History
The estate was known as Orceard and was given by King Æthelwulf of Wessex to Taunton's minster church in 854.
The parish of Thurlbear was part of the North Curry Hundred, while Orchard Portman was part of the Taunton Deane Hundred.
By 1135 the manor had passed to Elfric de Orchard and his descendants one of whom, Christina de Orchard, married Walter Portman. The village takes the second part of its name from the Portman family one of the earliest prominent members of which was Sir William Portman (died 1557), Chief Justice of the King’s Bench and lord of the manor. The estate was sold to the Crown Commissioners in 1944.
Read more about this topic: Orchard Portman
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