The tithings of Ruishton and Henlade formed part of the manor of Taunton Deane from the 9th century.[2] The parish of Ruishton was part of the Taunton DeaneHundred.[4]
Henlade House was built between 1805 and 1815, by an unidentified Italian architect for John Proctor Anderdon. It has been designated as a Grade II* listed building.[5] During World War II, it was host to a private school from Folkestone who were evacuated here.[6] It is now a hotel.[2]
Ruishton House dates from 1893. It was built by a Mr Spiller for Stuart Somerville. The Somerville family owned the paperworks at Creech St Michael, and there is a memorial to them in the Church of St George.[7]
Governance
The parish council has responsibility for local issues, including setting an annual precept (local rate) to cover the council's operating costs and producing annual accounts for public scrutiny. The parish council evaluates local planning applications and works with the local police, district council officers, and neighbourhood watch groups on matters of crime, security, and traffic. The parish council's role also includes initiating projects for the maintenance and repair of parish facilities, as well as consulting with the district council on the maintenance, repair, and improvement of highways, drainage, footpaths, public transport, and street cleaning. Conservation matters (including trees and listed buildings) and environmental issues are also the responsibility of the council.
The Norman parish Church of St George was built in the 14th and 15th centuries and has been designated as a grade I listed building.[10] In the churchyard is the remains of a 15th-century cross.[11]