Castle Cary

A visit to Needful Things is not just about finding a magical shop....
it's also about finding a magical town!

Castle Cary is Somerset's best kept secret.

So why not plan a day-trip, or book into one of the Hotels, Inns or B&B's ........
there's so much to see and do, and the town offers a diverse and intriguing range of shops to buy something extra special.

Scroll down to find out more about our fascinating town.

Castle Cary nestles snug and sheltered in the lee of Lodge Hill, upon which, soon after the Norman Conqest, a Castle was built, to which the town owes part of it's name.

Although no longer standing, the remaining earthworks can be seen as you walk up lodge hill and the castle is still part of the fabric of the town, quite literally: as, after it fell into disrepair, probably after King Stephen's second seige in 1153, the townsfolk put it's stoneworks to good use in the buildings now forming the town centre, such as the George Hotel. It has a piece of the Castle Keep in it's facade!

In the town centre, the Market House (1855), partially on stilts, houses a fascinating Rural Life Museum and Tourist office as well as serving the community as a meeting place.

Behind the marketplace, infront of the traditional Post Office is a circular, single-cell lock-up, one of only four in the Country. It was built for £23 in 1779.

The town grew around the Wool Trade in the 17th & 18th Centuries although Flax was also grown locally for use in the manufacture of twine and sailcloth. Diarist Parson James Woodforde was born in Ansford 1 mile from the Town centre and wrote enchantingly of life in rural England in the 18th Century. In 1837 John Boyd set up his Horsehair factory, now the only one left in Europe, for making cloth for use in uniforms and furniture. Pithers yard, now housing a printers, a health clinic and pilates studio, used to make furniture and they would sell their furniture in 'The Emporium' at No.7 High Street, now the home of Needful Things.

At the other end of the mainstreet from Needful Things, lies the horsepond, used in bygone years to water the horses and clean carts and wagons. In it's centre is the town's War Memorial, one of only a few built in water.

A little further along from the Horsepond is All Saints Church, originally perpendicular, it has a 14th century font and a fine 15th century oak pulpit. The Spire, unusual for Somerset, is due to the 1855 restoration.

Two other Churches are worthy of visits: the beautifully restored Methodist Church at the top of Town and St. Andrews which lies hidden behind the town centre but is absolutely charming once discovered.

Needful Things and Castle Cary ..........

.........once discovered, never forgotten!