| Thurloxton | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Buildings in Thurloxton | |
  Thurloxton Location withinSomerset | |
| Population | 153 (2011)[1] |
| OS grid reference | ST275305 |
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Taunton |
| Postcode district | TA2 |
| Dialling code | 01823 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Devon and Somerset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| UK Parliament | |
| 51°04′08″N3°02′10″W / 51.069°N 3.036°W /51.069; -3.036 | |
Thurloxton is a village andcivil parish 5 miles (8 km) north-east ofTaunton, and 5 miles south-west ofBridgwater on the south-eastern slopes of theQuantock Hills in the county ofSomerset, England.
The name means 'Through the animal pen' from theOld Englishpurh andlocian,[2] or alternatively "Thurlac'stun", the holding of the originalSaxon owner Thurlac.[3]
The manor and church were held by the monks ofTaunton Priory until thedissolution of the monasteries and after that by the Portmans ofOrchard Portman.[4]
Theparish council has responsibility for local issues, including setting an annual precept (local rate) to cover the council’s operating costs and producing annual accounts for public scrutiny. The parish council evaluates local planning applications and works with the local police, district council officers, andneighbourhood watch groups on matters of crime, security and traffic. The parish council's role also includes initiating projects for the maintenance and repair of parish facilities, as well as consulting with the district council on the maintenance, repair, and improvement of highways, drainage, footpaths, public transport and street cleaning. Conservation matters (including trees and listed buildings) and environmental issues are also the responsibility of the council.
Forlocal government purposes, since 1 April 2023, the village comes under theunitary authority ofSomerset Council. Prior to this, it was part of thenon-metropolitan district ofSedgemoor, which was formed on 1 April 1974 under theLocal Government Act 1972, having previously been part ofBridgwater Rural District.[5]
It is also part of theBridgwatercounty constituency represented in theHouse of Commons of theParliament of the United Kingdom. It elects oneMember of Parliament (MP) by thefirst-past-the-post system of election.
The originallyNormanChurch of St Giles dates from the 14th century but is predominantly from the 15th century with19th-century restoration including the addition of the north aisle in 1868. It has been designated byEnglish Heritage as a Grade II*listed building.[6] From October 1763 to January 1764 the vicar was the diaristJames Woodforde. He was followed by the Rev William Boone. who was curate of the parish for 43 years, but was outlasted by his rector, the Rev Charles Russell, who was appointed in 1768 and held the living for 65 years.[3]
