Holcombe

Civil Parish in Somerset Mendip

England

Holcombe

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

Holcombe is a civil parish located in the county of Somerset in England. It is situated on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, approximately 10 miles south of Bristol and 10 miles north of Wells. The parish covers an area of about 1.7 square miles and has a population of around 400 people.

The village of Holcombe is nestled in a beautiful rural setting, surrounded by picturesque countryside and farmland. It is characterized by its charming stone-built cottages, many of which date back several centuries. The local church, St. Andrew's, is a notable landmark, with parts of the building dating back to the 12th century.

Agriculture has historically been an important industry in Holcombe, with farming playing a significant role in the local economy. However, in recent years, the village has also seen a growth in tourism, attracting visitors who come to explore the stunning natural landscapes and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

The local community is vibrant and close-knit, with several community events and activities taking place throughout the year. The village has a primary school, a village hall, and a pub, providing essential amenities for residents.

Holcombe offers a peaceful and idyllic lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. Its scenic location, rich history, and strong sense of community make it an attractive place to live for those seeking a rural retreat in Somerset.

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Holcombe Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.249309/-2.473596 or Grid Reference ST6750. 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

Turning for Chilcompton from the A367

Sarah Charlesworth

The church of St Andrew, Holcombe

Peter Wood

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

One of only two churches named after St Vigor.

Peter Wood

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This mark can be found on the wall of St Andrew's Church. For more detail see : Link

Peter Wood

South porch of Old St Andrew's Church, Holcombe

The late Lella Raymond, in her 1996 guide written for the Churches Conservation Trust, tells us that "the south porch holds fascinating evidence of antiquity. The cut stone is Doulting limestone, used for Bath, Glastonbury and Wells. The gable incorporates a Norman arch, with zigzag around it and short rolls inserted at intervals in the hollow beneath the hood. Above the arch, in place of the keystone, is a 16th-century carved angel with wings outstretched and arms folded. The chevron at the apex of the gable could have been carved from the tympanum ... The walls of the porch are blind, with plain stone benches each side, one inscribed D C 1743. The inner doorway was continuous quarter-round moulding round a four-centred arch. The door itself is a fine medieval example." Arthur Mee in 1941 remarked "It is the magnificent doorway that enchants us as we come, for it is pure and noble Norman with carved shafts and capitals, a little rope round the cushion of each capital, and deep zigzags round the arch, with a lovely stone angel above it all. She has been watching in this place for centuries. One of the old stones in the arch below her has a curious inscription upside down which nobody can understand."

Tiger

Old St Andrew's Church, Holcombe

In parkland a mile north of the village, the old church ceased to be used for regular worship when the new church in the village centre ST6749 : Holcombe St Andrew was opened in 1884. It is now vested in the Churches Conservation Trust. The 14th-century west tower shows the emerging Perpendicular style and is unbuttressed. To its west can be seen one of an avenue of Lawson cypresses.

Tiger

Downside Abbey

The Basilica of St Gregory the Great is the largest neo-Gothic church in England not a cathedral, 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 persecution, 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. Arthur Mee in 1941 described it as "one of our 20th-century surprises ... like a cathedral that has sprung up unguessed at by most people".

Tiger

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