Place Name

Cricket St Thomas, Somerset, England

Why did the opposing cricket team refuse to play in Cricket St Thomas Because they heard the only thing getting bowled over were the ladies!

Introduction:

Welcome to Cricket St Thomas, a place whose name sounds like it belongs in a whimsical storybook. It is the sort of name that makes visitors pause, grin and ask where the cricket pitch is, only to discover that the village offers everything except an actual match.

Some imagine a team of cricketers wandering the fields in confusion. Others picture St Thomas himself batting a ball into the horizon.

Whatever the truth, Cricket St Thomas is a delightful blend of history, humour and Somerset serenity. Spoiler alert: there’s no cricket match, but there is a delightful mixture of history, charm, and a sprinkle of the absurd.

Toponymy:

Let’s break this name down:

Cricket – derived from the Old English cryce, meaning a bend or creek. Despite modern associations with sport, the original meaning reflects the landscape rather than wickets and bats.

St Thomas – likely refers to the patron saint of builders and architects, hinting at religious or historical ties to the area.

Put together, Cricket St Thomas becomes a name that makes visitors pause before saying it aloud, imagining a village where saints and sports collide.

Historical Context:

The earliest known usage of Cricket St Thomas dates back to the thirteenth century. Settled by Saxons, the area grew into a peaceful parish shaped by farming, craftsmanship and local tradition.

Local lore tells of a farmer who attempted to host a cricket match in his field, only for cows to interrupt the game. The chaos that followed became part of village legend and added to the humour surrounding the name.

Points of Interest:

Places near Cricket St Thomas worth a visit:

• Cricket St Thomas Church – peaceful atmosphere and historic architecture.

• Cricket St Thomas Estate – former country house now serving as a holiday park.

• Chard Museum – local history and fascinating exhibits.

• Blackdown Hills – rolling landscapes and scenic walks.

• The Owl and the Pussycat – traditional pub with hearty meals and friendly charm.

Notable Figures:

People linked to Cricket St Thomas or Somerset:

• Thomas Hardy – author inspired by Somerset’s landscapes.

• Sir John D’Aubigny – folklore figure known for bravery.

• Sir Edward Poynter – Victorian artist with ties to the region.

• Joss Stone – singer songwriter from nearby Ashill.

• William Blake – poet and artist who visited Somerset.

Conclusion:

So next time you find yourself in Cricket St Thomas, take a moment to enjoy the countryside, the quiet charm and the delightful absurdity of a village named after a sport that is nowhere to be found.

Whether you are exploring the estate, wandering the hills or laughing at the name, this place offers warmth, history and a touch of Somerset magic.

For more strange place names across the UK and Ireland, visit www.strangeplacenames.com. The oddities never end.

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