Bruton is an ancient town, rich in heritage, its origins dating back to Saxon Times. 

Surrounded by some of Somerset's richest farming land, Bruton stands out with its fine and well-preserved architecture and close-knit community, nestled on the banks of the River Brue. For the serious historian and casual visitor alike Bruton offers much that will intrigue and surprise.

St. Mary's church has Saxon origins. In Medieval England there was an Augustinian Priory on the site, later an Abbey, which existed until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539. The church is certainly worth visiting to see an example of one of Somerset's finest Perpendicular naves, its two towers and a remarkable chancel dating from about 1743. 

Since the 15th century Bruton has been a centre of education and still retains this reputation today. 

Bruton is often described as a living microcosm of the past and present. It is significant that it was named as the first conservation area of East Somerset. The Bruton Trust and other groups jealously guard our history and heritage.

The River Brue seems to meander along the valley and through the town but was notorious for flooding at one time, earning a place in the record books in 1917 (see the plaque in Patwell Street). Since 1984, fortunately, a relief scheme built upriver has protected the town. Church Bridge and the Packhorse Bridge are noteworthy and the Stepping Stones, a relatively recent addition to the river crossings, are useable most of the year. Families of ducks and even kingfishers can be seen occasionally today.

Visitors are often amused, and sometimes frustrated, by seeing tractors and cattle trucks rattling down the High Street and they may even see a horse and trap.

Bruton has many unique attractions such as Bruton Dovecote. This is a 16th Century dovecote and local landmark, overlooking town of Bruton. On Leland walking trail. Another interesting attraction is Gants Mill & Garden.  B&B is available here as well as a self catering cottage. The watermill has just been open to the public after its restoration. It is one of the last working watermills in Somerset, and documents for a mill here date back to 1290. It has been a fulling mill, silk mill, and a grist mill for grinding corn. There is a guided tour of the historic watermill, now generating electricity, then tea in the garden, featured in many national gardening magazines. Riverside walk and garden sculptures.

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