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The Beacon

Hill, Mountain in Somerset South Somerset

England

The Beacon

The Old Post House House in Corton Denham, shown unnamed on the 1887 and 1903 25 inch maps but marked as a post office on the 1962 1:10,000 map. According to the British History Online website, the post office remained open until 1994.
The Old Post House Credit: Ian Capper

The Beacon, situated in Somerset, England, is a prominent hill located near the town of Minehead. Rising to an elevation of 325 meters (1,066 feet), it is often referred to as The Beacon Hill or simply The Beacon. Offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, it is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The Beacon is known for its rich history, dating back to the Iron Age. The hill was once home to an Iron Age hill fort, which served as a defensive stronghold. Remnants of this fort can still be seen today in the form of earthworks and ditches. It is believed that the hill fort was occupied until the Roman invasion of Britain.

Today, The Beacon is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, thanks to its diverse flora and fauna. The hill is covered in heather, gorse, and bracken, providing a vibrant display of colors throughout the year. It is also home to various wildlife species, including rabbits, foxes, and a variety of birds.

Visitors to The Beacon can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking and walking. There are numerous footpaths and trails that lead to the summit, allowing visitors to explore the hill at their own pace. The breathtaking views from the top make it an ideal spot for picnics and photography enthusiasts. Additionally, The Beacon is a popular spot for paragliding and hang gliding, attracting thrill-seekers from far and wide.

In conclusion, The Beacon in Somerset is a picturesque hill with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. Whether it is for a leisurely walk, an adrenaline-fueled adventure, or simply to enjoy the breathtaking views, The Beacon offers something for everyone.

