Huish Episcopi

Coordinates: 51°02′06″N 2°48′36″W / 51.035°N 2.810°W / 51.035; -2.810

Huish Episcopi is a village and civil parish in Somerset, England, situated on the outskirts of Langport, 4 miles (6.4 km) south west of Somerton in the South Somerset district. The parish has a population of 2,095, and includes the hamlets of Pibsbury and Wearne.

History

Its name derives from the lands or household ("huish" from the Old English hiwisc) and episcopi meaning belonging to the Bishop of Wells. The bishops held the manor from Saxon times until 1859 when it was sold off to tenants.

Romano-British remains, including burials, coins and tesserae dating from the 3rd and 4th centuries have been found south of Wearne.

The parish of Huish Episcopi was part of the Kilmersdon Hundred.

Governance

The parish council has responsibility for local issues, including setting an annual precept (local rate) to cover the council’s operating costs and producing annual accounts for public scrutiny. The parish council evaluates local planning applications and works with the local police, district council officers, and neighbourhood watch groups on matters of crime, security, and traffic. The parish council's role also includes initiating projects for the maintenance and repair of parish facilities, as well as consulting with the district council on the maintenance, repair, and improvement of highways, drainage, footpaths, public transport, and street cleaning. Conservation matters (including trees and listed buildings) and environmental issues are also the responsibility of the council.