DECUMAN (ST.), a parish in the hundred of WILLITON-and-FREEMANNERS,
county of SOMERSET, 5
miles (E. by S.) from Dunster, containing 1865 inhabitants.
The living is a discharged vicarage, rated in ticking's
books at £ 10. 10. 5., and in the peculiar jurisdiction
and patronage of the Prebendary of St. Decuman's
in the Cathedral Church of Wells. The church,
dedicated to St. Peter, is a handsome structure, with a
lofty tower. There are three places of worship for Wesleyan
Methodists, and two belonging to the Baptists.
The parish derives its name from St. Decombes, or Decumanus,
who, landing from South Wales, and finding
a perfect wilderness, fixed upon this spot in order to
seclude himself from the rest of the world; and having
been murdered, was dignified by the natives with the
title of Saint.