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The Beacon Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.00892/-2.5246933 or Grid Reference ST6323. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Old Post House House in Corton Denham, shown unnamed on the 1887 and 1903 25 inch maps but marked as a post office on the 1962 1:10,000 map. According to the British History Online website, the post office remained open until 1994.
The Old Post House
House in Corton Denham, shown unnamed on the 1887 and 1903 25 inch maps but marked as a post office on the 1962 1:10,000 map. According to the British History Online website, the post office remained open until 1994.
The Clock House Converted outbuilding of Corton Denham House, previously the Rectory.
The Clock House
Converted outbuilding of Corton Denham House, previously the Rectory.
Corton Denham village hall Former village school built in 1845. The school closed in 1962 and the building leased to the village until purchased outright in 1979. The extension on the left was added in 2005. Grade II listed - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1056335?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1056335?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>. In the background is the tower of St Andrew's Church.
Corton Denham village hall
Former village school built in 1845. The school closed in 1962 and the building leased to the village until purchased outright in 1979. The extension on the left was added in 2005. Grade II listed - see LinkExternal link. In the background is the tower of St Andrew's Church.
Corton Denham village hall Former village school built in 1845. The school closed in 1962 and the building leased to the village until purchased outright in 1979. An extension was added in 2005. Grade II listed - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1056335?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1056335?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>. In the background is Church Farm.
Corton Denham village hall
Former village school built in 1845. The school closed in 1962 and the building leased to the village until purchased outright in 1979. An extension was added in 2005. Grade II listed - see LinkExternal link. In the background is Church Farm.
St Andrew's Church, Corton Denham Church built 1869-70, replacing an earlier 12th Century building. The architect was Charles Barker-Green, and the rebuild was funded by Edward Berkeley Portman, 1st Viscount Portman, whose family owned most of the village at the time. Grade II listed - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1366360?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1366360?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
St Andrew's Church, Corton Denham
Church built 1869-70, replacing an earlier 12th Century building. The architect was Charles Barker-Green, and the rebuild was funded by Edward Berkeley Portman, 1st Viscount Portman, whose family owned most of the village at the time. Grade II listed - see LinkExternal link.
St Andrew's Church, Corton Denham Church built 1869-70, replacing an earlier 12th Century building. The architect was Charles Barker-Green, and the rebuild was funded by Edward Berkeley Portman, 1st Viscount Portman, whose family owned most of the village at the time. Grade II listed - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1366360?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1366360?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
St Andrew's Church, Corton Denham
Church built 1869-70, replacing an earlier 12th Century building. The architect was Charles Barker-Green, and the rebuild was funded by Edward Berkeley Portman, 1st Viscount Portman, whose family owned most of the village at the time. Grade II listed - see LinkExternal link.
St Andrew's Church, Corton Denham Church built 1869-70, replacing an earlier 12th Century building. The architect was Charles Barker-Green, and the rebuild was funded by Edward Berkeley Portman, 1st Viscount Portman, whose family owned most of the village at the time. Grade II listed - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1366360?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1366360?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
St Andrew's Church, Corton Denham
Church built 1869-70, replacing an earlier 12th Century building. The architect was Charles Barker-Green, and the rebuild was funded by Edward Berkeley Portman, 1st Viscount Portman, whose family owned most of the village at the time. Grade II listed - see LinkExternal link.
St Andrew's Church, Corton Denham Church built 1869-70, replacing an earlier 12th Century building. The architect was Charles Barker-Green, and the rebuild was funded by Edward Berkeley Portman, 1st Viscount Portman, whose family owned most of the village at the time. Grade II listed - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1366360?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1366360?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
St Andrew's Church, Corton Denham
Church built 1869-70, replacing an earlier 12th Century building. The architect was Charles Barker-Green, and the rebuild was funded by Edward Berkeley Portman, 1st Viscount Portman, whose family owned most of the village at the time. Grade II listed - see LinkExternal link.
The pitchen path Cobbled path leading up to St Andrew's Church known as the pitchen path, the name "pitchen" meaning "a pavement in which cobbles are set up" according to the Corton Denham village website.
The pitchen path
Cobbled path leading up to St Andrew's Church known as the pitchen path, the name "pitchen" meaning "a pavement in which cobbles are set up" according to the Corton Denham village website.
Corton Denham War Memorial War memorial near St Andrew's Church. Grade II listed - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1433291?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1433291?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
Corton Denham War Memorial
War memorial near St Andrew's Church. Grade II listed - see LinkExternal link.
Church Farm Farm near St Andrew's Church.
Church Farm
Farm near St Andrew's Church.
Spring and drinking trough Spring and drinking trough situated near the foot of the pitchen path leading up to St Andrew's Church. Thought to date from the 19th Century, it was restored in 1988 by the local Women's Institute - for a close up of the plaque above it, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7439504">ST6322 : Plaque</a>. Grade II listed - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1174444?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1174444?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
Spring and drinking trough
Spring and drinking trough situated near the foot of the pitchen path leading up to St Andrew's Church. Thought to date from the 19th Century, it was restored in 1988 by the local Women's Institute - for a close up of the plaque above it, see ST6322 : Plaque. Grade II listed - see LinkExternal link.
Plaque Plaque above the spring and drinking trough situated near the foot of the pitchen path leading up to St Andrew's Church (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7439503">ST6322 : Spring and drinking trough</a>), commemorating its restoration in 1988 by the local Women's Institute.
Plaque
Plaque above the spring and drinking trough situated near the foot of the pitchen path leading up to St Andrew's Church (see ST6322 : Spring and drinking trough), commemorating its restoration in 1988 by the local Women's Institute.
Corton Denham Road The main village street in Corton Denham.
Corton Denham Road
The main village street in Corton Denham.
Old School House and School Cottage Pair of semi-detached cottages in Corton Denham, collectively marked on the latest large scale OS map as School Cottages. Although marked as far back as the 1887 25 inch map, they are unnamed on older maps and there is no indication of their use as a school, unless this predated the building of the village school in 1845 in what is now the village hall - see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7438603">ST6322 : Corton Denham village hall</a>.
Old School House and School Cottage
Pair of semi-detached cottages in Corton Denham, collectively marked on the latest large scale OS map as School Cottages. Although marked as far back as the 1887 25 inch map, they are unnamed on older maps and there is no indication of their use as a school, unless this predated the building of the village school in 1845 in what is now the village hall - see ST6322 : Corton Denham village hall.
The Queen's Arms Pub in Corton Denham, named after Queen Sophia Dorothea, wife of King George I.
The Queen's Arms
Pub in Corton Denham, named after Queen Sophia Dorothea, wife of King George I.
The Beacon Trigpoint and stone seat on Corton Hill. In the distance is a view across the Somerset Levels.
The Beacon
Trigpoint and stone seat on Corton Hill. In the distance is a view across the Somerset Levels.
South Cadbury: towards Cadbury Castle The lane linking South Cadbury and Corton Denham
South Cadbury: towards Cadbury Castle
The lane linking South Cadbury and Corton Denham
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The Beacon is located at Grid Ref: ST6323 (Lat: 51.00892, Lng: -2.5246933)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: South Somerset

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///reckoned.tamed.mirror. Near Milborne Port, Somerset

Nearby Locations

Corton Hill The Beacon North Town Whitcombe

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.00892,-2.5246933
The Beacon
Ele: 197
Natural: peak
Source: NPE
Lat/Long: 51.0088482/-2.524446
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 51.0092724/-2.5203997
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Longside Hill Kincardineshire
Broomy Hill Northumberland

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