Babington Wood

Wood, Forest in Somerset Mendip

England

Babington Wood

House near Charlton This house sits right on the junction where the minor road the B3139 from Charlton meets the minor road from Kilmersdon to Holcombe. — House near Charlton Credit: Nigel Mykura

Babington Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Somerset, England. Situated near the village of Timsbury, it covers an area of approximately 150 acres. The wood is part of the larger Babington House estate and is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

The wood is primarily made up of a mixture of broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and ash. These towering trees create a dense canopy, providing a habitat for a variety of woodland creatures such as deer, badgers, and foxes. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of bluebells during the spring months, creating a stunning display of color.

Babington Wood is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, walkers, and photographers. Numerous walking trails wind their way through the wood, allowing visitors to explore its hidden treasures. These trails vary in difficulty, catering to both experienced hikers and families with young children. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and take in the breathtaking views.

In addition to its natural splendor, Babington Wood also holds historical significance. The wood has existed for centuries and has witnessed the passage of time. It has been carefully managed to preserve its natural features and ensure the continued survival of its wildlife.

Overall, Babington Wood offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its combination of stunning scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape in Somerset.

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Babington Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.26517/-2.4294855 or Grid Reference ST7051. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

House near Charlton

This house sits right on the junction where the minor road the B3139 from Charlton meets the minor road from Kilmersdon to Holcombe.

Nigel Mykura

Old Milepost by the B3139, Kilmersdon Hill

Cast iron post by the B3139, in parish of KILMERSDON (MENDIP District), Kilmersdon Hill, near Kilmersdon Village, on grass verge in front of hedge, on South side of road. Radstock iron casting, erected by the Radstock turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- : WELLS / 11 : : LONDON / 111 : : KILMERSDON : : TROWBRIDGE / 12 / DEVIZES / 22 : Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1177856 Link

Milestone Society National ID: SO_LBWL111

Gail Fawcett

Direction Sign â Signpost by the B3139 in Kilmersdon

Located on the northeast side of the junction of the B3139 and Church Street in the village centre, Kilmersdon parish. 1 arm and pyramid finial. See Link to see it before it was refurbished and the finial replaced. Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST6952

G Fawcett

Direction Sign â Signpost on the B3139 in Kilmersdon parish

Located on the west side of the junction of the B3139 and Knobsbury Hill in Kilmersdon parish. 4 arms and pyramid finial. Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST7052B

J Dowding

Track, Napp Wood

The woodland, part of the Ammerdown Estate is open for the public.

Maigheach-gheal

Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

The origin of the church is in the Norman period, but the main fabric dates from the 15th and 16th centuries with major restoration taking place in the 19th century. The four stage tower has an embattled top with pinnacles.

Maigheach-gheal

Lychgate, Church of St Peter and St Paul

The design of the lychgate symbolizes the Trinity and it was designed in 1900 by Sir Edwin Lutyens (29 March 1869 – 1 January 1944) for the Hylton family. Many churches have a lych gate built over the main entrance to the enclosed area round the church. The name, also spelt lich or lytch, is from the Anglo Saxon 'lich' meaning corpse. The gate marks the division between consecrated and unconsecrated ground, where the bearers sheltered with the coffin, waiting for the clergyman to lead the procession before the burial. The original lych gates had seats, a lych cross and a lych stone - a slab on which the coffin rested.

Maigheach-gheal

Door, Church of St Peter and St Paul

This is the west door to the church which is to be found under the tower. For a wider view of the church ST6952 : Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

Maigheach-gheal

Detail, Church of St Peter and St Paul

The boot scraper is set beside the west door. For a wider view ST6952 : Door, Church of St Peter and St Paul These metal objects are prized by antique dealers, revered by history buffs, but are an object of puzzlement to many a 21st century pedestrian.

Maigheach-gheal

Bench Mark, Church of St Peter and St Paul

The Ordnance Survey bench mark is to be found on the south west face of the church. For a wider view ST6952 : Church of St. Peter and St. Paul and for further information on the cut mark and others in the area Link

Maigheach-gheal

Gargoyle, Church of St Peter and St Paul

The gargoyle is to be found on the church tower.

Maigheach-gheal

St Margaret's parish church and Babington House

St Margaret's Church was constructed in c1750 by an unknown architect (possibly to the design of John Strahan or William Halfpenny). The adjacent Babington House was built c1705 for Henry Mompesson and underwent updating later in the mid-C18, and again more radically in 1790 when the house and its park was in the hands of the Knatchbull family. Successive members of this family remained in possession until 1952 when the house and immediate grounds were sold. The house was bought in 1998 and converted into a hotel, private members club, and wedding venue. Many celebrity weddings have taken place here, with the redundant St Margaret's Church being brought into use (but not exclusively) for their wedding services. As well as serving Babington House, the church still hosts the occasional baptism and funeral service, as well as burials in existing graves within the cemetery.

Mike Searle

St Margaret's parish church, Babington

St Margaret's Church was built in c1750 by Mrs Elizabeth Long when she inherited Babington House on the death of her uncle Henry Mompesson. At the same time the remains of the old declining medieval village of Babington was cleared away in order to create a park. Baroque in style, the church's design is similar to that of Redland Chapel, Bristol, perhaps indicating Mrs Long's family connections with that city. The church stands adjacent to Babington House but separate from it within its own churchyard and cemetery, with the grounds of the house bordering it on three sides. It is owned and operated by the St. Margaret's, Babington, Charitable Trust and has been since 1993, following its legal redundancy by the Church of England. Members of the Trust include representatives of the Knatchbull and Jennings families who previously owned Babington House. The church is used mainly for weddings, and Wedding Blessings for clients of Babington House, although it is by no means for their exclusive use. The Church is also used for numerous other religious purposes, including baptisms and funerals, and although the churchyard is legally a Closed Churchyard, burials still take place in existing graves in the attached cemetery.

Mike Searle

St Margaret's church, Babington - the nave

The furnishings are all original, box pews, altar rails, and pulpit.

Mike Searle

St Margaret's church, Babington - the chancel

The chancel is contained within a domed shallow apse containing a stuccoed 'rays of glory' cartouche in place of a reredos.

Mike Searle

St Margaret's church, Babington - Pacey-Mompesson monument

The memorial commemorates members of the Pacey and Mompesson families who were related by marriage. Thomas Pacey (†1687) was the C17 owner of the manor of Babington, and was married to wife Mary. The estate eventually passed to Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Mompesson of Corston, Wiltshire, Sheriff of Somerset in 1698, who built Babington House in c1705. Both are also commemorated; Henry died in 1715, his wife Elizabeth in 1726.

Mike Searle

St Margaret's church, Babington - Royal Arms

The Royal Arms of George II is plastered in relief at the west end.

Mike Searle

Cornish's Grave Projecting Bracket

An old style of survey marker in the structure of a railway bridge near Kilmersdon. These were fairly short-lived, being used from the Second Geodetic Levelling from 1912 but replaced by Flush Brackets. Most surviving examples are often found along railway lines, like this one. See ST7151 : Cornish's Grave bridge for a wider view and Link

for the listing in the Benchmark Database and nearby ones too.

Neil Owen

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Babington Wood is located at Grid Ref: ST7051 (Lat: 51.26517, Lng: -2.4294855)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Mendip

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset