Axbridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Axbridge |
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 Axbridge High Street |
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 Axbridge
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| Population | 2,057 |
| OS grid reference | ST431545 |
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| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | AXBRIDGE |
| Postcode district | BS26 |
| Dialling code | 01934 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Devon and Somerset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Axbridge is a small town in Somerset, England. It is located on the River Axe, close to the southern edge of the Mendip Hills. In 2011, about 2,057 people lived there.
Contents
History of Axbridge
How Axbridge Got Its Name
The name Axanbrycg might be where Axbridge comes from. It means "a bridge over the River Axe." This name was first used around the early 800s.
Early Settlers and the Saxons
Long ago, Romans probably lived in this area. They mined lead on top of the Mendip Hills. Even before them, prehistoric people lived in local caves. They left behind flint tools on the hillsides.
The story of Axbridge goes back to King Alfred's time. It was part of the Saxons' defence system against the Vikings. In a list of forts from 910, it was called Axanbrycg. The Domesday Book of 1086 also mentions Axbridge as Alse Bruge. This means 'axe bridge' in Old English.
Axbridge was part of the royal land of Cheddar. It was also part of the Winterstoke Hundred, which was a local area division.
Growing as a Town
In 1202, King John gave Axbridge a special permission called a royal charter. This happened when he sold most of the royal land of Cheddar. Axbridge became important during the Tudor period (1485-1603). It was a centre for making cloth.
Because of its importance, Axbridge was allowed to hold markets and fairs. It even became a royal borough, which is a special type of town. The town had its own mint, where coins were made. These coins showed the town's symbol: the Lamb and Flag. The River Axe was deep enough for boats. This helped with trade, as goods could be moved to and from Axbridge by water.
Later Years and Historic Buildings
Later, Axbridge became less important for trade. This meant that many old buildings in the town centre were kept safe. One famous building is King John's Hunting Lodge. Even though it's called that, it's actually a Tudor building. Today, it is a museum.
Axbridge is a very old borough. It even sent people to represent it in parliament during the reigns of Edward I and Edward III.
In the 1800s and early 1900s, people dug for iron ore in the hills near Axbridge.
The Railway and Modern Times
The Axbridge railway station opened in 1869. It was part of the Cheddar Valley line. The station closed for goods in 1963 and for passengers later that year. Today, the old railway path is the A371 Axbridge bypass. However, the station buildings are still there.
The main square in Axbridge has been used for TV adverts. In the 1990s, the Axbridge Town Hall was used as a bank in a commercial. More recently, in 2017, parts of the town were used for a Thatchers Cider TV advert. This advert even featured a hot air balloon!
How Axbridge is Governed
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Axbridge has a town council. This council is like a local government for the town. It helps with many local issues. For example, the council looks at plans for new buildings. It also works with the police and local groups to help with crime, safety, and traffic.
The town council also starts projects to fix and look after town facilities. They talk with the main local council about roads, drainage, footpaths, and public transport. Looking after old buildings and trees is also their job. Each year, the council members choose a mayor for the town. The Axbridge Town Council works from the Axbridge Town Hall.
Since April 2023, Axbridge has been part of the Somerset Council. This is a larger local government body. Before this, it was part of Sedgemoor.
The town is in the Axevale electoral ward. This area includes Axbridge and stretches south to Chapel Allerton. In 2011, about 4,261 people lived in this ward.
Axbridge is also part of the Wells and Mendip Hills area. This area chooses one person to represent them in the House of Commons (part of the UK Parliament).
Things to Do in Axbridge
The Roxy Cinema
In 2012, The Roxy, a community cinema, reopened. It had been closed for five years for repairs. Money from the Big Lottery Fund helped with this. The cinema even used old seats from the Colston Hall in Bristol. It has 32 seats and a cool art deco ticket office. The building used to be an old pub called the Axbridge Lion. It is a Georgian building and is a Grade II listed building.
The Axbridge Film Society is based at The Roxy. In 2016, volunteers raised £5,000 for more repairs. They also plan to add new sound and projection equipment.
Church of St John
The Church of St John was built in the 1200s. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it is very important and protected.
Work on the church you see today started in the early 1400s. It grew from an older building from around 1230. The church is made of limestone and decorated with Doulting stone. The steps are made of an interesting rock called puddingstone.
The tower is over 100 feet (30 metres) tall. It holds six bells. One of these bells was made in 1723 by the famous Bilbie family. On the east side of the church, there is a statue of St John the Baptist. On the west side, there is a statue of a king, possibly Henry VII. This would mean it was made after 1485.
The ceiling in the north aisle still has some old painted panels. Among the carved decorations, you can see the head of a Green Man. This is a face with leaves growing around it. The roof of the main part of the church is from 1636. The church was repaired in 1888.
Why Axbridge is a Town (and Cheddar is a Village)
Axbridge is a town, but Cheddar, which is much bigger and nearby, is still a village. This might seem strange! The reason is how important they were a long time ago. Axbridge grew as a centre for making cloth during the Tudor period. It also got a special charter from King John.
Cheddar, however, was mostly a farming village, known for dairy. It didn't become more important until tourism started and the railway arrived in the Victorian era.
The Workhouse
The Axbridge Union workhouse was built in 1837. It was a place where poor people who could not support themselves could live and work. It was designed to hold 250 people. By 1929, it was known as the Axbridge Poor Law Institution.
Events in Axbridge
Axbridge has many fun events throughout the year:
- In May, the annual Somerset Showcase takes place. It has craft displays, a farmers' market, entertainment, and live music.
- In September, there is the annual Blackberry Carnival, Fair in the Square, and Harvest Home.
- Other events include the Progressive Supper and Santa in the Square.
- Since 2009, a Concert by Candlelight has been held at the Church of St John the Baptist. This happens during Earth Hour, when people try to use less electricity.
Axbridge Pageant
Axbridge hosts a special historical pageant every 10 years. This started in 1967. The pageant tells the town's history in 15 scenes. It includes battles, riots, and fights. There is live music, horses, and other animals. Even a train and old cars are part of the show! The 2020 pageant was moved to 2022 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 pageant was even bigger, with live music in the evenings.
Sports and Markets
The Axbridge Cricket Club started in 2004. They play about 35 friendly matches each season. The club also goes on an annual tour.
The town also holds a farmers' market every month. It takes place in The Square on the first Saturday of each month.
Notable residents
- James Heappey, who is a Member of Parliament (MP) for Wells.
- Timothy Reynish, a music director, was born in Axbridge.
Images for kids
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Church of St John the Baptist, Axbridge
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Former Axbridge railway station
See also
In Spanish: Axbridge para niños
