Hatch, Beauchamp (St. John the Baptist)
HATCH, BEAUCHAMP (St. John the Baptist), a parish, in the union of Taunton, hundred of Abdick and Bulstone, W. division of Somerset, 5¾ miles (N. W. by N.) from Ilminster; containing 329 inhabitants. This parish, anciently Hache, is situated on the road from Taunton to Ilminster, within a mile of the Chard canal, and comprises 1120a. 2r. 31p.: white and blue lias are quarried for building, for burning into lime, and for the roads. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £13. 5. 2½., and in the gift of the Rev. T. F. Dymock: the tithes have been commuted for £115, and the glebe comprises 42 acres. The church is a handsome structure in the later English style, with a square embattled tower; the altar-piece is a fine painting of the Descent from the Cross. There is a place of worship for Baptists.
Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.