More than just a collection of houses and facilities

Culmstock stretches out on both sides of the River Culm, the two sides being linked by an old stone bridge which takes a single line of traffic with pedestrian refuges built at intervals on both sides.

The river rises quickly after heavy rain and becomes very fast flowing but soon returns to normal and it has been some years since there was any serious flooding.

There is an island in the middle of the river by the bridge, created by stones and debris washed into a heap and gradually increasing in size.

The course of the river has changed noticeably over the years.

The two main points of interest connected with Culmstock are the church (All Saints) situated on a small rise south of the river.

Parts of the church date back to the 12th century

Parts of the church date back to the 12th century and a particular point of interest is a Yew tree growing out of the upper part of one of the tower walls.

The tree is known to have been in existence 200 years ago and is still looking healthy.

During drought summers (not many of those recently) water is taken up in buckets and poured on to the tree from the top of the tower.

Another point of interest connected to the church is that R D Blackmore, creator of Lorna Doone, lived in the village as a boy. His father being the curate for a while.

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