Buckhorn Weston

Buckhorn Weston is a scattered parish on the Dorset/Somerset border 4 miles south-east of Wincanton, 4 miles south-west of Gillingham and 8 miles north-west of Shaftesbury.

In Saxon times the area was known as Bokere Waston, which meant 'hamlet in the wilderness near the dyke'. In 1086 Buckhorn Weston was recorded in the Domesday Book as Westone; it had 26 households, 6 ploughlands and 40 acres of meadow. In 1349 the village was badly affected by the plague and its population much reduced. Later, the estate passed via the Stourton family (associated with Stourhead) and the Fane family into the hands of the Stapleton family in 1837 who remained substantial local landowners until the death of Sir Miles Stapleton in 1979. The village inn still bears the family name and coat of arms.

The church of St John the Baptist is situated on the hillside. A church has existed here from the beginning of the 13th century, part of the north chancel wall dates from this period. The wrought iron gates which were made in memory of Captain Hugh Stapleton can be seen. The south porch also dates from the 13th century and due to subsidence has a 20% slope.

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