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Castle Cary

Castle Cary is a and in the district of , , situated in the Vale of Bruton approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) west of and 5 miles (8 km) north of , with a combined population of about 3,500 residents in the parishes of Castle Cary and the adjacent Ansford as of the 2021 . The town is renowned for the ruins of its medieval , built in the 11th century and later besieged during in 1138 and 1153, which overlooks the settlement from the east and now forms a scheduled amid earthworks. Benefiting from its position along the A371 road and a railway station on the London to line, Castle Cary serves as a rural hub with good connectivity to major cities like , , and . Historically, the settlement dates back to at least the of 1086, when it was recorded as a owned by Walter of with around 250–300 inhabitants, three mills, and significant pastureland, indicating early agricultural importance in the Brue-Cary watershed. The castle, possibly constructed by the Perceval family after 1086, was a key stronghold but fell into disuse by 1468, when a charter was granted and a replaced it as the primary residence. Post-medieval development saw the rise of a thriving cloth industry in the , transitioning to , , and production, with 19th-century mechanization leading to factories like those of the Boyd and Donne families; by the , seating became a specialty, supporting from 1,281 in 1801 to 1,902 by 1901. In the 20th century, traditional industries declined after , shifting the economy toward services, light manufacturing like leather goods, and , bolstered by amenities such as shops, pubs, a weekly market in the renovated 19th-century Market House, and community venues like Caryford Hall. Notable landmarks include the Grade II* listed All Saints Church, with possible Saxon origins and a 15th-century rebuild, and the Grade II listed Round House, an 18th-century lock-up; the town also features four conservation areas and an Area of High Archaeological Potential encompassing prehistoric, , and medieval remains. Today, Castle Cary maintains low at 3.9% (below the national average of 5.0%) as of mid-2025, pursues carbon neutrality by 2030, and follows its 2018 Neighbourhood Plan to guide sustainable housing and development in its picturesque countryside setting.

Geography and Demographics

Location and Topography

Castle Cary is situated in , , at coordinates 51°05′20″N 2°30′57″W, approximately 5 miles (8 km) northwest of and 8 miles (12.9 km) south of . The town lies at the foot of Lodge Hill, a prominent rise in the landscape, directly alongside the River Cary, which originates from Park Pond within the town and flows southwest, forming a natural boundary and serving as a historical water source for settlement. The of Castle Cary features rolling countryside characteristic of the landscape, positioned on the fringe of the , with elevations ranging from approximately 50 to 100 meters above , averaging around 68 meters. This undulating terrain transitions from the low-lying, peat-rich wetlands of the Levels to higher ground formed by strata, providing a varied setting that influences local drainage and . The River Cary plays a key role in this , carving a gentle that mitigates flooding risks while supporting riparian habitats. Environmentally, Castle Cary is enveloped by extensive agricultural lands dedicated to arable farming and , interspersed with woodlands that contribute to and . The local geology consists primarily of Middle and Upper Lias clays overlain by Inferior s, which yield fertile clay and soils ideal for . These features place the town in proximity to the to the north, approximately 15 miles away, enhancing regional ecological connectivity through shared geology and landscapes. The River Cary's name derives from an ancient or pre-Celtic term, underscoring its longstanding influence on the area's early settlement patterns.

Population and Demographics

As of the , Castle Cary had a of 2,410 residents. The spans approximately 8.9 km², yielding a of about 271 people per square kilometre. Between 2011 and 2021, the increased at an average annual rate of 0.57%, reflecting steady but modest growth typical of rural communities. Demographic characteristics indicate a mature population structure, with 16.6% of residents aged under 18, 50.9% in working age (18-64 years), and 32.5% aged 65 and over. The ethnic composition is overwhelmingly White, accounting for 97.8% of the , with small proportions identifying as Asian (0.6%), Mixed (1.1%), Black (0.3%), and Other (0.2%). This proximity to larger towns like has facilitated inbound migration by offering a balance of rural tranquility and access to broader and services.

