Ilchester has been a settlement since Roman times, when it was a strategic fort. In medieval times, Ilchester was a walled and gated town. The bridge that spans the River Yeo in the town is also medieval. In the 1700's, Ilchester was the county town of Somerset, and the Ilchester Gaol was in use from 1166 to 1843. The village green north of the church boasts an 18th century Tuscan column.
