Locking, North Somerset
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Locking | |
  Locking shown within Somerset |
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| Population | 2,144[1] |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| Unitary authority | North Somerset |
| Ceremonial county | Somerset |
| Region | South West |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Postcode district | BS24 |
| Dialling code | 01934 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Avon |
| Ambulance | Great Western |
| European Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament | Weston-super-Mare |
| List of places: UK • England • Somerset | |
Locking is a village and civil parish in a predominantly quiet residential area of North Somerset, England, 3.5 miles (5.5 km) 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 hectare (62 acre) of employment space and up to 1,800 new homes.
The village of Locking is small but has 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 AD 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 I (1189–1199).[2]
As well as a pub and church the village contains a village hall, school (Locking Primary School), a Post Office, two hairdressers and a reptile shop.
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[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 also supports competitive teams for darts, skittles, cricket 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. There has been a church since around AD 1230.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ 2001 Census data. North Somerset Council. Retrieved on 2006-11-27.
- ^ Press Release - New name for RAF Locking announced. English Partnerships (19 October 2006). Retrieved on 2006-11-27.
- ^ Parish Church of St. Augustine. Images of England. Retrieved on 2006-11-27.
