Locking, North Somerset

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Locking

Coordinates: 51.3309° N 2.9108° W
Population	2144^[1]
OS grid reference	ST365595
Unitary authority	North Somerset
Ceremonial county	Somerset
Region	South West
Constituent country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Postcode district	BS24
Dial code	01934
Police	Avon and Somerset
Fire	Avon
Ambulance	Great Western
UK Parliament	Weston-super-Mare
European Parliament	South West England
List of places: UK • England • Somerset

Locking is a village and civil parish in a predominantly quiet residential area of North Somerset, England, 3½ miles south east of the town of Weston-super-Mare and houses a large farming contingent. The village gave its name to RAF Locking, which has now closed and proposals are under consideration for an employment and residential development for the site that could deliver 25 ha of employment space and up to 1800 new homes.

The village of Locking is small but can boast a long history. There is evidence of Roman settlements nearby. The name "Locking" has a Saxon derivation probably meaning "Locc's people" and it was in the Saxon period that the Church and village grew. St Augustine's church in Locking was founded around 1230 by the monks of Woodspring Priory. The oldest part of the church visible today is the tower which was built in 1380. The font has carvings characteristic of Celtic art from the 11th century, and the figures at the corners are dressed in armour of the style of Richard 1 (1189-1199).^[2]

1 Pub
2 Church
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Pub

Locking is home to the Coach House Inn pub which sponsors Locking Park FC whom can be seen playing football every other Saturday during the football season at the "Top Pitch" football arena situated in the village on Old Banwell Road. It is also the hub of activity for local residents and as well as football it provides competitive teams for Darts, Skittles and Pool.

[edit] Church

The Parish Church of St. Augustine dates from the late 14th century and is a grade II* listed building. It stands on a hill above a valley by the Mendip Hills and has views towards the nearby coast. Christians have worshipped on the site for over 800 years and there has been a church since around AD 1230.^[3]