History

Origins and the Castle

The name Castle Cary derives from the word "," meaning fortress or rocky place, combined with the River Cary, whose name likely originates from a pre- root "kar-" denoting "stony" or "hard," reflecting the local topography of rocky hills and the river's course. The settlement was recorded in the of 1086 as "Cari," a modestly prosperous in Somerset's Hundred of Blachethorna, with an estimated population of 250–300 people, including 58 households comprising villagers, smallholders, slaves, pigmen, and one burgess. Prior to the , the land was held by the Anglo-Saxon Alsi (or Elsi), under whose tenure it supported 20 ploughlands, 100 acres of meadow, woodland, three mills valued at £1 14s, and livestock including cattle, pigs, and sheep, yielding an annual value of £16. Archaeological evidence indicates human occupation at or near the site predating the period, with finds suggesting intermittent prehistoric activity. artifacts, including flintwork and a polished axe, along with pottery sherds from northwest of the , point to early settlement or resource use in the area. A late gold ornament further hints at ceremonial or trade connections during that era, though no substantial structures from these periods have been identified. presence is suggested by scattered finds nearby, such as an coin (AD 138–161), Samian pottery, and building materials from Ansford, possibly indicating a or , but no confirmed site exists directly at Castle Cary. Following the of 1066, the manor passed to as , who held it directly in 1086 with a reduced valuation of £15, possibly due to post-Conquest disruptions. The castle, a motte-and-bailey typical of early designs, was constructed shortly thereafter, likely in the late 11th or early , either by or his successors, the Perceval family, to secure control over the River Cary valley. The site's elevated position above the river provided strategic defensibility and access to water resources, marking the transition from a rural Anglo-Saxon holding to a fortified stronghold, with the first explicit references to the castle emerging in early 12th-century records.

Medieval Development and Sieges

During , the civil war between and that ravaged from 1135 to 1153, Castle Cary emerged as a key strategic site due to its position controlling routes in . The castle was first besieged by in 1138, when it was held by William Lovel, a supporter of , who refused to yield despite the king's demands. According to the contemporary chronicle Gesta Stephani, Stephen assaulted the fortifications vigorously, deploying siege engines that hurled fire and showers of stones into the stronghold, eventually compelling the garrison to surrender after their food supplies dwindled and no relief arrived from Matilda's forces at . The castle faced a second in 1148 as sought to dismantle remaining rebel bastions in the region. This further highlighted Castle Cary's , with the held steadfastly by Matilda's adherents amid the broader of unauthorized castle-building and shifting allegiances. It was besieged for a third and final time in 1153, after which the castle saw no further action. Following the royalist victory at the Battle of Wilton in 1143, Henry de Tracy, a prominent supporter of , seized control of the and constructed a secondary stronghold positioned in front of the original motte-and-bailey earthworks, incorporating substantial stone fortifications to bolster its defenses. These enhancements included a large rectangular Norman keep, measuring approximately 78 by 76 feet, which represented a shift toward more durable masonry construction amid the era's turmoil. The castle's active military role diminished after the Anarchy's resolution in 1153, leading to its abandonment and deliberate by the late as the need for such fortifications waned under stabilized rule. By 1468, when granted Castle Cary a for a weekly and annual fair, the site's lords had relocated to a newly built , rendering the castle fully derelict with its stones likely repurposed for local buildings. An excavation in 1890 uncovered the buried foundations of the stone keep about 1.5 meters below ground level, confirming the scale of these medieval additions amid surviving earthworks of the inner and outer baileys.

Early Modern and Industrial Period

In 1468, Edward IV granted a charter to John de Zouche, lord of the manor, authorizing a weekly market on Tuesdays and two annual fairs in Castle Cary, which spurred the town's economic development as a regional trading hub. This market infrastructure, supported by a network of roads, facilitated the growth of rural industries, particularly wool and cloth production, which became central to the local economy from the 16th to the 18th centuries. By the early 18th century, Castle Cary had emerged as a notable center for these textiles, with production tied to broader fluctuations in the cloth trade across Somerset. As wool cloth production waned, manufacturing gained prominence in the 18th century, utilizing local resources, before facing competition from cheaper imports that led to a gradual decline. In 1837, Scottish John Boyd established a in Castle Cary, introducing as a key industrial activity; this specialized production, using traditional looms, persisted into the despite broader industrialization elsewhere. The arrival of the railway in 1856, with the opening of Castle Cary station on the , and Weymouth line, enhanced connectivity and supported local trade by linking the town to major routes, including the London to mainline, thereby boosting its role as a junction. The 20th century brought further transformations, including post-World War II suburban expansion through new housing estates and infilling of open spaces, which reflected population growth and redevelopment of industrial sites. In the 21st century, Castle Cary achieved Fairtrade Village status on 19 June 2004, recognizing community efforts to promote ethical trading practices.

