The Lang family have been yeoman farmers, millers, brewers, cider makers and wine & spirit and seed merchants in this patch of Somerset for generations.
It all started when Matthew Lang, a miller from Donyatt further upstream the river Isle, moved to Hambridge Mill in 1780.
Hambridge Mill was originally a water powered mill set on the banks of the River Isle on the outskirts of the parish of Hambridge, neighbouring the village of Curry Rivel. It’s still there today, and although it’s no longer a working mill, it is a beautiful building with views over the Somerset levels.
In the 1790s H M Lang & Co. became cider makers using the local cider apples that this area of Somerset is famous for. The family were early adopters of technology and innovation, and acquiring a large mechanical press became a major factor in their cider making success. Cider is still made (for home consumption) on the farm today.
Matthew was joined by his son Joseph and in turn by Joseph’s son Henry Matthew sometime in the early 19th century. During this time more farmland was taken on. The business traded as H M Lang & Co. well into the 20th century.
Back then general workers were given 2-4 quarts of cider as part of their daily allowance, which continued into the 20th century.
In 1936, Uncle Joe and Henry Lang ‘Pop’ retired and the Lang Family turned their attention solely to farming. The mill and all associated businesses of brewing and cider making were sold.
Anthony Lang, Henry and Richard’s father, was passionate about the farm and loved his prize winning flock of Dorset Downs sheep. He spent much of his time at all the major agricultural shows and won the champion carcass at the Smithfield show on more than one occasion.
By the 1960s the centre of the farming enterprise was Home Farm, Curry Rivel. It was a traditional mixed farm growing wheat, barley, beans and grass lays with a large flock of sheep and a dairy down at Bowdens Farm. Today the farm is run by Henry, Richard and Harry with the wider family all still involved and invested in continuing as custodians of the land, hopefully for the next 9 generations to come.
If you’re interested in BNG units or learning more, share your name and email, and our team will be in touch.
Contact
harry@homefarmsomerset.co.uk
Phone
+44 7731 381383
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