England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
Blackford St Michael

The Parish

The parish of Blackford lies in southeastern Somerset roughly 4 miles west of the market town of Wincanton. Blackford is located a quarter mile south of the bust A303 road which links Wincanton onwards to Exeter. Blackford is a small crossroads settlement sitting within a small valley along which runs a stream. Like most parishes in this area pastoral farming of mainly cattle is the dominant economic driver whilst there has been some quarrying of the local stone mainly for local use and not on a large scale. Modern developments have grown the A303 into a modern fast dual-carriageway which crosses the northern extremes of this tiny parish, Blackford is drained westwards by its stream which eventually meets the River Cam, the Cam, in turn, joins the Yeo to pass through Yeovil and onwards across the Somerset Levels joining the Parrett before reaching the outer Bristol Channel through Bridgwater. Blackford is sited at around 70 metres above the sea with hills rising to its south reaching 196 metres at nearby The Beacon, one of a chain of such beacons designed to carry threat news across the land by burning or signalling. Blackford parish was one of the county's smaller parishes covering just 566 acres and supporting around 150 parishioners. Domesday Blackford was held by Glastonbury Abbey and was a larger settlement than today with 7 ploughs backed by meadows, pastures and woodland.

The Church

St Michael's church sits at the crossroads which forms the heart of the village in its southwestern quadrant. Whilst the church has early origins, its southern doorway and indeed the font being 12th century most of the church is of the later medieval periods or from Victorian work. The western tower has a 14th century basal stage with 15th century Perpendicular styled bell-stage, its battlemented top is, however, either 17th or 18th century. The main body of nave and chancel also shows Perpendicular styled windows whether original or renewed in earlier fabric is unresolved. A typical Victorian restoration of 1880 completes the work on the building. Whilst the lane passing the churchyard entrance is narrow it is little used and on-street parking is possible. Apart from 2 easily avoided trees the churchyard is open and uncluttered allowing easy access for the photographer.