[2] The Domesday Book of 1086 lists Withycombe as one of the possessions of Geoffrey de Montbray, Bishop of Coutances, whose tenant there was Edmer.

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.

[7] The district council is responsible for local planning and building control, local roads, council housing, environmental health, markets and fairs, refuse collection and recycling, cemeteries and crematoria, leisure services, parks, and tourism.

It is also part of the Tiverton and Minehead county constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

The Church of St Nicholas dates from the 13th century and has been designated by English Heritage as a grade I listed building.