Sharp Hill

Hill, Mountain in Somerset Mendip

England

Sharp Hill

St Margaret's parish church and Babington House St Margaret&#039;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&#039;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. — St Margaret's parish church and Babington House Credit: Mike Searle

Sharp Hill is located in Somerset, England, and is a prominent hill that forms part of the Mendip Hills range. Rising to an elevation of approximately 221 meters (725 feet), it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

This hill is composed mainly of limestone, which gives it a unique character and contributes to the formation of several underground caves and caves systems in the area. In fact, it is believed that the hill itself is the result of erosion of the limestone by water over millions of years.

The area surrounding Sharp Hill is rich in biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna inhabiting its slopes. The hill is covered in grassland, interspersed with patches of woodland, creating a diverse habitat for many species of plants and animals. Rare plants such as the Somerset hair-grass and the Cheddar pink can be found here, adding to the ecological importance of the area.

Sharp Hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It offers several footpaths and trails that allow visitors to explore its beauty and take in the breathtaking views from the top. The hill is also a favorite spot for birdwatching, with various species of birds, including peregrine falcons and buzzards, frequently spotted soaring above.

In addition to its natural beauty, Sharp Hill holds historical significance. It is believed to have been an Iron Age hillfort, with remnants of ancient earthworks still visible today. These earthworks provide insight into the hill's past and add to its cultural value.

Overall, Sharp Hill in Somerset is a picturesque and significant natural landmark, offering a blend of natural beauty, ecological diversity, and historical interest to those who visit.

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Sharp Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.245868/-2.4405663 or Grid Reference ST6949. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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

Humped zebra

Not a cross of some African animals but a speed-reducing measure along Anchor Road in Highbury.

Neil Owen

The Crossways garage is crushed

No more petrol at this station. Having been declared redundant it has been demolished to make room for a new store and a house.

Neil Owen

A village that remembers

Coleford's village signpost also provides room for a silhouette of a soldier. See ST6849 : Welcome to Coleford for a better look at the hanpainted sign. The bench seat beyond marks the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, 2012.

Neil Owen

Welcome to Coleford

A hand-painted village sign; pity the elements have taken the shine off it as it looks rather fetching. See ST6849 : A village that remembers for a wider view of the roadside position.

Neil Owen

A post box remains

The village post office was here up until quite recently, but the premises are now a piano shop. However, the postbox and a notice board remain on site.

Neil Owen

Coleford Royal British Legion hall

The hall was built in 1956, with later extensions. See ST6849 : The Legion scroll for a look at the front sign and legend.

Neil Owen

The Legion scroll

Coleford Royal British Legion hall has this stone plaque on the front that records the fallen of both world wars. It seems such an obvious place to have a war memorial, yet not many do. See ST6849 : Coleford Royal British Legion hall for a location view.

Neil Owen

Coleford Gospel Hall

The village had held some meetings in various places before a worshipper, Harry Beer, drove a horse and cart to Devizes to purchase an old army hut. The corrugated hut became the first hall for the community by 1920. Later meetings were also held under canvas as the needs outgrew. Today this spacious modern hall welcomes all.

Neil Owen

Coleford and Highbury signpost

At the junction of Anchor Road and Church Street. Coleford is nowhere near the sea but presumably Anchor Road is named after the Anchor Inn further up the way.

Neil Owen

Coleford pharmacy

At the top of Church Street. Prior to this it was the village fish and chip shop.

Neil Owen

Coleford's K6

This telephone box is now a library and second-hand outlet.

Neil Owen

The old Miners Arms

Naturally, a mining village would have a pub of this name; sadly, it stood almost opposite another, the Eagle, and lost that battle for customers. Today it has been redeveloped as a small group of apartments with original features and even includes a bar area.

Neil Owen

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Sharp Hill is located at Grid Ref: ST6949 (Lat: 51.245868, Lng: -2.4405663)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Mendip

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset