Castle Cary

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This article is about the town in Somerset: for the village in Scotland see Castlecary.

Map sources for Castle Cary at grid reference ST641322

The market hall

Castle Cary is a market town in south Somerset, England, five miles north west of Wincanton and eight miles south of Shepton Mallet. The village has a population of 2,096^[1]. It grew around the weaving industry and is home to a horsehair weaving factory.

The town owes its name to its situation on the River Cary which eventually reaches the Parrett. It was also the site of a 10th century castle that was built on the hill behind the town. This was erected during the reign of King Stephen, but has now completely disappeared apart from a few earthworks.

Attractions in Castle Cary include a small circular eighteenth century gaol and a museum, and the site of Cary Castle above the village Notable people from the town include the 18th century diarist James Woodforde. The town lies on the main West of England railway and has direct services to London Paddington. There are also local services to Bath and Weymouth. It is the nearest station to the site of the Glastonbury Festival.

The town has become increasingly popular with people moving out of London and looking for somewhere quiet to raise a family. The high speed railway line to London, good local schools and services, along with an attractive rural setting have all played their part in the recent growth of the town.

Nearby is Wyvern Waste's recycling centre, based on the old army camp at Dimmer. It holds educational tours around the site for schools. For more information on this go on www.wyvern.co.uk/carymoor for details

On June 19, 2004, Castle Cary was granted Fairtrade Village status.

In 1900 Castle Cary cricket club provided five players for the Devon and Somerset Wanderers team that won the only Olympic cricket title.

There are two schools. The secondary school is http://www.ansford.somerset.sch.uk/ and then there is Castle Cary Primary School.