Hamdon Hill

Hill, Mountain in Somerset South Somerset

England

Hamdon Hill

Part of the garden at Montacute, 2 Colourful border in the east garden. — Part of the garden at Montacute, 2 Credit: Jonathan Billinger

Hamdon Hill, located in Somerset, England, is a prominent hill standing at 154 meters (505 feet) above sea level. It is part of the Hamdon Hill Country Park, covering an area of approximately 200 hectares (494 acres). The hill is a notable landmark in the area, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The hill is formed by layers of limestone and shale, which provide a diverse range of habitats for various plant and animal species. The lower slopes are mainly covered with grassland, while the upper slopes are home to woodland areas composed of ash and hazel trees. This unique combination of habitats supports a rich biodiversity, attracting a wide array of wildlife.

Hamdon Hill has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age, with evidence of human occupation found on the hilltop. The site is known for its Iron Age hillfort, which once served as a defensive settlement. The remains of ramparts and ditches can still be seen today, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

The hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, with numerous footpaths and trails for walking and hiking. It is also a favorite spot for birdwatchers, as the hill provides an opportunity to observe various bird species, including kestrels, buzzards, and peregrine falcons.

In addition to its natural and historical significance, Hamdon Hill offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal place for relaxation and enjoying the stunning countryside views.

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Hamdon Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.947689/-2.7393354 or Grid Reference ST4816. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Part of the garden at Montacute, 2

Colourful border in the east garden.

Jonathan Billinger

Montacute House & gardens [28]

This is one of three flights of stairs into the sunken garden, the stairs set on the axes of the pool and fountain ST4917 : Montacute House & gardens [29]. Possibly 16th century in part, remodelled in the 19th century. Constructed of Ham stone ashlar. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Montacute House was built circa 1590-1601 and substantially altered in 1785-87. Constructed, to an ‘H’ plan, of Ham stone ashlar under Welsh slate roofs behind open balustraded parapets. Originally the principal entrance was the east front, but this was changed when the west front was added in the late 18th century. The interior retains much 17th century decoration and features. Edward Phelips, the original builder, was a rich lawyer and the family occupied the house until the end of the 19th century. In 1931 the property was purchased by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and presented to the National Trust. Listed, grade I, with details at: Link

The house sits within an estate of circa 270 acres (110ha) with about 10 acres (4ha) of formal gardens and pleasure grounds, the rest being parkland and ornamental plantations. The estate is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, and there is much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Turnpike Cottage, Montacute

A former Toll House on the corner of Woodhouse Lane and Yeovil Road, East of the village. It served the Ilminster Turnpike Trust in the 19ᵗʰ C. Cut Benchmark RHS 55.7m ASL. Milestone Society National ID: SO.MNC

Mr Red

Disused quarry on Ham Hill

David Martin

View from Ham Hill

David Martin

View towards Norton Sub Hamdon

David Martin

Garden Pavilion, Montacute House, Somerset

David Lewis

Montacute House

The East facade glowing in the September sunshine.

Jonathan Billinger

Montacute House

This was the original front facade, east facing.

Jonathan Billinger

Part of the garden at Montacute, 1

Colourful border in the east garden.

Jonathan Billinger

Sunflower at Montacute

Living up to its name in the sunny East Garden.

Jonathan Billinger

Montacute House

The eastern side of the magnificent Elizabethan mansion.

Mark Percy

St. Mary the Virgin, Stoke sub Hamdon, Somerset

Built c1100, the original Norman church did not include the North and South transepts or the porch. It is thought that the North transept was built c1190 with the South transept, tower and porch being added in the early part of the 14th-century.

Ray Jennings

St. Mary the Virgin, Stoke sub Hamdon, Somerset

Built c1100, the Chancel and Nave formed the original Norman church.

Ray Jennings

St. Mary the Virgin, Stoke sub Hamdon, Somerset

Built c1100, the Chancel and Nave formed the original Norman church.

Ray Jennings

St. Mary the Virgin, Stoke sub Hamdon, Somerset

The Font - late 12th or early 13th Century. The inserted stone at the top replaced the original lock, which allowed the cover to be secure enough to protect the Holy water.

Ray Jennings

Hutchings & Cornelius bus passing the Phelips Arms, Montacute â 1971

H&C was a small family run bus company based at South Petherton, their main service being between that village and Yeovil. 633BYA is seen on that service passing through Montacute with the 18th century Phelips Arms in the background – compare with Link (without bus!). Relatively unusually for a small company, this bus was bought new, in 1958. It is a Dennis Loline with East Lancs body, and was one of only three Lolines to be bought by small independent operators. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Link

Alan Murray-Rust

Montacute House & gardens [22]

The west front of the house. Montacute House was built circa 1590-1601 and substantially altered in 1785-87. Constructed, to an ‘H’ plan, of Ham stone ashlar under Welsh slate roofs behind open balustraded parapets. Originally the principal entrance was the east front, but this was changed when the west front was added in the late 18th century. The interior retains much 17th century decoration and features. Edward Phelips, the original builder, was a rich lawyer and the family occupied the house until the end of the 19th century. In 1931 the property was purchased by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and presented to the National Trust. Listed, grade I, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

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Hamdon Hill is located at Grid Ref: ST4816 (Lat: 50.947689, Lng: -2.7393354)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: South Somerset

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset