Butleigh

Settlement in Somerset Mendip

England

Butleigh

Wallyer's Bridge Over the River Brue. — Wallyer's Bridge Credit: Patrick Mackie

Butleigh is a small village located in the county of Somerset, England. Situated approximately four miles east of Glastonbury, it is nestled amidst picturesque countryside and boasts a population of around 800 residents as of 2011. The village is part of the Mendip district and falls within the South West England region.

Historically, Butleigh has roots dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded as "Bodelei." The name is believed to derive from the Old English words "bod" meaning a building or dwelling, and "leah" indicating a clearing in the forest. Over the centuries, the village has retained much of its traditional charm, with a mix of historic buildings and newer developments.

Key landmarks in Butleigh include the 12th-century St. Leonard's Church, known for its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate architecture. The village also features a primary school, post office, village hall, and a local pub, providing essential amenities for its residents.

The surrounding countryside offers scenic walks and outdoor activities, while nearby attractions such as Glastonbury Tor and Glastonbury Abbey provide cultural and historical interest. The village is well-connected to larger towns and cities, with good transportation links to Glastonbury, Wells, and Street.

Overall, Butleigh offers a peaceful and idyllic lifestyle, with a close-knit community and a rich history that continues to shape its character.

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Butleigh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.098277/-2.687 or Grid Reference ST5133. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wallyer's Bridge

Over the River Brue.

Patrick Mackie

Moorhouse

Patrick Mackie

Broad Park Farm Gate

This is the entrance to Broad Park Farm. Between Barton St David and Butleigh Glastonbury Tor Can be seen in the background

Glyn Baker

Stile & Glastonbury Tor

This stile on wood lane gives access to a footpath to Rowley Farm. Glastonbury Tor can be seen in the distance.

Glyn Baker

Cedar Walk

This avenue of Cedars runs from ST509341 to ST518346 the land owner has recently planted saplings to restore what must have once been an even more impressive sight.

Glyn Baker

Quarry Lane

Quarry Lane is a picturesque no through road near Butleigh Cross

Glyn Baker

Rose and Portcullis

A stone built pub in Butleigh typical of the area. Find out more at Link

Glyn Baker

St Leonardâs Church Butleigh.

It is believed that this was a sacred site long before Christian times

Glyn Baker

Butleigh Village Green

This is the village green in Butleigh, the stone was placed to mark the second millennium A.D (one year early like most of the rest of the world!). The white house in the background was built in 1699, and the building next door to the right is still the village school.

Glyn Baker

Buzzard

There were lots of these large raptors buzzing around Somerset but I am afraid this is the closest I got.

Glyn Baker

Lodge Entrance to Kingweston House and Church

The view is from the gravel path to Kingweston of the former Lodge of Kingweston House.

Mike Searle

Butleigh Cross

This cross is a modern structure possibly using the original shaft block from the one that was placed in Butleigh in the c.14th century. The cross commemorates the men from Butleigh who died in the Great War, whose names are inscribed on the base.

Mike Searle

Butleigh Cross (2)

Mike Searle

Woodland walks

Combe Hill is private land, but the landlord, together with the Forestry Commission, manage a delightful wood, with information boards and waymarked paths.

Neville Goodman

Who knows about the "New Ditch"?

The information board for the "New Ditch": can anybody help?

Neville Goodman

Ancient earthwork

A huge tree stands on the end of "The New Ditch", an Iron Age earthwork. A tree-lined gully runs down westward, and the hills overlooking the Somerset Levels can be seen beyond.

Neville Goodman

Green lane at Barton Lower Farm

The hamlet is at the end of a mile of public road, which turns into a green lane which goes off towards the River Brue.The Mendip Hills can be seen in the far distance.

Edwin Graham

Pastureland used for alpacas

Instead of "horsey-culture", the owners of these fields raise alpacas for showing and breeding. Cosmo was being prepared for a show by his minder. Glastonbury Tor can be made out behind Cosmo's head.

Edwin Graham

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Butleigh is located at Grid Ref: ST5133 (Lat: 51.098277, Lng: -2.687)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Mendip

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset