Holcombe, Somerset
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Holcombe | |
  Holcombe shown within Somerset |
|
| Population | 993[1] |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| District | Mendip |
| Shire county | Somerset |
| Region | South West |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Devon and Somerset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| European Parliament | South West England |
| List of places: UK • England • Somerset | |
Holcombe is a small village and civil parish (estimated population 1000) in North Somerset, England. The parish contains the hamlet of Barlake. It is within easy commuting distance of both Bristol and Bath. Its place name is derived from the Old English Hol, meaning deep or hollow and cumb meaning valley.[2]
The original medieval village was buried at the time of the plague and the old parish church, which survives, is surrounded by the mounds that bear testimony to this burial. It is suggested that the rhyme 'Ring a Ring o' Roses' began there as a result. The village has two pubs, The Duke of Cumberland which can be found at the bottom of the village's hill and the Holcombe Inn which recently changed its name from "The Ring O' Roses" to its original 1960s name.[3] It was named the Ring O' Roses as a reminder of the plague that previously destroyed the village. The Ring O' Roses is known locally as the Guns 'n' Roses following an infamous incident during the late 80's involving the (then) landlord and a shotgun.
Holcombe also has a post office and four churches, two of which are in use.
Holcombe was the site of several mines on the Somerset coalfield however these are all now closed.[4]
Holcombe quarry although no longer in use, dangerous, boarded off and the place of many an accident remains a popular swimming destination during the summer months for the young local adventurer.
Witin the village there is a large house known as Holcombe Manor which is now separated into flats.
For a time Scott of the Antarctic's parents lived at and ran the brewery in Holcombe Members of his family members are buried in a family grave (a memorial acrediting Scott's interrment in the Antarctic) in the Holcombe old church of St Andrew which has Late Saxon-early Norman origins and was rebuilt in the 16th century.[5]
Bob Braham a decorated airman was born in the village.
[edit] References
- ^ Mendip Parish Population Estimates 2002. Somerset County Council. Retrieved on 2006-11-25.
- ^ Robinson, Stephen (1992). Somerset Place Names. Dovecote Press. ISBN 1874336032.
- ^ The Ring 0' Roses. Images of England. Retrieved on 2007-11-20.
- ^ Mining and quarrying. Holcombe Village Design Statement. Retrieved on 2006-11-14.
- ^ Church of St. Andrew. Images of England. Retrieved on 2007-11-20.
