Backwell
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Backwell | |
  Backwell shown within Somerset |
|
| Population | 5,455 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| Unitary authority | North Somerset |
| Ceremonial county | Somerset |
| Region | South West |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Bristol |
| Postcode district | BS48 |
| Dialling code | 01275 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Avon |
| Ambulance | Great Western |
| European Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament | Woodspring to become North Somerset at next general election |
| List of places: UK • England • Somerset | |
Backwell is a suburban village in North Somerset, England with a population of 5,455.[1] It is 7 miles (11 km) south west of Bristol, on the A370 to Weston-super-Mare. It includes the hamlets of Backwell Common, Backwell Green and Farleigh.
The village has a long history, appearing in the Domesday Book in 1086 with the name 'Bacoile' meaning 'The Well back on the Hill'. The Well is still in existence.
Nearby are Nailsea, Flax Bourton, Yatton, Brockley and Barrow Gurney.
Contents |
[edit] Education
The largest junior school in Backwell is Backwell Church of England Junior School, which provides education to 240 children aged between 7 and 11. The school is highly praised by OfSTED and performs consistently well in the league tables [1]. In addition there is West Leigh Infant School which covers reception and Key Stage 1.
A private primary school, Fairfield PNEU, is also located in the village, which also boasts high results.
The secondary school, Backwell School, consistently features high in the league tables [2] for GCSE results, and is recognised as one of the best state schools in North Somerset. Pupils travel to the school from surrounding areas, such as Bristol and Yatton, by public transport or school coach. The school has 1641 pupils. The school used to be a Secondary Modern until the abolition of the Tripartite System. Alumni include Richard Ottaway, member of Parliament for Croydon South, Grant Marshall aka. Daddy G of the pop group Massive Attack, author Joel McIver, designer Ella Doran, and the cricket Test Match umpire Mervyn Kitchen.
[edit] Transport
Many residents of Backwell commute daily to Bristol by car via the A370, and public transport — the First Group operates the local buses. Backwell is close to the M5 motorway.
Nailsea and Backwell railway station is managed by First Great Western. Over the decades its name has alternated between its current name and simply 'Nailsea', even though it is in Backwell. The station is only staffed during rush hour. The journey time to Bristol Temple Meads is 11 minutes; London Paddington takes two hours without changes. The direct service to London makes the village popular with commuters willing to spend four hours a day travelling by train. The car park at the station is full by 7:00 on weekdays. In recent years the number of services direct to London have been reduced.
Bristol International Airport at Lulsgate is 3 miles (5 km) away by road. The airport serves both domestic and international routes, and is one of easyJet's hub airports.
[edit] References
- ^ Backwell Ward Profile (PDF). North Somerset Council. Retrieved on 2008-01-03.
[edit] External links