Governance and Economy

Local Governance

Castle Cary forms part of the of , established in April 2023 following the merger of Somerset County Council and the four district councils, including . The town lies within the Castle Cary electoral division of this council, which elects two members to represent local interests. Castle Cary , comprising nine elected members, handles community-level responsibilities such as maintaining public spaces, organizing events, and supporting local facilities like the Market House. Historically, local governance in Castle Cary originated with medieval manor courts, which administered justice, regulated markets, and resolved disputes among tenants, as recorded in surviving court rolls from the that detail the town's early social and economic structure. By the , administrative oversight shifted to broader rural structures under the Rural District Council, formed in 1894, which managed , highways, and until its abolition in 1974. From 1974 to 2023, the area fell under District Council, with the town council continuing to oversee amenities amid these changes. In national politics, Castle Cary is included in the parliamentary constituency, created in 2024, where Liberal Democrat was elected as in the July 2024 with 42.7% of the vote. elections occur every four years, with the most recent in May 2022 establishing a Liberal Democrat-led ; a in the Castle Cary division in August 2023 was won by Liberal Democrat Kevin Messenger. Key council policies in 2025 emphasize environmental sustainability, including the Energy Investment Plan, which promotes decarbonization through renewable energy projects and community-led adaptations to , alongside the broader Climate Emergency Strategy aiming for by 2030. The Castle Cary division's of around 3,447 as of the 2021 supports its two-member representation on the council.

Economy and Trade

Historically, Castle Cary's economy was anchored in the cloth trade during the medieval period, with local production of "Cary-cloth" contributing significantly to regional commerce following the granting of a market charter in 1468. By the 16th to 18th centuries, this evolved into a broader sector, including and cloth , before transitioning to as the dominant activity through the 1700s. Linen production persisted into the early 19th century, alongside and making, until fabric emerged as a key industry around 1837, when John Boyd established a that employed over 200 people at its peak and became one of the town's largest employers. This sector, used for and other applications, continued until post-World War II decline, though a single firm remains operational today as one of the world's last producers. In the contemporary , remains a cornerstone, particularly on local pastures and arable operations, supporting cheese and production through family-run enterprises like East Hill and multi-generational farms in the vicinity. has grown as a vital sector, drawing visitors to historic sites such as the castle ruins and All Saints Church, as well as nearby attractions like the Somerset art gallery and the Rural Life Museum, which collectively foster in , , and . Small businesses, including independent shops and light manufacturing, account for a substantial portion of local jobs, with the town center hosting around 69 outlets and services comprising a key area alongside retailing and . The railway plays a pivotal role in the seasonal economy, particularly through Castle Cary station, which serves as a primary arrival point for thousands of Glastonbury Festival attendees annually, injecting revenue into local hospitality and transport via enhanced train services during the event. This festival linkage contributes to Somerset's broader impact, generating approximately £32 million for local organizations in 2023 alone. Overall, the area maintains low unemployment at around 3% (2025 estimate, aligned with trends), with median household income near £32,000, reflecting a stable, rural-driven economic profile.

Infrastructure and Transport

Road and Rail Connections

Castle Cary is primarily accessed by road via the A371, which serves as the main north-south arterial route passing directly through the town center and connecting it to nearby settlements such as to the south and to the north. The B3152 branches off from the A371, providing an east-west link toward approximately 8 miles (13 km) to the southwest, with Station Road forming a key segment of this route within the town. Local roads, including access paths like those near the , support intra-town movement and feeder connections to the primary highways, often aligning with the gentle topography shaped by the River Cary valley. The ongoing on the B3152 at Station Road, first appearing in 2021, led to a temporary in May 2025 between Victoria Gardens and Almshouse Close for emergency repairs; the road reopened on May 4, 2025, under temporary traffic lights, though the footpath remained closed and the issue persisted into late 2025, with residents advocating for permanent resolution. These efforts reflect ongoing maintenance of the network amid geological challenges in the landscape. Rail connectivity centers on Castle Cary railway station, situated about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of the town center along Station Road. The station opened in 1856 as part of the Wilts, Somerset and Weymouth Railway, constructed under the auspices of the Great Western Railway to expand the network across southwest . It occupies a strategic position on the , extending from Temple Meads to Weymouth via Westbury, and intersects with the Reading to line, integrating into the historic to main line corridor. Operated by Great Western Railway, the station provides regular diesel-powered services, with approximately 25 daily trains offering direct access to London Paddington in around 1 hour 46 minutes to 2 hours, alongside connections to regional destinations like , , and Weymouth. This infrastructure, developed during the mid-19th-century railway boom, continues to support passenger travel without overhead electrification, though broader Great Western route enhancements have been under discussion as of 2024.

Role in Regional Travel

Castle Cary serves as a vital gateway for regional connectivity, situated approximately 5 miles (8 km) north of the A303 , which facilitates efficient travel between and the South West of England. This proximity enhances accessibility for residents and visitors, enabling quick links to major routes without direct integration into the primary highway network. Complementing this, regular bus services connect the town to nearby hubs, including to the south via South West Coaches' Service 1, operating several times daily on weekdays with departures roughly every two hours. Similarly, services to , just 4 miles north, run multiple times per day, supporting short regional journeys for work, shopping, and leisure. The town's railway station plays a pivotal role in broader regional travel, particularly as a primary access point for the , located approximately 9 miles (14 km) southeast. Each June, Castle Cary station transforms into a major hub, accommodating thousands of festival-goers arriving via special train services operated by Great Western Railway (GWR), with enhanced timetables including over 60 additional trains in recent years to manage peak demand. These arrangements, in place since at least the early , include mandatory seat reservations and free shuttle buses from the station to the festival site, underscoring the station's integral function in handling high-volume event traffic. Daily commuter patterns further highlight Castle Cary's regional integration, with a significant portion of residents—over 50% in the wider area—traveling outward for employment, primarily to and via bus and rail links. The rail infrastructure enables efficient connections, such as direct services to in under an hour. In July 2025, confirmed government funding for accessibility improvements at Castle Cary railway station as part of key transport schemes.

Landmarks

Castle Ruins and Manor

The ruins of Castle Cary Castle comprise a motte-and-bailey structure dating to the late 11th or early , constructed following the . The site features a central motte supporting the remains of a stone keep, with associated inner and outer s defined by substantial earthwork banks and ditches; the motte summit measures approximately 24 m by 23 m, while the outer bailey ditch reaches up to 42 m wide with banks 2.5–7 m high. The castle's defensive role during contributed to its partial destruction, with sieges in 1138, 1148, and 1153 leading to its abandonment by 1153. Excavations in the , particularly in led by J.A. Bennett and funded by local residents, uncovered the foundations of the rectangular stone keep, measuring about 24 m by 23 m and built with local stone dressed in Ham Hill and Doulting materials; walls were up to 3.7 m thick, with the structure trapezoidal in plan. Further investigations in 1998 confirmed a continuous enclosing around the baileys, while a 1977 watching brief identified buried features, highlighting the site's multi-phase development from timber defenses to masonry elements. Today, only earthworks and buried foundations survive, as the site was partially damaged by 19th-century development on its western side. Adjacent to the castle ruins stands Manor Farm House, a Grade II listed building that incorporates remnants of a late 16th- or early 17th-century manor house, though it was largely rebuilt in the 19th century with sash windows and internal alterations reflecting that period. Local tradition holds that King Charles II sought refuge there in 1651 while fleeing after the Battle of Worcester, staying in the home of Edward Kirton. The manor replaced the castle as the primary residence following its decline in the mid-15th century. The castle ruins are protected as a scheduled under , ensuring preservation of the earthworks and archaeological potential; public access is provided via surrounding footpaths, allowing visitors to explore the site while respecting its status.

Market House and Roundhouse

The Market House in Castle Cary, a prominent civic structure, was constructed in by the Market House Company to replace an earlier building from and to accommodate growing local trade in anticipation of the railway's arrival the following year. Designed by the London-based architect Francis Cranmer Penrose, it features a Flemish-style facade built from local Cary stone with Doulting stone dressings, an open supported by circular columns, mullioned windows, an , and a lead-covered spirelet atop a Delabole slate roof. The originally served as a corn market, while upper levels included reading rooms, spaces for musical entertainments, and even cells at the rear for temporary . Designated as a Grade II* listed building in 1974, it stands as a key example of mid-19th-century market adapted to community needs. Today, the Market House primarily functions as the home of the Castle Cary and District , which occupies the first floor and displays a collection of domestic and agricultural implements alongside archaeological and historical artifacts illustrating the town's development from prehistoric times through the . The , open seasonally from late March to October without admission charge, preserves items such as tools, photographs, and memorabilia that highlight local industries and daily life. The building also supports community events in its room and , seating up to 50 people for gatherings, markets, and performances equipped with modern amenities like and systems. Adjacent to these civic developments, the Roundhouse represents an earlier facet of local justice, erected in 1779 at a cost of £23 using funds from local charities. This compact, circular lock-up, measuring approximately 3 meters in diameter and 2.5 meters high with a stone domed roof topped by a ball finial, was constructed from Lias stone blocks on a plinth and designed for the short-term confinement—typically overnight—of minor offenders such as drunkards before they appeared before a district judge. Windowless except for ventilation grilles and accessed via a studded door on uneven steps, its simple, secure form exemplifies Georgian-era village detention facilities, one of the few surviving examples in England. Grade II listed since 1951 and presented to the parish council in 1922 by Sir Henry Hoare, it underwent restorations in 1894 and 1983 to maintain its structural integrity as a town landmark. Since 2016, it has been licensed for weddings, allowing couples to marry within its historic confines. Together, the Market House and underscore Castle Cary's market heritage, rooted in an early modern that granted trading rights and fostered these enduring symbols of commerce and order. The Market House continues to host seasonal events, markets, and cultural activities, reinforcing its role as a vibrant community hub.

Religious Sites

All Saints Church

All Saints Church in Castle Cary traces its origins to the Saxon period, with evidence suggesting on the site for over a thousand years, possibly linked to a raised reminiscent of a Saxon mentioned in the . The current structure, built around 1470 during the reign of , exemplifies late architecture and reflects the medieval town's growth as a market center. The church underwent significant restoration between 1851 and 1855 under the direction of architect Benjamin Ferrey, who lengthened the and redesigned the to accommodate more worshippers. It has been designated a Grade II* listed building since 1961 for its special architectural and historic interest. The church's most prominent feature is its tall , rising to approximately 139 feet, which serves as a visible for miles across the landscape and dominates the town's skyline. The tower includes 16 ornate pinnacles on its buttresses, along with crocketted gablets and traceried windows in 15th-century style, many restored in the . Inside, the interior features a 15th-century octagonal font with panels, 17th-century Keinton stone slabs, and 18th-century marble plaques commemorating local figures. The building is constructed primarily of lias stone with Doulting stone dressings, including a notable two-storey porch with medieval wooden carvings. As the primary parish church, All Saints serves the united benefice of Castle Cary and Ansford, a community of around 2,750 residents, following their formal union in 2017. It hosts weekly Anglican services, including Holy Communion and family-oriented events, functioning as a central hub for religious and social activities. Community engagement includes bell ringing, with a scheduled Festival of Bells on 30 November 2025 featuring peals from its six-bell tower.

Other Religious Buildings

In addition to the principal Anglican parish church of All Saints, Castle Cary features several secondary religious buildings that serve the community's diverse spiritual needs. The Castle Cary Methodist Church, originally established as a Wesleyan Methodist chapel around , stands as a key nonconformist site in the town. This Grade II listed building, constructed from local Cary stone rubble with a Doulting facade, hosts weekly Sunday morning worship services at 10:30 a.m. and evening services on the second and fourth Sundays at 6:30 p.m. As part of the Mendip Methodist Circuit, it is led by Collin Moore, who oversees services and community outreach activities as of 2025. The church plays a vital role in fostering local fellowship, emphasizing Methodist traditions of and inclusive worship. St Andrew's Church in the adjacent village of Ansford serves as a smaller Anglican parish church within the same benefice as All Saints, providing supplementary worship spaces for the combined community. Dating to the 14th century with its first recorded rector in 1328, the church retains a 15th-century Perpendicular tower of local lias stone, while the nave, chancel, and aisle were rebuilt in 1861 using Cary stone. Situated on Tuckers Lane overlooking the River Cary, it accommodates alternating Sunday services, including Holy Communion and Parish Eucharist, contributing to the area's ecclesiastical heritage without overshadowing the dominant role of All Saints. This shared arrangement supports a unified parish structure, with St Andrew's focusing on quieter, intimate gatherings. Castle Cary lacks a major Catholic presence, with residents typically attending services at the nearest parish, St Luke and St Teresa in . Occasional ecumenical events, such as joint community prayers, occur through collaboration between Anglican and Methodist groups, though no dedicated Catholic or other denominational buildings persist today. Historically, 17th-century Quaker meetings took place in the region, reflecting early nonconformist activity, but these have long been defunct with no surviving structures. A former Congregational , built in the and now repurposed, underscores the town's past diversity in Protestant worship but is no longer active as a religious site.

