SHIPHAM, a village and a parish in Axbridge district, Somerset. The village stands on a slope of Black down, among the Mendip hills, 2½ miles NNE of Axbridge, and 5½ S by E of Yatton r. station; and has a post-office under Bristol, and cattle fairs on 27 Apriland 17 Nov. The parish comprises 766 acres. Rated property, £1,019. Pop. in 1851, 610; in 1861, 520. Houses, 123. The property is much divided. The manor belongs to the Dean and Chapter of Wells. Lead and zinc mines are here, but have ceased to be worked. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Bath and Wells. Value, £135.* Patrons, the Dean and Chapter of Wells. The church was rebuilt in 1842. There are a national school, a men's club, and an endowed female club.

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