Westbury-sub-Mendip
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Westbury-sub-Mendip | |
  Westbury-sub-Mendip shown within Somerset |
|
| Population | approx 800 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| District | Mendip |
| Shire county | Somerset |
| Region | South West |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | WELLS |
| Postcode district | BA5 |
| Dialling code | 01749 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Devon and Somerset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| European Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament | Wells |
| List of places: UK • England • Somerset | |
Westbury-sub-Mendip is a village with a population of about 800, situated on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills four miles from Wells and Cheddar.
The parish boundary is formed by the River Axe
There is evidence, from flint finds, of occupation of the site during the Mesolithic period.[1]
Westbury-sub-Mendip was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Westberie, meaning 'The west hil under the Mendip Hills' from the Old English west and beorg. It was the property of Gisa, Bishop of Wells.[2]
The village once had a station on the Cheddar Valley line also known as the Strawberry Line. The station, known as Lodge Hill, apparently to avoid confusion with Westbury in Wiltshire, is now an industrial estate providing employment for the village. Until recently the former railway line was an airfield for light aircraft.
The village has a number of amenities including a Primary School, Parish Church, Post Office and Pub. Social events include the annual Club Day on Spring Bank Holiday Monday. This involves a parade through the village led by a brass band. The event is organised by The Westbury Friendly Society which is one of the five surviving Friendly Societies in Somerset. The church of St Lawrence at Westbury was given to the Augustinian canons of Bruton Priory by Robert, Bishop of Bath , in the 12th century. It is a grade II* listed building.[3]
Westbury-sub-Mendip won the title of Somerset Village of the Year 2006.
[edit] References
- ^ Mendip Hills An Archaeological Survey of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Somerset County Council Archeological Projects. Retrieved on 2006-10-28.
- ^ Robinson, Stephen (1992). Somerset Place Names. Wimbourne: The Dovecote Press Ltd. ISBN 1874336032.
- ^ St Lawrence church. Images of England. Retrieved on 2006-05-09.
