with a central four-stage tower, built in 1443 with diagonal buttresses, a stair turret and single bell-chamber windows.<ref name="Images of England"/>

==Landmarks==
[[File:Dunster, Conygar Tower - geograph.org.uk - 152318.jpg|thumb|[[Conygar Tower]]]]
Dunster lies within [[Exmoor|Exmoor National Park]] and has many listed buildings, including 200 Grade II, two Grade II* and two Grade I.

The 17th century Yarn Market is a [[market cross]] which was probably built in 1609 by the Luttrell family who were the local [[Lord of the manor|lords of the manor]] to maintain the importance of the village as a market, particularly for wool and cloth. The Yarn Market is an octagonal building constructed around a central [[Pier (architecture)|pier]]. The tiled roof provides shelter from the rain.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1173428 |desc=Yarn Market |access-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> The building contains a hole in one of the roof beams, a result of cannon fire in the Civil War. A bell at the top was rung to indicate the start of trading.{{sfn|Woodger|2014|p=109}}

Nearby was an older cross known as the [[Dunster Butter Cross|Butter Cross]] which was constructed in the late 14th or early 15th century and once stood in the High Street, possibly at the southern end of the high street,<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Maxwell Lyte|first1=H. C. |author-link=Henry Maxwell Lyte|title=Dunster and its Lords|journal=The Archaeological Journal|year=1880|volume=37|page=285|url=http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-1132-1/dissemination/pdf/037/037_057-093_155-179_271-293_395-405.pdf }}</ref> and was moved to its current location on the edge of the village possibly in 1825, however a drawing by [[J. M. W. Turner]] made in 1811 suggests it was in its present position by then.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dunster: The Butter Cross, St George's Church, the Castle and Conygar Tower|url=https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/turner-dunster-the-butter-cross-st-georges-church-the-castle-and-conygar-tower-d08955|work=Tate|access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> The site where the cross now stands was leveled in 1776 by workman, paid by Henry Fownes Luttrell, and it may have been on this occasion that the cross was moved.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Butter Cross at Dunster|url=http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000528/19420926/024/0004|access-date=7 July 2014|work=Taunton Courier, and Western Advertiser|date=26 September 1942| publisher = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The cross has an octagonal base and polygonal shaft, however the head of the cross has been lost.<ref>{{cite web|title=History and Research: Dunster Butter Cross|url=http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/butter-cross/history/|publisher=English Heritage|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref><ref name=nhlebutter>{{NHLE|desc=Butter Cross|num=1345602|access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> It stands on a small area of raised ground on a plinth. The socket stone is {{convert|0.85|m}} wide and {{convert|0.5|m}} high. The surviving shaft is {{convert|1.1|m}} high and changes from square to octagonal as it rises.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Butter Cross at Dunster&nbsp;– scheduled monument|num=1014409|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref> There is an inscription on the northern face which says "WC, 1871, WS" recording a restoration.<ref name=nhlebutter/> It is in the care of [[English Heritage]] for the state and managed by the National Trust.<ref>{{cite web|title=Butter Cross|url=http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/butter-cross/|publisher=English Heritage|access-date=3 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Butter Cross, Dunster|url=http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/34620|website=Somerset Historic Environment Record|publisher=Somerset County Council|access-date=3 February 2015}}</ref>

Other notable buildings include the Nunnery, [[Dunster Working Watermill|Dunster Watermill]], [[Dunster Dovecote|Dovecote]] and the [[Tithe Barn, Dunster|Priory barn]], which belonged to Dunster Priory. Dunster Working Watermill (also known as Castle Mill) is a restored 18th century [[watermill]], situated on the River Avill, close to Gallox Bridge, in the grounds of Dunster Castle. It is a Grade II* listed building.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Castle Mill and attached gateway and gates|num=1173447|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref> The mill stands on a site where a mill was first recorded in the Domesday Book, but the present building was constructed around 1780. It closed in 1962 but was restored in 1979 and is still used to grind flour. The equipment is powered by two [[Water wheel#Overshot wheel|overshot wheels]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Castle Mill and attached gateway and gates, Dunster|url=http://www.exmoorher.co.uk/hbsmr-web/record.aspx?UID=MSO9458-Castle-Mill-and-attached-gateway-and-gates-Dunster|work=Exmoor Historic Environment Record|publisher=Exmoor National Park|access-date=28 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{PastScape|mname=Dunster Castle Mill|mnumber=36933|access-date=8 February 2014}}</ref> It is owned by the National Trust but operated as a tourist attraction by a private company.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dunster Working Watermill|url=http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-working-watermill/visitor-information/|publisher=National Trust|access-date=9 February 2014}}</ref>

[[File:Dunster Dovecote - geograph.org.uk - 1702448.jpg|thumb|left|[[Dunster Dovecote]]]]

The Dovecote was probably built in the late 16th century. It has been designated as a Grade II* listed building and [[Scheduled monument|Scheduled Monument]].<ref name="IoE">{{NHLE |num=1057581 |desc=Dovecote |access-date=4 June 2009}}</ref> It is approximately {{convert|19|ft|m|1}} high and {{convert|19|ft|m|1}} in diameter,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pigeoncote.com/dovecote/cooke17.html|title=Somerset and Devon|last=Cooke|first=A.O.|work=Book of Dovecotes. Chapter 17 |access-date=4 June 2009}}</ref> with walls around {{Convert|4|ft|m|1}} thick.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britainexpress.com/villages/dunster.htm|title=Dunster Somerset|last=Ballard|first=Barbara|work=Britain Express|access-date=4 June 2009}}</ref> In the 18th century the floor level and door were raised among several major alterations. The lower tiers of nest holes were blocked to protect against [[brown rat]]s which had arrived in the Britain in 1720 and reached Somerset by 1760. A revolving ladder, known as a "potence", was installed to allow the pigeon keeper to search the nest holes more easily. In the 19th century two feeding platforms were added to the axis of the revolving ladder.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/34618|title=Dovecote, Dunster|work=Somerset Historic Environment Record|publisher=Somerset County Council|access-date=4 June 2009}}</ref> When the ladder was installed in the 16th century the base rests on a pin driven into a beam on the floor. The head of the pin sits in a metal cup in the base of the wooden pillar, which means the mechanism has never had to be oiled.{{sfn|Byford|1987|p=93}} When the Dunster Castle estate was sold the dovecote was bought by the [[Parochial church council]] and opened to the public. Extensive repairs were undertaken in 1989.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dovecote 60m north of St George's Church|url=http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/34618|website=Somerset Historic Environment Record|publisher=Somerset County Council|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Dunster Tithe Barn.jpg|thumb|[[Tithe Barn, Dunster|Tithe Barn]]]]
The Tithe Barn was originally part of a Benedictine Dunster Priory, has been much altered since the 14th century and only a limited amount of the original features survive. In the "Valor Ecclesiasticus" of 1535 the net annual income of the Dunster Tithe Barn is recorded as being £37.4s.8d (£37.23p), with £6.13s.7d ( £6.68p ) being passed on to the priory in Bath.<ref name="Dunster Tithe Barn"/> The [[Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust]] (SBPT) has co-ordinated a £550,000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/newscontent/92_dunster_tithe_barn.htm|title=Partnership resurrects 16th century tithe barn in Dunster|publisher=Crown Estate|access-date=25 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927091438/http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/newscontent/92_dunster_tithe_barn.htm|archive-date=27 September 2011}}</ref> renovation project on behalf of the Dunster Tithe Barn Community Hall Trust (DTBCHT), into a multi-purpose community hall under a 99-year lease at a pepper-corn rent, by the [[Crown Estate Commissioners]] who own the building. Funding has been obtained from the [[Heritage Lottery Fund]] and others to support the work.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbpt.info/restoration6.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001080831/http://sbpt.info/restoration6.htm|archive-date=1 October 2011|title=The Tithe Barn, Dunster |publisher=Somerset Building Preservation Trust|access-date=25 October 2008}}</ref>

[[Conygar Tower]] is a [[folly]] used as a landmark for shipping. It is at the top of Conygar Hill and overlooks the village. It is a circular, 3 storey tower built of red sandstone, situated on a hill overlooking the village. It was commissioned by [[Henry Luttrell, 2nd Earl of Carhampton|Henry Luttrell]] and designed by [[Richard Phelps (artist)|Richard Phelps]] and stands about {{convert|18|m|ft|0}} high so that it can be seen from Dunster Castle on the opposite hillside. There is no evidence that it ever had floors or a roof.<ref>{{cite book|last=Holt|first=Jonathan|title=Somerset Follies|publisher=Akeman Press|location=Bath|date=2007|pages=78–79|isbn=978-0-9546138-7-7}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE |num=1057596 |desc=Conygar Tower |access-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> It has no strategic or military significance. The name Conygar comes from two medieval words ''Coney'' meaning rabbit and ''Garth'' meaning garden, indicating that it was once a warren where rabbits were bred for food. In 1997 a survey carried out by [[The Crown Estate]] identified cracks in the walls which were repaired in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Conygar Tower&nbsp;— Dunster |url=http://www.everythingexmoor.org.uk/encyclopedia_detail.php?ENCid=275 |publisher=Everything Exmoor |access-date=29 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912103605/http://www.everythingexmoor.org.uk/encyclopedia_detail.php?ENCid=275 |archive-date=12 September 2014 }}</ref>

[[Dunster Doll Museum]] houses a collection of more than 800 dolls from around the world, based on the collection of the late Mollie Hardwick, who died in 1970 and donated her collection to the village memorial hall committee.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.everythingexmoor.org.uk/encyclopedia_detail.php?ENCid=339 |title=Dunster Dolls Museum |publisher=Everything Exmoor |access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref> Established in 1971, the collection includes a display of British and foreign dolls in various costumes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dunster Museum & Doll Collection|url=http://www.dunstermuseum.co.uk/|publisher=Dunster Museum & Doll Collection|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref> Thirty-two of the dolls were stolen during a burglary in 1992 and have never been recovered.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dunster.org.uk/out_and_about/things_to_see_and_do/dunster_dolls_museum.php |title=Dunster Dolls Museum |publisher=Dunster and Timberscombe |access-date=12 July 2009}}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:5101 Class 4160 west from Dunster.jpg|thumb|An engine on the [[West Somerset Railway|West Somerset Heritage Railway]] arrives at [[Dunster railway station]]]]
[[Dunster railway station]] is on the [[West Somerset Railway|West Somerset Heritage Railway]], though the station is over a mile from the village. The station was opened on 16 July 1874 by the [[Minehead Railway]]. The line was operated by the [[Bristol and Exeter Railway]] which was amalgamated into the [[Great Western Railway]] (GWR) in 1876. The Minehead Railway was itself absorbed into the GWR in 1897.<ref>{{cite book| last = MacDermot| first = E T| title = History of the Great Western Railway |edition= 1st|volume= 2 (1863-1921)| publisher = [[Great Western Railway]]| year = 1931| location = London}}</ref> A small [[signal box]] stood at the {{stnlnk|Watchet}} end of the platform, but was demolished in 1926 when this was extended. In 1934 a ''new'' signal box at the opposite end of the station, brought second-hand from [[Maerdy]], was put into use when the line from Dunster to {{stnlnk|Minehead}} was doubled in 1934. The GWR was [[Nationalisation|nationalised]] into [[British Railways]] in 1948 and from 1964, when goods traffic was withdrawn on 6 July, the line was run down until it was eventually closed on 4 January 1971. The line was reopened as a [[heritage railway]] operated by the West Somerset Railway on 28 March 1976. The signal box was moved to Minehead in 1977 but the goods yard is now home to the railway's civil engineering team.<ref name=Oakley>{{cite book| last = Oakley| first = Mike| title = Somerset Railway Stations| publisher = Redcliffe Press| year = 2006| location = Bristol| isbn = 1-904537-54-5}}</ref> It is a Grade II listed building.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1057599 |desc=Dunster railway station |access-date=28 February 2010}}</ref>

Road access is via the [[A39 road|A39]] and [[A roads in Zone 3 of the Great Britain numbering scheme|A39]]6.<ref>{{cite map   |title       =Sheet 181 Minehead and the Brendon Hills    |year        =2008 |series      =Landranger |publisher   =Ordnance Survey  |isbn        =978-0-319-22859-3 }}</ref> The nearest international airports would be those at [[Exeter International Airport|Exeter]] or [[Bristol Airport|Bristol]].

==Education==

Dunster First School provides [[Primary school|primary education]] for children from 4 to 9 years. In 2015 the school had 143 pupils.<ref name=school/> The Grade II listed building was originally constructed in the 1870s.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Dunster County Primary School Main School Building|num=1057582|access-date=3 July 2015}}</ref> It has since been modified and expanded and now includes a heated outdoor swimming pool.<ref name=school>{{cite web|title=Dunster First School|url=http://www.dunsterschool.ik.org/home.ikml|publisher=Dunster First School|access-date=19 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402131144/http://www.dunsterschool.ik.org/home.ikml|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Middle school|Middle education]] in the area is provided by Danesfield School and Minehead Middle School; while [[Secondary school|secondary education]] in the area is provided by [[West Somerset College]] in Minehead.<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome|url=http://www.mineheadmiddle.somerset.sch.uk/|publisher=Minehead Middle School|access-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728144100/http://www.mineheadmiddle.somerset.sch.uk/|archive-date=28 July 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=School finder|url=http://home.rm.com/SchoolFinder/ShowSchools.aspx?l=Dunster,Somerset&t=sec|publisher=RM Education|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
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*{{cite book|last1=Concannon|first1=Bernard|title=The History of Dunster Beach|date=1995|publisher=Monkspath Books|isbn=0-9526884-0-9}}
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*{{cite book |title=Somerset Harbours |last=Farr |first=Grahame |year=1954 |publisher=Christopher Johnson |location=London }}
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*{{cite book|last1=Garnett|first1=Oliver|title=Dunster Castle|date=2003|publisher=[[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]]|isbn=978-1843590491}}
*{{cite book <!-- {{sfn|Hancock|1905|p=}} --> |last=Hancock|first=Frederick, Rev.|title=Dunster Church and Priory: Their History and Architectural Features|place=Taunton|publisher=Barnicott & Pearce, Athænum Press|year=1905|url=https://archive.org/details/dunsterchurchan00hancgoog/page/n94/mode/2up}}
*{{cite book|last1=Mackenzie|first1=James D.|title=The Castles of England, Their Story and Structure|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.282070|date=1897|publisher=W. Heinemann|oclc=504892038}}
*{{cite book|last1=Poulton-Smith|first1=Anthony|title=Somerset Place Names|date=2010|publisher=Amberley|isbn=9781848687820}}
*{{cite book |last= Poyntz Wright|first= Peter|title= The Parish Church Towers of Somerset, Their construction, craftsmanship and chronology 1350–1550|year= 1981|publisher= Avebury Publishing Company|isbn= 0-86127-502-0}}
*{{cite book|last1=Prior|first1=Stuart|title=The Norman Art of War: A Few Well-Positioned Castles|date=2006|publisher=Tempus Publishing|isbn=9780752436517}}
*{{cite book |last=Robinson |first=Stephen |title=Somerset Place Names |year=1992 |publisher=Dovecote Press |isbn=978-1874336037}}
*{{cite book|last1=Woodger|first1=Bev|title=A History of Dunster|date=2014|publisher=Matador|isbn=9781783064441}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Dunster}}
*[https://dunsterancestors.co.uk/ Dunster One-Place Study]

{{West Somerset}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Beaches of Somerset]]
[[Category:Civil parishes in Somerset]]
[[Category:Exmoor]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of Somerset]]
[[Category:Villages in West Somerset]]