Pictures of East Coker

About East Coker

East Coker is a charming little village, set in open countryside, just outside the town of Yeovil. It is an ancient place that has connections with Queen Elizabeth Ist and is full of elegant properties, nearly all of which are built from local stone.

Time seems to have almost passed this attractive village by, and it is therefore not surprising to learn that many of the families, mentioned in the Church records of of the 16th-century, have descendents living in the village today. This could be one of the reasons why this village has such a 'well cared for' air about it. Lands and properties have proudly passed down through a family for centuries. This was the family home of the poet T.S. Eliot, whose forefathers lived here. His ashes are buried in the church.

Archdeacon Helyar, was the owner of Coker Court, he had been Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth Ist and had wed one of her cousins. It is he who built the graceful Helyar Almshouses in the year 1640. These are 'showpiece' buildings, with small windows and tall chimney's. The Archdeacon bought Coker Court from the Phelips family who made their home at Montecute House.

This is a lovely village that is best enjoyed by leaving your car and taking a gentle stroll. It is but one of a host of picturesque villages that are spread throughout this lovely part of Somerset.