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The area around Axbridge has a very
long and distiguished history. The Roman's almost certainly mined lead
on the top of the Mendip Hills and probaly earlier still, prehistoric
man, who lived in the local caves, and whose flint tools have
been found on the slopes of the local hills. The history of Axbridge
its-self can be traced back to the reign of King Alfred when it was
part of the Saxons' defence system for Wessex against the Vikings.
Axbridge appears in the Domesday survey of 1086 as Alse Bruge, meaning
'The ash tree bridge' from the Old English ysle and brycg. The Town was
given a Royal Charter in 1202, the same year King
John sold most of the royal manor of Cheddar to the Bishop of Bath and
Wells. Axbridge grew in the Tudor period as a centre for cloth
manufacture, This was reflected in its early royal
charters
which granted the town the right to hold markets, fairs and become a
royal
borough. A true measure of how important Axminster; had
become, was the fact that it even had its own mint, with coins showing
the town's
symbol: the Lamb and Flag.
Trade was possible as the River Axe was navigable to wharves at
Axbridge.
Later the towns importance declined which led to stagnation. But
perversly this stagnation also helped in the
preservation of many historic buildings in the town centre. These
include King
John's Hunting Lodge (actually a Tudor building) which is now used as a
museum.
Axbridge is a very old borough and sent members to parliament in the
reigns of Edward I and Edward III.
During the 19th, and early 20th, centuries iron ore was extracted from
the hill above and east of
Axbridge.
It was part of the royal manor of Cheddar.
Then in 1869 the town's fortunes like all the town's in the West
Country were revived by the arrival of the railway. For on the3 August
1869, the marvel of the Victorian age arrived. However Axbridge being
rural was never developed during the Industrial Revolution, which as I
said previously
helped to preserve its architecture and layout. The town did befit from
visitors, as many people flocked to admire the town and to
relax in the beautiful countrside it sits in. That most hated and
feared institution of Victorian times can stiill be seen in the town
today I refer to the Workhouse. ( the earliest recorded workhoue was
1652 )
The Axbridge Union workhouse was erected in 1837 at the south side of
West Street in Axbridge. The Poor Law Commissioners authorised an
expenditure of £4,496.17s.6d on construction of the building
which was intended to accommodate 250 inmates. It was designed by
Samuel T Welch who was also the architect of workhouses at Wells and
Clifton. By 1929 the workhouse had become
officially known as Axbridge Poor Law Institution. It will suprise many
people to find out these nefarious institusions were not eradicated
until 1st of April 1930. Today despite its dubious past Axminster's is
seen as a fine example of Victorian architecture
Axbridge has a very active community and holds a number of events each
year.
On the first Saturday in September, the annual Somerset Showcase takes
place, which is a fun filled day for the whole family featuring the
best Somerset has to offer, including craft displays and market,
farmers' market, entertainment, exhibitions and live music in the
evening. It has become a firm favourite amongst the events held in the
town each year, and attracts visitors from all over the area.
September also sees the annual Blackberry Carnival, Fair in the Square
and Harvest Home which was introduced in 2007. Other events throughout
the year include the Progressive Supper and Santa in the
Square.
Axbridge embraces the southern slopes of the Mendips. Where today,
visitors can wander the meandering thoroughfares that remain at the
heart of this charming and still vibrant place, whilst soaking up
hundreds of years of history. The picturesque market town of Axbridge
has some interesting Tudor houses including the King John Hunting
Lodge, an eye-catching timber framed building. Originally a wool
merchant's house dating from 1500, the building today houses the
excellent local history museum where three floors of exhibits and many
original architectural features illuminate the history of the building
and of the town. The steep stairs and sloping floors are a reminder of
the building's great age. Public admission is free.
Off from the Square the several winding streets still remain remarkably
medieval in character. The brightly painted houses that line the narrow
High Street have many original features such as sash windows and
studded doors. Some houses have Georgian or Victorian facades which
were added to the fronts of the earlier buildings. Other original
buildings that remain include the town hall and the almshouse, which
was founded in 1480 and today functions as a bistro. Axbridge
is
a designated conservation area and a colourful, vibrant locality that
has managed to hold onto elements of its past in an otherwise
fast-changing world. Axbridge also has a good supply of specialist
shops, galleries, café and restaurants and is only a few
minutes drive
from the spectacular Cheddar Gorge. The beautiful nearby Mendip Hills
also provide numerous
opportunities for nature lovers, walkers cyclists artists
ornithologists and many other outdoor pursuit
enthusiasts.
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