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Ilminster, Somerset

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Village Views - Historic

We are starting to build a photograph album of pictures of "old" Horton. Here are some of the early photographs we have found. Just click on any photo to enlarge it and to see more information - if we have any!

We would love to know any information you may have about who may be in the photographs. Do you recognise a family member? Do you recognise the building and who lived or worked there? Do you know in which year the photograph may have been taken? If you have any information to pass on click here to email:

We have received some comments about certain photographs - see below and keep them coming!

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The tennis court photo (bottom right) shows Peggy Jepson (later to become Peggy Perryman). In the background is the house called "Bincleaves" where Peggy was born and grew up.

The photo of the house (middle photo, middle column) is believed to be Bickley House but we are not sure. We have been told it was definitely a village store selling groceries etc and owned and run by Hilda Pudduck (maiden name Chislett). The shop was basically run from the lounge.

Message from Celia King who lives in Canada... The old post office (Column 2, middle photo) was owned by Charlie Gold, otherwise known as Punchy. He sold radios in the shop and he was one of the first in Horton to have a TV. I was lucky enough to watch the Coronation with the entire Horton School. He had set up a TV in the garage.The photo you describe as Bickley House is correct and it was run by Hilda Pudduck, although that is not her in the picture. I think you have incorrectly labelled the photo named Horton Cross. I'm sorry I don't know the current road names, but it looks like the road that runs from the 5 Dials down to Witney Bottom. The 1st house on the left is Parkhouse's with Charlie's agricultural machinery yard and workshop next to it. Then the next cottage was Mr Male's, and beyond that the building that belonged to the Whites. He was a fishmonger and she ran a grocery business from there.

Column 4 middle photo shows Marjorie Hull on the right; Mrs Light is in the centre (she lived in a bungalow on Church Lane near the entrance to St.Peters Close). 2nd from the left is Maggie Chown who lived in a cottage up a long path off Shave Lane, not far from the Old Pottery Garage. I'd love to know about the picture of the gathering in the Horton School playground. What was the event? The 2 Miss Hackers (teachers) are in their best hats and dresses. Were they retiring or was this the closing of the school - does anyone know????

I was born in Horton in 1946 and lived at 'Devonway', opposite the 5 Dials till the 60's and maintained close contact with the village as my Mum lived there till her death 5 years ago. I now live in B.C. on the west coast of Canada. Keep up the good work: I love looking at the old pics and reading about what's going on there. Bye for now,Celia King