WELLINGTON HISTORY

Wellington is a small market town, situated just seven miles from Taunton, with a population of around 14, 549. It is located in a wide valley between the Brendon and Blackdown Hills. Originally, it was named ‘Weolingtun’ meaning ‘wealthy estate’. 
During the medieval period, it became a centre for trade on the road from Bristol to Exeter and officially became a town under a royal charter of 1215.
A fire in 1731 meant that major rebuilding took place. The town then became a centre for clothmaking and by the 1831 census, 258 people were recorded as cloth workers. 
Wellington gave its name to the first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Waterloo. The Wellington monument was constructed in his honour and has now become a Grade II listed building. 

Somerset County Gazette: Wellington Monument as it is today

• ICONIC: Wellington Monument
 

GRAB A BITE 
Odettes Tea Room reflects rustic Somerset and a little French chic and is based around the story of Odette Hallowes, the ‘darling’ spy. With a variety of lovely breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea options, this café is bound to be a great stop during a day out in Wellington. Unusually named creams teas litter this menu and the most striking ones seem to be Chocoholics Cream Tea and Thunder and Lightning Cream Tea – you will have to visit to find out what these wonders include! The Cheese and Wine shop in Wellington is also worth a visit if you are looking for a selection of cheeses and wines, possibly as a personal gift to yourself or to others, as well as an opportunity to take a rest from the shopping and have a bite to eat in the café. 


SIT DOWN MEAL 
Flavours is a lovely restaurant that offers fresh, seasonal produce with lovely sounding starters, king prawn casserole and interesting mains, venison loin steak. The building itself has an interesting history, it once being a blacksmith’s, a nail maker’s, a drapery shop and possibly a sweet shop. Today the 18th century building has elements of history with its traditional oak beams and cob walls. If Indian food is your preference, Tamarind Bay is the place to go. The modern design reflects a vibrant atmosphere and the restaurant aims to provide a high standard of service and cuisine to their customers, as freshly ground spices are used to create the perfect taste for each person. Somerset County Gazette: The Dolphin

• POPULAR: The Dolhpin​

WATERING HOLES
The Dolphin seems to be the popular place to go, with its aim being the creation of a ‘proper’ pub. They define this as somewhere you can drop into on the way home from work, where morning coffee turns into afternoon tea as well as a place where the music brings the bar to life. 
The Blackbird Inn provides a relaxed environment and aims to provide fine food, drink and even accommodation if you need it! Their bar is stocked with three local Real Ales, two local ciders, stouts, bitters and three lagers. Plus, a comprehensive wine list as well as lovely bean to cup coffee.


GOOD SCHOOLS
There are three main primary schools in Wellington. The first being Beech Grove Primary school, rated ‘good’ by OFSTED in 2014. Wellesley Park Primary School is also in Wellington, their school motto being ‘reaching for success together’, was also rated ‘good’ in 2015. The last being St John’s C of E Primary School, again rated ‘good’, which aims to provide a high-quality education within the context of Christian belief and practice. Court fields is the only Secondary School in Wellington, with a strong ethos of respect, courtesy and integrity. If you are looking for a private school, Wellington School is a co-educational, 2-18 day and boarding school. 


WELL CONNECTED
Wellington is within easy reach of Taunton, as well as Exeter and Bristol. It is just off junction 26 of the M5. The nearest train station to Wellington is Taunton and there is a regular bus service between the two towns, most notably the 22 and 22A. 

Somerset County Gazette: HOMEWARE: Kin Lifestyle, in North Street
• STYLISH: Kin Lifestyle in Wellington

COST
The current average house value in Wellington is around £255,000. A modern and spacious four-bedroom detached house could cost you around £290,000, whereas a two- bedroom flat close to the town centre will set you back around £109,950. 
If you are looking for a five-bedroom semi-detached, beautifully designed house then this will cost you around £325,000. 
Council tax costs £1,051 for Band A and £3,155 for Band H.