Hemyock

Welcome to Hemyock:

Hemyock is a vibrant parish set along the River Culm in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It is the largest village within the Blackdown Hills and boasts a rich history, with prehistoric remains dating back to around 100 BC. During the Middle Ages, Hemyock became an important centre for iron production, using local ore and furnaces known as bloomeries. Today, the village retains a strong sense of heritage, evident in landmarks such as its Norman‑era parish church, medieval castle remains, the Elizabethan chapel at Culm Davy and a traditional pub dating back to at least 1740. At the centre of the village stands its ornate Victorian water pump — a much‑loved symbol of local pride.

Surrounded by picturesque hillsides, springs, meadows and woodland, Hemyock offers a peaceful rural setting with outstanding natural beauty and plenty of opportunities to explore the countryside.

Local Experiences:

Hemyock is full of fascinating stories, landmarks and scenic places to explore. The village has significant historical ties: the ancestors of the Cadbury family lived here, with James Cadbury serving as Churchwarden in 1664. Hemyock also features in Dark Age legends, including a tale of a battle at Simonsburrow between Celtic Britons and the Anglo‑Saxon army of King Ine of Wessex.

The area was also an inspiration to the artist Robert Polhill Bevan, who painted extensively in the Bolham Valley from 1912 to 1925 as a guest of local landowner Harold Harrison. Many of Bevan’s works created in and around the parish now appear in national museum collections.

Hemyock is also the birthplace of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, with the first Young Culm Farmers Club founded here in 1921 — a tradition that continues today via the Culm Valley Young Farmers.

Visitors can explore the remains of Hemyock Castle, normally open to the public on Bank Holiday Mondays between Easter and September. The Norman parish church of St Mary’s offers a peaceful and historic stop, while Quarts Moor National Nature Reserve, managed by the National Trust, is ideal for walking and wildlife spotting. Nearby, the Wellington Monument provides spectacular views across the landscape. Walkers will find a wide variety of routes throughout the Blackdown Hills, many starting directly from the village.

Food options include The Catherine Wheel in Hemyock and the popular Half Moon Inn in neighbouring Clayhidon.

History & Places of Interest:

• The Cadbury Connection: James Cadbury of Hemyock (born 1664) was the great‑great‑grandfather of John Cadbury, founder of Cadbury Chocolate.
• Dark Age Battles: Local legend describes a battle at Simonsburrow between King Ine’s Anglo‑Saxon forces and the native Celtic Britons.
• Artistic Heritage: Robert Polhill Bevan painted in the area for over a decade, producing works now held in national collections.
• Young Farmers’ Roots: The first Young Farmers’ Club in England began in Hemyock in 1921.
• Sir John Popham: The controversial Chief Justice once owned Hemyock Castle. According to legend, his ghost rises from Popham’s Pit each New Year’s Eve, taking one step closer to his grave each year until his soul finds rest.

Events:

Hemyock hosts an active programme of annual events, including:

• Altitude Festival – a lively music‑filled weekend in early June
• Heritage Open Day at Hemyock Castle and St Mary’s Church
• Regency House Gardens and Pikes Cottage openings as part of the National Garden Scheme
• Hemyock & Culmstock Horse Show and Gymkana – a long‑standing local tradition

Acknowledgements:

Image courtesy of Martin Bodman / Hemyock: bluebell walk / CC BY-SA 2.0