Tor Hill

Hill, Mountain in Somerset Mendip

England

Tor Hill

Olympic long jump in Wells A section of pavement has been inlaid with the distance jumped by Mary Rand in 1964. The World Record was broken by this local girl in Tokyo and has been publicly celebrated near the Market Place, near the Bishop&#039;s Palace.

See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2327840">ST5545 : Olympic record long jump</a> for the descriptive inscription. — Olympic long jump in Wells Credit: Neil Owen

Tor Hill is a prominent geographical feature located in Somerset, England. It is situated near the town of Glastonbury and is part of the Mendip Hills, a range of limestone hills known for their scenic beauty. Tor Hill is renowned for its iconic tor, a distinctive hill with a summit that is flat or gently rounded.

Rising to an elevation of approximately 158 meters (518 feet), Tor Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The tor itself is composed of layers of sandstone and conglomerate rock, giving it a unique and visually striking appearance. Due to its distinctive shape and prominent position, the tor has become a popular landmark and tourist attraction in the region.

The hill is also steeped in rich historical and mythological significance. It has long been associated with the legends of King Arthur and Avalon, and is believed by some to be the location of the mythical Isle of Avalon. Additionally, Glastonbury Tor is home to the ruins of St. Michael's Church, a medieval structure that was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century.

Tor Hill is not only a place of cultural and historical importance but also serves as a haven for wildlife and flora. Its grassy slopes are home to a variety of plant species, including rare orchids, while its surrounding areas provide habitat for a wide range of bird species, butterflies, and small mammals.

Overall, Tor Hill is a captivating natural landmark that combines stunning natural beauty with a rich cultural and historical heritage. It continues to attract visitors from all over the world who are drawn to its charm and mystique.

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Tor Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.208802/-2.6344417 or Grid Reference ST5545. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Olympic long jump in Wells

A section of pavement has been inlaid with the distance jumped by Mary Rand in 1964. The World Record was broken by this local girl in Tokyo and has been publicly celebrated near the Market Place, near the Bishop's Palace. See ST5545 : Olympic record long jump for the descriptive inscription.

Neil Owen

Olympic record long jump

Mary Rand broke the World ladies' long jump in Tokyo and the achievement is set in the pavement in the Market Place. See ST5545 : Olympic long jump in Wells for a longer view.

Neil Owen

Penniless Porch

The inscription reads "Built about 1450 by Bishop Bekynton, a benefactor to this city. Here beggars used to ask for alms." An example of continued use of a building on the approach to Wells Cathedral, even after centuries. Seems times change but sometimes turn full circle.

Neil Owen

Wells Cathedral west front

The much photographed west front of the building has around 300 figurines and has been on view since around 1250.

Stuart Logan

Wells Cathedral

South elevation seen from the Bishop's Palace moat.

Trevor Rickard

Cattle in The Park

Large area of grassland to the south of the cathedral, occupied by a dairy herd. In front of the cathedral is the curtain wall and moat around the Bishop's Palace.

Trevor Rickard

The Fountain Inn, Wells

Dating from the 16th Century when it housed workers building the Cathedral.

Des Blenkinsopp

Wells Cathedral - a different view!

Taken from the tranquillity of the cloisters.

Colin Bews

Moat by the Bishop's Palace

Seen at the eastern end of the Palace.

Colin Bews

Cut benchmark on Wells Cathedral

A survey benchmark (one of four listed on the Cathedral) on the west face, beside the larger entrance. See Link for a wider view, and Link

for the Benchmark Database.

Neil Owen

West side of Wells Cathedral

The impressive frontage of this historic place of worship also displays a benchmark - on the buttress to our right. See Link for a closer look.

Neil Owen

Cut benchmark - the Bishop's Barn

Located beside the door onto Silver Street. See ST5545 : Bishop's Barn for a wider view, and Link

for the Benchmark Database.

Neil Owen

Bishop's Barn

This barn, part of the Wells Cathedral area, is a listed fifteenth century tithe; it's a Grade 1. During the Bloody Assizes it apparently quartered Royalist troops. A benchmark can be found on the nearer part of the arch, see ST5545 : Cut benchmark - the Bishop's Barn for a look.

Neil Owen