Cobbled Yard Project
Andrew Coram the owner of 8 Swain Street (Buttercup and Roses) approached the Society regarding the cobbled yard at the rear of his premises.
Anxious to retain as many features of the property as possible he realised the potential of restoring the Victorian cobbled courtyard.
Society members undertook the project using traditional methods and locally sourced river pebbles which had been used in the original construction. It was also decided to incorporate a decorative pebble 'mat' in the true Watchet tradition.
Although overgrown with weeds, when cleared almost two thirds of the original cobbling remained intact. Over the following months volunteers restored and replaced the missing cobbles.
Andrew was delighted with the result and kindly made a generous donation to the society.
There are many other existing examples of cobbled areas in Swain Street, Market Street, West Street and other sites in Watchet. It is hoped that the Society in the future will be able to save other cobbled areas in the town, revealing and maintaining these fascinating features of our past.
