Backwell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Backwell |
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 Village of the Year signs marks the entrance to Backwell. |
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 Backwell
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| Population | 4,589 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | ST485685 |
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BRISTOL |
| Postcode district | BS48 |
| Dialling code | 01275 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Avon |
| Ambulance | Great Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Backwell is a village and a local area (called a civil parish) in North Somerset, England. In 2011, about 4,589 people lived there. The village is located about 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) southwest of Bristol. It is also south of the A370 road, which goes to Weston-super-Mare.
The Backwell area includes smaller places like Backwell Common, Backwell Green, and Backwell Farleigh. It also has parts called Backwell West Town and Downside. Other nearby towns and villages are Nailsea, Flax Bourton, Yatton, Brockley and Barrow Gurney.
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History of Backwell
Backwell has a very old history. There's an Iron Age hill fort called Backwell Hillfort between Flax Bourton and Backwell. This shows people lived here a long, long time ago!
The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book from 1086. Back then, it was called 'Bacoile'. This name means 'The well back on the hill'.
For many centuries, from the 1100s to the 1600s, the Rodney family were the main landowners. Walter de Rodney was given the land because he supported Empress Matilda against King Stephen.
Backwell House is an old house in the village. It used to be a special hotel for a few years.
How Backwell is Governed
Backwell has its own local government called a parish council. This council has fifteen members who help with local issues. They decide how much local tax (called a precept) is needed to run the council.
The parish council also looks at plans for new buildings. They work with the local police and neighbourhood watch groups. This helps with crime, safety, and traffic in the village.
They also help keep village facilities like the village hall or community centre in good shape. This includes playing fields and playgrounds. They talk to the bigger council about roads, drainage, footpaths, and public transport. They also care about protecting trees and old buildings.
Backwell is part of the unitary authority of North Somerset. This council handles most local government jobs for the area. Fire, police, and ambulance services are shared with other areas.
North Somerset is in the northern part of Somerset. However, it is managed separately. Its main office is in Weston-super-Mare. Before 1996, Backwell was part of a different district called Woodspring.
Backwell is also part of an area for elections called an electoral ward. This ward includes Brockley, Backwell, and Barrow Gurney. A local councillor, Bridget Petty, represents this area.
For national government, Backwell is part of the North Somerset area. This area elects one MP to the House of Commons. The current MP is Sadik Al-Hassan from the Labour Party.
Geography of Backwell
Backwell Lake
Backwell Lake is also known as Buckland's Pool. Even though it's called Backwell Lake, it's actually closer to Nailsea. This lake was created in the 1970s to help control water levels.
Now, it's a wonderful place for wildlife! Many birds, bats, and dragonflies live here. You can see birds like gadwall, shoveler, and mute swans.
In 2018, local people held a protest around the lake. They were against plans to build 700 homes and a new road. They worried it would harm the lake and its wildlife.
Quarries
Stancombe Quarry started in 1952. This quarry is run by Tarmac. They dig up Carboniferous Limestone here. This limestone is mostly used for building roads after it's crushed.
Another quarry, Coles Quarry, used to be in the south of the village. It also produced limestone but is now closed.
Fun Things to Do in Backwell
Playing Fields
Backwell Playing Fields is a large public park. It covers about 17 acres (6.9 hectares). It has many sports fields on the west side of Backwell.
Theodore Robinson opened the park to the public on June 6, 1929. He gave it to the "Children and adults of the parish of Backwell". The Marquis of Bath officially opened the fields.
Since the fields were given to everyone in Backwell, no one person owns them. A charity called the Backwell Playing Fields Charity manages and takes care of them.
The fields are often used for playing football. They are the home ground for Ashton & Backwell United F.C.. Other sports clubs here include Backwell Tennis Club, West Backwell Bowling Club, and Backwell Judo Club. There is also a youth club at the fields. The 1st Backwell Scouts use the fields a lot for outdoor activities.
Sports
Ashton & Backwell United F.C. was first called Backwell United. They later joined with Ashton Boys FC, a big youth club from Bristol. They play their home games at the Backwell Recreation Ground.
Backwell Karate, also known as Backwell Shotokan Karate Club, started in the village in 1978. It is part of the Bristol Karate Academy.
Backwell Golf Club used to be in the village but closed before World War 1. Tall Pines Golf Club was started in 1989. It is in Downside, close to Bristol Airport.
Facilities in Backwell
Besides the sports facilities, Backwell also has many useful places:
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In the past, Backwell had a bank and a library, but these are now closed.
Education in Backwell
Backwell has several schools. Backwell Church of England Junior School is a large school for children aged 7 to 11. It teaches about 240 children. This school is highly rated by Ofsted, which checks school standards.
West Leigh Infant School teaches younger children, from reception to Key Stage 1. It has also received an "outstanding" report from Ofsted. In 2013, West Leigh and Backwell Junior schools joined together.
There is also a private primary school called Fairfield PNEU in the village. It was founded in 1935.
The secondary school, Backwell School, is known for its good GCSE results. It is considered one of the best state schools in North Somerset. Students come from nearby areas like Bristol and Yatton to attend. The school has about 1,700 students. Famous people who went to Backwell School include politician Richard Ottaway and author Joel McIver.
Transport in Backwell
Many people who live in Backwell travel to Bristol for work. They use the A370 by car or public transport. First West of England runs local buses. The X1 service goes between Bristol bus station and Weston-super-Mare, stopping in Backwell. The X7 service also connects Backwell to Bristol and Nailsea. The closest M5 motorway can be reached from junctions 21 and 18.
Nailsea and Backwell railway station is at the north end of the village. It opened in 1841. Today, Great Western Railway manages it. Trains regularly go between Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, and Cardiff. Some trains also go directly to and from London Paddington during busy times. This direct train to London makes Backwell popular for people who travel a lot for work.
Bristol Airport is about 3 miles (4.8 km) from the centre of Backwell. It is near the Downside area. The airport has flights to places within the UK and to other countries.
Religious Sites in Backwell
The Anglican church of St. Andrew is very old, dating back to the 12th century. It has been changed and made bigger over many centuries. It is a special building listed as Grade I.
The tall tower at the west end of the church is over 100 feet (30 metres) high. It was built in the 15th century. It has eight bells, and two of them are from medieval times.
The font (a basin for baptisms) is from the 12th century. It has a round bowl with special patterns. It was fixed up in 1907.
West Town Methodist is a Wesleyan Zion chapel on the A370 road. It used to be a house and was changed into a chapel in 1853. Ten Methodist residents bought it together. The church was updated inside in 1992, and its number of members doubled.
There is also a newer Baptist church on Chapel Hill.
See also
In Spanish: Backwell para niños
