History and Heritage

Somerset's History and Heritage

Ancient Buildings, Myths and Legends

The county of Somerset has a wealth of ancient buildings - some beautifully restored while others are interesting ruins waiting to be explored. Many are linked with historic events of great importance, others are surrounded by mysterious myths and legends dating back to the distant past.

Perhaps best known for its magical blend of historic towns and ancient landscapes, the Mendip district is overflowing with stories from the past. Glastonbury is now a centre for alternative, 'new age' attractions welcoming visitors from every corner of the globe. The town grew up around the great Abbey, reputedly the earliest Christian site in Britain and visited by Joseph of Arimathea. It's also known for its association with King Arthur and his wife Guinevere; their reputed tomb can be seen in the Abbey grounds. On the edge of the town is the majestic Tor, a mystical place with panoramic views over the town and surrounding area, while at its base lies the Chalice Well, whose waters are claimed to have curative powers.

Nearby the magnificent cathedral at Wells is the crowning glory of England's smallest city. Much admired for its stunning West Front, it dates back to the 12th century. Nearby is Vicars' Close, reputedly the oldest complete medieval street in Europe, and to the south the moated Bishop's Palace. The city takes its name from the springs which rise in the palace garden.

The Follies of South Somerset

South Somerset is home to several follies linked to myths and tales of intrigue. The Burton Pynsent Tower overlooks the lowlands near Langport - legend tells of a cow that journeyed up the tower and was led down to safety twice, her third attempt was not so lucky. There's an 18th century folly tower near Montacute, one of three built by friends who would run up a flag as invitation to the others to gallop over for a convivial evening. Unusual buildings around the region also include a small round house that served as an overnight lock-up for drunks and the last thatched windmill in England built in 1822.

Four weird and wonderful follies were created during the first half of the nineteenth century at Barwick Park, near Yeovil. Located at the four points of the compass, they are eccentric ornaments serving no useful purpose but are a source of fascination and speculation to all.

Jack the Treacle Eater is an arch of large rough-hewn stones with a tower topped by a statue of Hermes; a nearby wooden seat allows visitors to sit and ponder its reason for being. Its mysterious name is attributed to Jack, a runner for the Messiter family of Barwick House, who fuelled his journeys to and from London with a diet of treacle.

There's also the Fish Tower, an untapered column some 50ft (15m) high so called because there was once a fish weathervane perched at its apex; the Rose Tower, a round tapering cone with a ball on the top supported by three arches and the plainer Obelisk.

All these buildings and several others are featured in a booklet Discover the Follies of South Somerset available free from local Tourist Information Centres or by calling 01935 462684. Details also on www.visitsouthsomerset.com.

South Somerset is also home to more traditional historic buildings including the fascinating ruins of 10th century Muchelney Abbey, one of the many properties now owned by English Heritage, and Montacute House, a 17th century stately home famous for its grandeur and fine collections.

Taunton Deane - A Turbulent Past

Situated in the Heart of Somerset, Taunton Deane comprises the three historic market towns of Taunton, Wellington and Wiveliscombe. The area's calm pace of life belies its turbulent past.

Taunton, Somerset's county town, witnessed Judge Jeffreys 'Bloody Assize' during the Duke of Monmouth's infamous Pitchfork Rebellion in 1685 when 526 cases were tried over three days in the castle's great hall. Several of his executions were carried out in the Market Place at Shepton Mallet in the Mendip foothills. Today the hall houses the County Museum collection, which is open to visitors along with much of the castle.

Standing 163ft high, the magnificent tower of St Mary Magdalene Church dominates Taunton. In order to raise the Quantock red stones during construction a donkey was tied to a pulley system and walked along the street; on completion he was hauled up to the top of the tower to admire the view he had created. Other notable buildings include Grays Almshouses with their chapel and original painted ceiling, Taunton's oldest house dating back to the 14th century, and the medieval priory barn which now house the Somerset Cricket Museum.

Visitors can discover these architectural gems and many more by following the Taunton Heritage Trail, a self-guided, circular walk illustrated by attractive brass plaques in the pavement. It also leads visitors past some more quirky sites including three wooden pigs marking the area of the old pig market which operated from 1614 to 1882, a modern interpretation of King Arthur's sword in the stone and a plaque at the Northern end of the High Street commemorating the declaration of the Duke of Monmouth as King in June 1685.

Described as the Gateway to Exmoor National Park, Wiveliscombe was once the site of the Palace of the Bishop of Bath and Wells - a medieval archway was the original entrance to the walled precinct. Although no drawings of the palace survive, documents show the presence of a large estate between the 12th century and the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539.

The small lively town of Wellington gave its name to the famous 'Iron Duke', victor of the Battle of Waterloo. A 175-foot column was erected in his honour on the scarp edge of the nearby Blackdown Hills, illuminated at night it's now a landmark for miles around.

Somerset's Sedgemoor district also played its part in the Pitchfork Rebellion; the last stand of Monmouth's army took place at Westonzoyland which is marked with an annual re-enactment by the Sealed Knot. The defeated Monmouth was captured and later executed - his ghost is said to visit the battlefield.

Nearby the hill at Brent Knoll, once an Iron Age hill fort, is associated with Arthurian legend as the Mount of Frogs guarded by three fearsome giants. One of Arthur's knights, Ider, was given a quest to slay the giant's single handed to prove his virtue but unfortunately perished in the attempt. Arthur, remorseful that he had sent the young knight to his death, gave Brent Marsh to the Monks of Glastonbury in memory of Ider.

Romantic Poets Coleridge and Wordsworth

The rolling Quantock Hills which sweep south from the coast towards Bridgwater, were an inspiration to the romantic poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth who both lived in the area during the late 18th century.

Remarkably many of the places where the poets wrote and walked together remain virtually unchanged allowing visitors to vividly imagine the past. Coleridge rented a humble cottage at Nether Stowey on the eastern slopes of the Quantock Hills with his wife Sara, which is now owned by the National Trust and open to the public April to September. Alfoxden Park, now a country house hotel, was once the home of the Wordsworths.

Victorian Piers of North Somerset

Until the early part of the 19th century Weston-super-Mare was a tiny fishing village but the arrival of the railway opened up the coast to a flood of Victorian visitors eager to experience seaside delights. The town's rapid expansion, and that of Clevedon further up the coast, left a legacy of many fine Victorian buildings including piers jutting out to sea, some of which are still in use today.

North Somerset also boasts many fine Norman churches and historic country houses including Clevedon Court and the Tyntesfield Estate, now being restored to its original splendour by the National Trust.

Over a Thousand Listed Buildings on Exmoor

Exmoor National Park, two thirds of which lie in Somerset, has 1,011 listed buildings of special architectural or historic interest and 162 scheduled monuments including standing stones, stone circles, barrows, forts and packhorse bridges.

Of note are two 13th century buildings, Cleeve Abbey, a monastic ruin on a peaceful riverside location near Washford with a complete set of fine cloister buildings and Grade I listed Dunster Castle with its Norman motte, terraced gardens and riverside walks set in a 28 acre park. Also Grade I listed are the Tarr Steps, one of the most mysterious stone bridges in Britain built over the River Barle dating back to medieval times or earlier. Local legend says it was built by the devil as a place to sunbathe!

For further information about Somerset, a county of contrast, and accommodation suggestions call 01934 750833 or visit www.visitsomerset.co.uk

For press enquiries, photographs and a possible facility visit please contact:

Pat Edgar
PR Matters
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7 Finch Lane
Little Chalfont
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