Mere, Wiltshire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mere is a small town in Wiltshire, England. It lies at the extreme southwestern tip of Salisbury Plain close to the borders of Somerset and Dorset
There is an old market square (although markets have not been held for several years), a chiming town clock and a large 15th century parish church of St. Michael the Archangel, along with St. Mary's Catholic church, St. Matthew's and also Methodist and United Reformed churches. The number of shops has halved since the A303 bypass road was opened in 1976. The steep slope of Castle Hill rises from the northwestern side of Mere. Castle Hill was the site of a relatively large (390 by 102 feet) castle, built in the mid-13th century by the lord of the manor, Richard Earl of Cornwall. The castle fell into disrepair in the 15th century and its stone is said to have been used to build local houses. The Duchy of Cornwall still owns large amounts of land in the area. Local industry and commerce includes the Hill Brush company, large wholesale plant nurseries and the notable Yapp's wine merchants. Public houses are The Butt of Sherry, The George (formerly The Talbot), The (rebuilt) Walnut Tree and the historic Old Ship Inn which is currently closed and for sale.
