Maesbury Castle

Heritage Site in Somerset Mendip

England

Maesbury Castle

A bus stop casualty The post has come down. Well, it had been leaning for a while. — A bus stop casualty Credit: Neil Owen

Maesbury Castle, located in Somerset, England, is a fascinating heritage site that holds significant historical importance. This ancient hillfort stands atop a steep ridge on the eastern edge of the Quantock Hills, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Believed to have been constructed during the Iron Age, Maesbury Castle covers an expansive area of approximately 4.5 hectares. The fortification consists of a series of concentric earthworks and ramparts, showcasing the engineering skills of its ancient inhabitants. The innermost enclosure is oval-shaped and encompasses a spacious central area, while three outer ramparts provide additional defense.

Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of occupation within the fort during the Iron Age and Roman periods. The site is thought to have served as a significant stronghold, potentially acting as a regional center of power and trade. Discoveries of pottery, coins, and other artifacts have provided valuable insights into the daily lives of those who once called Maesbury Castle home.

Despite its rich history, the castle's purpose and exact chronology remain a subject of debate among historians. Some speculate that it may have been occupied as a defensive structure or a place of refuge, while others argue that it primarily served as a statement of power and prestige.

Today, Maesbury Castle is open to the public, offering visitors a chance to explore its ancient walls and enjoy the stunning views from its vantage point. The site serves as a reminder of the region's rich cultural heritage, inviting visitors to delve into the mysteries of its past.

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Maesbury Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.225/-2.552 or Grid Reference ST6147. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A bus stop casualty

The post has come down. Well, it had been leaning for a while.

Neil Owen

A mixture of masonry

The old railway bridge in Binegar has been dismantled but the strange mixture of construction shows.

Neil Owen

A fate befallen in Bennett's Lane

The storms of February are still present.

Neil Owen

The boundary takes in Bennett's Lane

The lane is largely used as the boundary for the old Union and Rural District boundary. A metal marker stands in front of an older stone version, both precariously in front of a small drainage ditch.

Neil Owen

You wouldn't know it was here

What is today a pretty typical farm field had a recent and much different appearance. Where the footpaths meet under the tree was up until the 1960s a Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway line. That went under Beeching and the land has returned to a green and peaceful field.

Neil Owen

Relics of a lost railway

The old Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway used to run through this part of the world near Binegar. The long building was the old goods shed (now private residence) and the land to the left of shot contained the sidings approaching Binegar Station. As war broke out, the lines were protected by a series of defensive pillboxes, one of which is here.

Neil Owen

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition

Binegar was protected by pillboxes along the old railway line, one of which is here in the field. Just beyond it was the route of the line as it approached Binegar station. The tower of Holy Trinity lies at a distance.

Neil Owen

Snowdrops on the footbridge

Spring appears in the hedge by the footpath. They must have a good shelter there.

Neil Owen

Gurney Slade play area

Located beside the village hall, the open space is well stocked with equipment and fresh air. The site is just on the fringe of the old quarry, now landscaped; indeed, in the past a tramline would have ended just at the steps to the left.

Neil Owen

George Inn, Gurney Slade

Public house on the Aa37

Eirian Evans

The Mendip Inn

Public house on the A37

Eirian Evans

Old Milepost by A37, Bristol Road, near junction of A37 and A367

The Milepost is located on grass verge on the East of the road. Parish of Ashwick (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 / 2 : : BRISTOL / 18 : : BATH / 15 Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1058479 Link

Milestone Society National ID: SO_SMBR02

JR Dowding

2011 : Crossroads with tractor at Badger's Cross

A tractor with trailer waits to emerge carefully onto the minor road between Gurney Slade and Oakhill. The signpost indicates Moorwood and Benter to the left and Shepton Mallet to the right.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Lane from Binegar Bottom

Looking east, Binegar Bottom disappears among the trees to the left. Seen from the disused railway bridge crossing the road at the edge of the grid square. A field of last year's maize stubble waits for the plough.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Rookery Farm

Seen from the top (western) end of Binegar Bottom. The Mendip TV transmitter on Pen Hill ST5648 is to the left.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : B3135 at Broomclose Corner

Mead Farm is on the other side of the road behind the sign.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : B3135 heading west

After an quiet start from the A36 half a mile back the B3135 heads across the Mendips going through nowhere in particular (but doing it very well) to make a spectacular end passing through the Cheddar Gorge.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : A37 heading north toward Gurney Slade

On to Ston Easton, Farrington Gurney, Pensford and Bristol. A few yards behind the camera position the B3135 begins its journey west over the high Mendips to Cheddar.

Maurice Pullin

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Maesbury Castle is located at Grid Ref: ST6147 (Lat: 51.225, Lng: -2.552)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Mendip

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset