© Isle LMG
2008

Ashill, Barrington, Broadway,Chillington, Cudworth, Curry Rivel, Donyatt, Dowlish Wake, Fivehead, Horton, Ilminster, Ilton, Isle Abbotts, Isle Brewers, Kingstone, Puckington, Shepton Beauchamp, Stocklinch, Swell, Whitelackington

In mediaeval times the parish church was the sole instrument of local government.  The church records from Elizabethan times survive and give an excellent account of how the civil affairs of the parish were wisely and compassionately administered by the Church Wardens including the regulation, policing, welfare, education and local taxation of communities: this responsibility was finally transferred to Civil Councils in about 1890.   However, in a few areas Church Parish boundaries defer markedly from those of the current Civil Parish: Barrington is a very fine example of this.   Reflecting the mediaeval emphasis on an agricultural economy, Barrington church parish has areas of land which technically belong to it, outside the normally accepted boundaries.   There is a small area of about ten acres of osiers (reed beds) between Kinsgbury and Hambridge (reeds for house roofs).   Also the area known as “Barrington Hill”, between Broadway and Bickenhall,  is in fact nearly two thirds of the size of Barrington Civil Parish!  

The Church itself is very ancient and in design is similar to that of South Petherton; I always like to think that the Petherton folk copied our design!   The central octagonal tower is now a very rare feature.   The first written record of a “chapel” in Barrington dates from 1175 when the parish was a part of the royal manor of S Petherton and the whole area was given to the Prior of Bruton by Henry II under whose jurisdiction it remained until the reign of Henry VIII, when it was given to the infant Diocese of Bristol, where it stayed until rescued by the Coles family in 1885.   On at least one occasion, through these long centuries, Barrington tried to become an independent parish: the foundations of the current church were laid during the 13th century but it remained a chapel rather than a church.   

The church today is well attended and enjoys tremendous support from the villagers.   Fund-raising is done bi-annually at “Barrington Day”, which just about provides for the running and maintenance costs of the building for the next two years.   Monies for other projects and regular denotations to charities, are raised by other small scale fund-raising events.   The past few years have seen good support of charities where local people have been involved, so that we can be sure that the money goes where it is need: some examples are; School Fees for Gloria in Tanzania who was being taught by Linda Eastgate, a long term resident and member of St. Mary’s; Yeovil Hospice appeal in 2003; Taunton Hospital League of Friends; Nephrotic Syndrome Research Appeal because of Tim Cook’s son, in 2005; Wateraid was chosen in 2006 and this year Hope and Homes for Children, a charity with local origins, but which also helps abroad and is strongly supported by Anne Wilkins, who lives in the village.