Ash Priors

Settlement in Somerset Somerset West and Taunton

England

Ash Priors

Bishops Lydeard Station, West Somerset Railway From the road bridge. — Bishops Lydeard Station, West Somerset Railway Credit: David Stowell

Ash Priors is a charming village located in the county of Somerset, England. Situated approximately 4 miles southwest of the town of Taunton, it is nestled amidst picturesque countryside and boasts a tranquil atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors alike.

The village is characterized by its traditional English charm, with a collection of beautiful historic buildings, including the Grade II listed Ash Priors House, which dates back to the 17th century. The architecture in Ash Priors is predominantly made up of stone cottages and thatched roofs, contributing to its quintessential rural appeal.

Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in awe of the surrounding landscape, as the village is surrounded by rolling hills, verdant meadows, and lush woodland. The area offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. The nearby Blackdown Hills, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provide breathtaking panoramic views that are not to be missed.

Despite its small size, Ash Priors has a strong sense of community, with a local pub serving as a hub for socializing and events. The village also benefits from its proximity to Taunton, where residents can access a wider range of amenities, including shops, supermarkets, and schools.

Overall, Ash Priors presents an idyllic rural setting, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its charming architecture, stunning natural surroundings, and strong community spirit, it is no wonder that Ash Priors is cherished by both its residents and visitors.

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Ash Priors Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.058524/-3.211556 or Grid Reference ST1529. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bishops Lydeard Station, West Somerset Railway

From the road bridge.

David Stowell

Bishops Lydeard, West Somerset Railway

The engine prepares to take on water whilst the S&T staff work on re-instating the signalling that will hopefully one day permit a resumption of through services to Taunton.

David Stowell

Ash Priors: Ash Common

Aid from English Nature’s Wildspace Grant assists the local council manage the common, which was made a Local Nature Reserve in 1995. Plants such as Devil’s Bit Scabious, Heath and Common Spotted Orchid, Lousewort, Milkwort and Purple Moor Grass grow here

Martin Bodman

Bishopâs Lydeard: St Maryâs Church

The impressive four-stage Somerset tower with set-back buttresses dates from the 15th century. The churchyard contains the stumps of two medieval crosses; the church is noted for its rood screen and carved 16th century bench ends

Martin Bodman

Mount Street, Bishops Lydeard

Mount Street, looking North North East towards Quantock Hills. Bishop's Lydeard infamous Red Garage in foreground. Bishops Lydeard isn't just about the West Somerset Railway you know!

Tim

Bishops Lydeard: West Somerset Railway

80136 and 53809 backing down onto their train which will later depart for Minehead. Seen from the south side of the road bridge by the station

Martin Bodman

Bishops Lydeard: West Somerset Railway

Steam shrouds 53809 as the locomotive, double headed with 80136, hidden, hauls its train into Lydeard station, destination Minehead

Martin Bodman

Former Inn?

This large house on the edge of Ash Priors could well have been the Inn marked on old maps.

Barbara Cook

Ash Priors

An idyllic village street scene. Perhaps one day the numerous electricity wires can be buried underground.

Barbara Cook

Bishop's Lydeard: lane near Stallenge Farm

Looking north on a no-through road with the Quantocks in the background

Martin Bodman

Bishopâs Lydeard: towards Lower Stoford

Looking north west from near the entrance to Hopkins Farm. (Lower Stoford is at ST14452877)

Martin Bodman

Halse: barns at Northway Farm

Looking north-north-west

Martin Bodman

Whiskey Trail Crossing

Sandy Lane is a public footpath that links Sandhill Park and Bishops Lydeard. The alternative name of Whiskey Trail came from the American servicemen billeted in the grounds of the Park during WW2. It crosses the West Somerset Railway as shown in the picture.

Steve Edge

Bishops Lydeard

The crossroads on what could be called the village centre.

Tony Atkin

Arrival at Bishop's Lydeard

Roger Cornfoot

Bishops Lydeard watermill

This watermill turns and is open to visitors

Jim Woodward-Nutt

Bishops Lydeard, West Somerset Railway

The Water tower and signals at the southern end of the station platform.

Robin Lucas

Loco number 88 taking on water, WSR Bishops Lydeard

The tender is being topped up with water ready for its next journey. The locomotive was built in 1925 by Robert Stephenson and Co Ltd in Darlington. It is a 2-8-0 wheel configuration and has two cylinders and Walschaert's valve gear. It has an adhesion weight of 59½ tons (60.45 tonnes) over four axles. It is a development of the Fowler heavy freight engine of 1914 differing mainly in having a boiler combined heating surface of 1845 square feet (171.41 square metres) as compared with 1681 square feet (156.17 square metres). (Source: 'The Somerset and Dorset Railway', Robin Atthill 1967, Pan Books).

Brian Robert Marshall

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Ash Priors is located at Grid Ref: ST1529 (Lat: 51.058524, Lng: -3.211556)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Somerset West and Taunton

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset