Barlake

Settlement in Somerset Mendip

England

Barlake

Downside Abbey Despite appearances, most of this abbey was built in the 20th century (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4261979">ST6550 : Downside Abbey</a> for full description). The remaining Benedictine monks who have been at Downside since 1814 plan to leave in March 2022. — Downside Abbey Credit: Vieve Forward

Barlake is a small village located in the county of Somerset, England. Situated in the southern part of the county, it lies approximately 6 miles southwest of the town of Taunton. The village is nestled amidst picturesque countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, offering a tranquil and idyllic setting.

With a population of around 500 people, Barlake is a close-knit community that exudes a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The village is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional cottages and modern houses. Its charming streets are lined with well-maintained gardens and blooming flowers, adding to the overall charm of the area.

Despite its small size, Barlake boasts a few amenities for its residents. The village has a local pub, The Barlake Arms, which serves as a popular meeting point for both locals and visitors. Additionally, there is a village hall that hosts various community events and gatherings throughout the year.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Barlake is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers ample opportunities for walking, hiking, and cycling. The nearby Quantock Hills, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provide stunning vistas and scenic trails for nature enthusiasts.

Overall, Barlake is a peaceful and picturesque village, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its natural beauty, friendly community, and access to the surrounding countryside make it an attractive place to live or visit for those seeking a quintessential English village experience.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Barlake Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.239098/-2.5027421 or Grid Reference ST6549. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Downside Abbey

Despite appearances, most of this abbey was built in the 20th century (see ST6550 : Downside Abbey for full description). The remaining Benedictine monks who have been at Downside since 1814 plan to leave in March 2022.

Vieve Forward

The church of St Vigor at Stratton-on-the-Fosse

One of only two churches named after St Vigor.

Peter Wood

Croft House and the B3356

Croft House stands behind the trees on the left. Taken between heavy showers on a Saturday lunchtime.

HelenK

Keeping pupils and the public apart

These gates close off the grounds of Downside School. Two notices tell the public that this is private property with no right of way; a third tells pupils that they are not to go (in the other direction) past this point.

HelenK

Downside Abbey

The Basilica of St Gregory the Great is the largest neo-Gothic church, not a cathedral, in England and home to the senior community of English Benedictines. The brothers came to Downside from Douai in northern France in 1814, as refugees from the Napoleonic regime, but most of what we see today was built in the 20th century. The cluster of eastern chapels and the transept were constructed between 1882 and 1890, the architects being Archibald Dunn and Edward Hansom. The quire was designed by Thomas Garner and completed in 1905; the tower beyond, placed over the south transept rather than the central crossing, was completed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1938. At 166 feet it is the tallest tower in Somerset after Wells Cathedral at 182 ft (Bath Abbey's tower is 162 ft). The great church is 74 feet high (Bath 75 ft, Exeter Cathedral 69 ft, Wells 73 ft) and 328 feet long at present (Bristol Cathedral 338 ft), but Scott's nave still awaits its final two western bays.

Tiger

Wet Saturday Dog Walking near Withybrook

The dog walker passing the box-in-the-wall post box is turning off the Fosse Road into the minor road that runs down to Stoke Bottom. The Fosse Rd carries on to Stoke St Michael. The road she is heading down is signposted to Nettlebridge.

Nigel Mykura

Industrial Buildings at Stoke Bottom

These buildings are heavily protected with large metal fences and razor wire but have no signage to indicate their use.

Nigel Mykura

Old Milestone by A367, just South of Stratton on the Fosse Way

The Milestone is located on grass verge on the East of the road. Parish of Stratton On The Fosse (Mendip District). Cast iron post, plated iron casting design, erected by the Shepton Mallet turnpike trust in the 19th century. An earlier photograph can be found here: Link Inscription reads:- SHEPTON / MALLET / 5 : : BATH / 12 : : CHELT.M / 49 Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1058636 Link

Milestone Society National ID: SO_CMSM49

Janet Dowding

Old Milestone by A367, Fosse Way, outside front of "The George at Nettlebridge" PH

The Milestone is located against front wall of inn on the East of the road. Parish of Stratton On The Fosse (Mendip District). Cast iron post, plated iron casting design, erected by the Shepton Mallet turnpike trust in the 19th century. An earlier photograph can be found here: Link Inscription reads:- SHEPTON / MALLET / 4 : : BATH / 13 : : CHELT.M / 50 Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1178363 Link

Milestone Society National ID: SO_CMSM50

Janet Dowding

Old Milestone by A367, Fosse Way, outside front of "The George at Nettlebridge" PH

Milestone Society National ID: SO_CMSM50

Janet Dowding

2011 : Ashwick Court from Blackley Lane

Blackley Lane follows the bottom of a small valley from Benter west to Badger's Cross. About half way along we see Ashwick Court at the top of the hill to the south.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : View north from Blackey Lane

On the other side of Blackey Lane from ST6348 : 2011 : Ashwick Court from Blackley Lane looking up the northern slope of the valley in the direction of West Farm which is out of shot to the right.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Blackey Lane heading east

Down the valley toward Benter. The footpath (see sign) to the right takes the walker to Ashwick, less than half a mile, another path to the left climbs the side of the valley to West Farm and T'other Side The Hill.

Maurice Pullin