Kilve Village History

1086

Founding Village

The Domesday Book listed Kilve back in 1086 as Clive, probably after the cliffs that dominate the coastline along this part of Somerset.

1329

The Chantry and St Mary's Church

The chantry was founded in 1329, when a brotherhood of five monks was employed to say Mass for their founder, Simon de Furneaux. The Church of St Mary dates back to the 14th century. In the vestry is one remaining and very beautiful carved arch of the ancient screen.

1957

AONB, 1957

The village of Kilve lies withing the Quantock Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the first AONB to be established, in 1957.  Renamed Quantock Hills National Landscape in 2023

2019

Kilve Today

Over 925 years later, the population at Kilve stands at close to 400. Sitting in the designated Quantock Hills National Landscape and with a rich tapestry of interesting buildings, heritage and wildlife - Kilve's history has made it the place it is today.