Murder Combe

Valley in Somerset Mendip

England

Murder Combe

Egford Hill Downhill towards Frome. — Egford Hill Credit: Wayland Smith

Murder Combe, Somerset, is a picturesque valley located in the southwestern part of England. Nestled within the rolling hills of Somerset, this tranquil and enchanting area is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich historical background.

The name "Murder Combe" may raise eyebrows, but it is rooted in its fascinating history rather than any sinister connotation. Combe means "valley" in Old English, and the prefix "Murder" is derived from the word "mordre," which historically referred to a plot of land or an estate. Therefore, Murder Combe essentially means "Valley Estate" in the local dialect.

The valley is surrounded by lush greenery, with meandering streams and cascading waterfalls adding to its charm. The landscape is dotted with ancient woodlands, where a variety of flora and fauna thrive. Visitors can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, badgers, and numerous bird species.

Murder Combe is also steeped in history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Archaeological discoveries have uncovered remnants of Iron Age settlements and Roman artifacts in the area. Additionally, the valley is home to several historic structures, such as medieval churches and farmhouses, which provide a glimpse into the region's past.

Today, Murder Combe offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its stunning natural landscapes and historical significance make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking tranquility amidst the beauty of the English countryside.

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Murder Combe Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.234851/-2.3682001 or Grid Reference ST7448. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Egford Hill

Downhill towards Frome.

Wayland Smith

Lower Whatley

Isolated dwelling at Lower Whatley.

Wayland Smith

Whatley Church

Church at Whatley.

Wayland Smith

Old Milestone West of Whatley Crossroads

The Milestone is located on grass verge and hedge on the South of the road. Parish of Whatley (Mendip District). Metal plate attached to stone post, Frome square iron plate design, erected by the Frome turnpike trust in the 18th Century. An earlier photograph can be found here: Link Inscription reads:- FROME / 3 / WELLS / 12 Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1295398 Link

Milestone Society National ID: SO_FRWL03

JR Dowding

Cottages in Selwood Street

Vieve Forward

Bed of the abandoned Dorset and Somerset Canal

The Dorset and Somerset canal was intended to ascend Barrow Hill using a flight of five boat lifts. Counting from the bottom, there is no evidence that work ever commenced on the first lift. The other four were never completed, and their chambers, set into the hillside, are overgrown and in various states of dereliction. This image was taken in the short section of canal above the third lift and looks northwest towards the chamber of the fourth.

David Tyers

Flowers Farm Bridge

Another small pedestrian bridge over the old railway bridge. Today it's Route 24 on the National Cycle Network, but it was originally a GWR branch line from Radstock to Frome, built in 1854 to Brunel's Broad Gauge initially, and carried coal from the local mines. A year later it began carrying passengers too. But as the viability declined passengers were stopped in 1958; freight soldiered on until the line closed completely in 1988. It made a natural cyclepath which has a tarmac surface only recently completed, but the old rails remain for much of its length. An old fashioned benchmark still exists at the foot of the arch - see ST7450 : Projecting Bracket at Barrow Hill.

Neil Owen

Projecting Bracket at Barrow Hill

The old Radstock-Frome railway line was opened in the mid-1850s, but this Ordnance Survey benchmark was installed in the early part of the 1900s. It is fairly common on the railways of the area but the type itself was replaced by the Flush Bracket shortly after the start of the Second Geodetic Levelling. Indeed, it appears to be a collector's item as the Conduit Bridge item (some 1.5Km to the west) has been removed. See ST7450 : Flowers Farm Bridge a wider location view, ST7350 : Lost! for the missing mark and Link

for the entry in the Benchmark Database.

Neil Owen

Any which way

More old-time enamel pointing fingers, adorning the undersides of bridges along the Colliers' Way. This one is Flowers Farm Bridge, with more to be enjoyed at ST7151 : Is it me?.

Neil Owen

Gate to the field

A simple gate opposite Flowers Farm Bridge - see [[[3329125]] - that allows non-motorised passage to the other field on the other side of the railway. See also ST7450 : For all travellers for the cattle grid here.

Neil Owen

For all travellers

Despite a simple cyclepath running alongside the old railway line, these gates are clearly designed to control a variety of wheeled, two-legged and four-legged users through. The adjoining bridge crossing the line is not one for motorised traffic as it leads to a field. See ST7450 : Gate to the field for the gate and [[[3329125]] for the little bridge.

Neil Owen

Onwards to Bucklands Bridge

National Route 24, leading eventually to Frome. Permission is granted to travel along it!

Neil Owen

Church of St Mary Magdalene, Great Elm

Looking northeast towards the Church of St Mary Magdalene at Great Elm. Nave and chancel date from the 12th century, and the saddleback roofed tower from the 13th century. The east window and the south nave windows are 19th century additions in the Decorated style, while the south chancel window is in the perpendicular style (presumably dating from the 15th century). A war memorial stands just outside the south door.

David Tyers

Lime Kiln Two in Vallis Vale

Certainly there were two limekilns reported as operating just downstream from Bedlam alongside the Mells Stream in the 1840s. One is shown above and this is a different one. Link For detailed information see Link

Rick Crowley