Welcome to the South Petherton Local History Group

The Group arranges talks and visits relating to the history of South Petherton and the surrounding areas. Meetings are held from September to May, usually on the 4th Thursday of each month starting at 7.30pm, but check posters and/or programme for details. These take place in The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton, TA13 5AA. Please use the side entrance on Roundwell Steet - this has level access.

We have a full programme of speakers - see details below.

The Group owns the archive of Whites Stores, South Petherton's pharmacy & general store for many years in the 20th century. If you would like to search this archive, please email us.

The Group has produced three publications.

• “Explore South Petherton’s Past” - this booklet guides you around several walks in the village, describing the history of what you see. 36pages. Illustrated, with map. Revised 2017. Price £3.
• “South Petherton in the Olden Time” by local physician and historian, Dr. Hugh Norris, a reprint of a lecture given by him in 1879. 140 pages. Third Edition 2000.
• "South Petherton in the Twentieth Century - A Village Album” by local contributors. 175 pages, illustrated throughout. First Edition 2000.

We have run out of printed copies of both "in the Olden Time" and "Village Album" books, but they are available as pdf files on a single USB stick. Price £5.

The "Explore" booklet booklet and USB stick can be purchased at any of our monthly meetings, or contact us via email to arrange delivery (+ p&p).

The "Explore" booklet can also be purchased from South Petherton Community Library; just ask at the library desk.

The Group is a member of the British Association for Local History (BALH) and the Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society (SANHS). By becoming a member of SPLHG you will receive newsletters and other useful information from these associations, forwarded by email.

2025/2026 Meetings

All meetings are held at The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton, TA13 5AA, starting at 7.30pm.

25th Sep 2025     AGM followed by  “A History of South Petherton's Whitehall” with SPLHG member Sheila Coggan

                               NB: AGM STARTS AT 7.15pm

23rd Oct 2025     “The Battle of Britain over Somerset – a show and tell” with John Smith

27th Nov 2025     “The West African Preventative Squadron” with SPLHG member Sir John Lushington    

** No Meeting in December **

15th Jan 2026     “Shining a Light on the History of our local Withy Business - including a digitized old film)”

                                 with Adrian Wills of Kingsbury Time Travellers

26th Feb 2026     “Hospital Blues: Nursing during the First World War” with Luke Mouland

26th Mar 2026     “The Cables that Changed the World; a 200 year history” with Paull Robathan

23rd Apr 2026     “Follies of Somerset” with Jonathan Holt

28th May 2026    “Compton Durville and its People” with SPLHG members Anne Kaile and Sarah Burden

** Summer Break **

24th Sep 2025     AGM at 7.15pm, TBA

There is a small entry charge for each meeting, payable at the entrance desk. Alternatively, take out our annual membership which entitles you to free admission to all of the above meetings, and you will also be kept up to date on Group news & other events by email. The Subscription year starts on the 1st October.

                                                                Per Meeting    or    Annual Membership
                 Adult (18yrs & over)                     £3                                £10
                 Under 18yrs                                £1.50                              £5
                 Under 14yrs                                 Free                              Free

If you live away from South Petherton, or do not attend regular meetings, why not register as a “Friend”? You will be kept up to date on Group news & other events by email. There is no charge for registering as a “Friend”, although any donation to help with costs would be very much appreciated.

To join as a Member or Friend, please contact our Membership Secretary (splhg.membership@gmail.com)

Last revised 29th March 2026