 The Hundred of South Petherton was based on the area covered by the Royal Estate of South Petherton which had existed before 1066.In the 13th century it included Shepton Beauchamp, Lopen, Whitestaunton, Cudworth, Dowlish Wake, Westcombland in Buckland St Mary, and probably Hurcott in Seavington St Mary.Later it also included the ancient parishes of