Abbot's Fish House

Heritage Site in Somerset Mendip

England

Abbot's Fish House

Trail across Shapwick Heath Heath NNR Photograph of the trail running across Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve.
Photograph taken close to the car park at Ashcott Corner, looking west.
Trail here is a gravel track which is uneven and potholed in places, and will be muddy and puddled in wet weather. — Trail across Shapwick Heath Heath NNR Credit: Kevin Pearson

Abbot's Fish House is a historic site located in the picturesque county of Somerset, England. This heritage site holds great historical and architectural significance, offering a fascinating glimpse into the medieval fishing industry.

Dating back to the 14th century, Abbot's Fish House is believed to have been built by the monks of nearby Muchelney Abbey. The purpose of this structure was to serve as a fish store, providing a vital source of sustenance for the abbey and its inhabitants.

The building itself showcases remarkable craftsmanship and construction techniques of the time. It consists of a stone and timber structure with a thatched roof, reflecting the traditional architectural style prevalent in the region during the medieval period.

Inside the fish house, visitors can explore the various chambers that were once used for different stages of fish preservation. These chambers include a salting room, a smoking room, and a drying room. The layout and design of the building were carefully planned to facilitate the preservation process, ensuring that the fish remained fresh and edible for longer periods.

Today, Abbot's Fish House stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of medieval communities. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the historical importance of the fishing industry and its impact on the local economy. The site is well-preserved, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the rich history and architectural legacy of Somerset.

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Abbot's Fish House Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.17/-2.78 or Grid Reference ST4541. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trail across Shapwick Heath Heath NNR

Photograph of the trail running across Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve. Photograph taken close to the car park at Ashcott Corner, looking west. Trail here is a gravel track which is uneven and potholed in places, and will be muddy and puddled in wet weather.

Kevin Pearson

A Frame Barrier at Shapwick Heath NNR

An A frame barrier from the car park onto the main trail at Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve. This barrier is at the car park on the eastern end of the reserve at Ashcott Corner. Gap through the barrier is 70cm. The trail through the reserve is a gravel track which is potholed and uneven in places, and will be muddy and puddled in wet weather.

Kevin Pearson

A Frame Barrier at Ham Wall RSPB Reserve

An A frame barrier at Ham Wall RSPB Reserve. This barrier is located at the western end of the reserve by Ashcott Corner. The barrier is very restrictive with a width of just over 60cm. There is a RADAR lock on the gate but please note that the lock on the gate at the other end of the reserve is not a RADAR lock. The trail through the reserve is a gravel track which is rutted, potholed, and uneven in places, and will be muddy and puddled in wet weather.

Kevin Pearson

Swan family on the Glastonbury Canal at Ham Wall

A pair of Mute Swans with two cygnets beside the Glastonbury Canal at Ham Wall RSPB reserve.

Kevin Pearson

Accessibility Barrier at Ham Wall RSPB Reserve

An A frame barrier blocking access for some users to the RSPB reserve at Ham Wall. This barrier is at the western entrance to the reserve. The handlebars of the bicycle in the photograph are 42cm in width as a comparison. The local authority has been advised of this restriction to access.

Kevin Pearson

Glastonbury Canal, Ham Wall

PAUL FARMER

The Old Station, Ashcott

With the tracks long gone. All that remains is the old station building which has been converted into a private dwelling.

Anthony Vosper

The Railway Inn, Meare

PAUL FARMER

Footpath in RSPB Ham Wall

PAUL FARMER

Telephone Exchange, Meare

Situated in St Mary's Road, this TE dates from the GPO era with a red telephone box in front of it. It used to take the name "Meare Heath" after the area South of the B3151 road between Meare and Westhay. Two microwave dishes can be seen on the pole adjacent to the TE, which serves the two aforementioned villages. The TE has (01458) 860xxx numbers and its postcode is BA6 9SP.

David Hillas