Education

Primary Schools

Castle Cary's primary education is primarily served by Castle Cary Community Primary School, housed in a Grade II listed building originally constructed in 1840 as a National School using local Cary stone with Doulting stone dressings. The structure was extended in 1876 with a single-storey addition, reflecting its enduring role in the local community. Following a period of closure in early 2023, the school reopened on 1 December 2023 as an academy sponsor-led institution under The Academies for Character and Excellence , continuing to provide for pupils aged 4 to 11. It currently enrolls 194 pupils, operating at approximately 90% of its capacity and maintaining stable attendance trends in line with the town's population of around 2,410 residents. The school's curriculum emphasizes developing historical knowledge and skills, inspiring pupils' curiosity about the past through chronological understanding of , world, and from the to the present day, while fostering enquiry, analysis, and connections to modern life. Facilities include the historic main building and modern amenities such as The Hive breakfast and after-school club, supporting extended learning opportunities. Extracurricular activities feature termly school clubs, and the school promotes inclusive through SEN-friendly activities and a commitment to and diversity for all backgrounds. As of 2025, no inspection has been conducted since the academy conversion, though the prior community iteration received a "Requires Improvement" rating in December 2021.

Secondary Education

Ansford Academy serves as the primary provider of secondary education for students from Castle Cary and surrounding rural communities in . Established as a , it opened in 1940 on a site in Ansford, initially accommodating 130 pupils to meet the needs of the Castle Cary area following plans developed in 1931. The school's main building, completed that year in a Neo-Georgian style, has undergone expansions, including additional classrooms in the and a sports centre in 2005. It converted to academy status on 1 July 2011 and now operates as a mixed comprehensive institution for ages 11 to 16, enrolling 516 pupils as of 2025. The academy draws students from local primary schools, such as Castle Cary Community Primary School, which act as key feeders for the secondary intake. Transportation is facilitated by bus services arranged through , enabling access from Castle Cary and nearby villages like Evercreech, with timetables available via regional planning resources. In its latest full inspection on 31 2023, rated the school as Requires Improvement overall, while deeming personal development Good; subsequent policy changes from September 2024 mean no overall effectiveness judgement is issued for . Without an on-site , Ansford Academy supports post-16 progression through guidance on apprenticeships, , and collaborations with nearby institutions like College, including staff visits to discuss options in 2024. The emphasizes core subjects alongside enrichment activities, preparing students for vocational and academic pathways aligned with regional needs in areas such as and .

Society and Culture

Notable Residents

Castle Cary has been home to several notable figures throughout its history, whose lives and contributions have left lasting impacts on literature, philanthropy, and public life. One of the most prominent historical residents was (1740–1803), an English clergyman and born in nearby Ansford to the Reverend Samuel Woodforde, who served as rector of Ansford and vicar of Castle Cary. himself acted as in Castle Cary and Ansford from around 1764 until 1773, providing detailed accounts of 18th-century rural life through his extensive , which chronicles daily events, social customs, and activities in the region. His writings, spanning over 40 years, offer invaluable insights into the period's domestic and ecclesiastical routines, including his time in before moving to . Another key historical figure is Douglas Macmillan (1884–1969), born at 12 Cumnock Terrace in Castle Cary to a family of Scottish descent that had settled in the area. Motivated by his father's death from cancer in 1909, Macmillan founded the Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer in 1911, which evolved into , the UK's leading cancer charity providing support services to millions. His legacy endures locally through initiatives like the Castle Cary and District Committee's fundraising efforts, which maintain a direct connection to his birthplace and promote cancer awareness in the community.

Media and Local Events

Local media coverage of Castle Cary primarily comes from regional broadcasters, including West and , which provide television news and programming relevant to the area. Print and online outlets supplement this with community-focused reporting; offers regular updates on , events, and issues in Castle Cary. The town also has a dedicated group, "Castle Cary 'Real News'," with over 16,000 members sharing posts on matters, fundraisers, and daily updates as of 2025. Castle Cary maintains a presence through its official website, castle-cary.co.uk, which features , announcements, and event calendars. While the has no major film or television productions, it occasionally appears in lifestyle media like , which has highlighted Somerset's celebrity residents in the region. Cultural in Castle Cary include annual market fairs, rooted in the 's historic market charter, with the popular held on the first Saturday of each month to showcase local produce and crafts. The nearby draws indirect ties to the community through increased local activity and visitor influx during the event. As of early 2025, highlights encompass various town council-organized activities listed in newsletters and online calendars, such as music performances at Caryford Hall, nights, and talking cafes for . These events, along with exhibitions at local venues, foster participation throughout the year. Notable residents are occasionally profiled in regional media, adding to the town's cultural profile.

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