The name Cheriton is derived from Saxon words meaning �the enclosure (or village) with a church�. It is thus clear that there was a church next to the Saxon Manor, near or on the site of the present one, before the Norman Conquest of 1066.
There are two village charities:
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Thomas Abott�s Charity is of an unknown age but definately over 200 years old. Two local fields were given to the parish, the rents of which are to be given to "the second poor of the village�. These are believed to be the people who fell outside the scope of the Poor Laws of the day.
The Gale Trust was set up in 1980 from the proceeds of the sale of the village school. The school was bequeathed to the village by the Gale family but the school was cLosed in 1977. The income from the invested capital is used to help fund various village facilities such as the Village Hall, the Bus Shelter and the Church Building.
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The elegant War Memorial was erected by the parishioners in 1921 on land which formed part of the Gale Trust.
The impressive manor house by the church dates from the 19th century. It is built of local stone with later modifications. The original manor was held by Ernni, a Saxon, prior to 1066; there is a full description of it in the Domesday Book - �Cireton� passed into the hands of Warmund, a supporter of the Conqueror. Later it came under the supervision of Dunster Castle.
The Pelota Wall. At the top of the village, by the Well House and at right angles to the Sherborne road, stands a high vertical wall which it is believed was used for the game of Pelota by prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars in 1805 to 1815. The prisoners apparently used to quench their thirst at the nearby Windmill Inn situated just opposite. Later the wall was also used for the game of Fives. Behind the wall is an 18th century barn.
The Village Stocks outside the Church gate, date from the 16th century. Recently a roof was added to protect them.
The Old Post Office is probably over 300 years old, but of course it has been much altered over time. It was in use as a Post Office from 1895 until 1932.
The Village Pump almost opposite the Village Hall, is an interesting relic of the early 19th century; it is of cast iron and was made by Portnell of Wincanton.
The Old School built in 1846 and closed in 1977, is now a comfortable dwelling.
Parts of the Red Lion, privately owned since 1958, date back to the 17th century. It is not certain for how long it was used as an Inn.
