LYDFORD (WEST), a village and a parish in Shepton-Mallet district, Somerset. The village stands on the river Brue, 4¾ miles W of Castle-Cary r. station; and has a five-arched bridge across the river, a post office under Taunton, and fairs on Holy Thursday and 12 Aug. The parish comprises 1,900 acres. Real property, £2,633. Pop., 320. Houses, 69. The property is divided among a few. The manor belongs to Mrs. Colston. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Bath and Wells. Value, £350. * Patron, Mrs. Colston. The church was rebuilt in 1846, at the expense of the Colstons; is in the pointed style; consists of nave, transept, and chancel, with porch and tower; and has a fine memorial window. There are a Wesleyan chapel, a national school, and chari ties £1 4.

(John Marius Wilson, Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales (1870-72))