The River Cary originates from Park Pond in Castle Cary and flows in a southwest direction, passing through Cary Moor until it reaches Babcary. At Babcary Meadows and Cary Fitzpaine, notable biological Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) can be found. Continuing its course, the river then proceeds northwest, passing Charlton Mackrell and running parallel to the northern outskirts of Somerton, where it passes beneath the Somerton Viaduct. In this area, the river's channel has been artificially straightened and serves to drain the surrounding wetlands as it heads north towards Kings Sedge Moor. Continuing its journey, the Cary traverses King's Sedgemoor, flowing west across the moors situated to the south of the Polden Hills.
Upon reaching Henley, the River Cary converges with the artificial channels of the Sutton Moor Rhyne and the King's Sedgemoor Drain. These channels play a crucial role in draining the wetland area. A significant portion of the water has been diverted into the King's Sedgemoor Drain, which further extends across the moors until it joins the estuary of the River Parrett at Dunball. This camera was installed and is maintained by the Environment Agency and can be viewed
here. All content is available under the
Open Government Licence v3.0. Somerton, a town and civil parish located in Somerset, holds historical significance. It lent its name to the county and briefly served as the county town at the beginning of the 14th century. Around the year 900, Somerton was potentially the capital of Wessex. The town has hosted a weekly market since medieval times, and its main square, featuring a market cross, remains an appealing destination for visitors. Situated along the River Cary, Somerton boasts archaeological remains that provide evidence of Celtic settlement. The discovery of a high-status cemetery in 2019 suggests that the local inhabitants embraced a more Roman way of life. During the Anglo-Saxon period, Somerton held great political and commercial importance. However, following the Norman conquest of England, the town's significance dwindled, despite its status as the county town of Somerset in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Transitioning into a market town during the Middle Ages, Somerton's economy thrived with the support of transportation systems utilizing the River Parrett. In later years, the town benefited from rail transport via the Great Western Railway and housed light industries such as glove making and gypsum mining.
