Brent Knoll facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brent Knoll |
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| Highest point | |
| Prominence | 137 m (449 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Brent Knoll
Location in Somerset
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| OS grid | ST33995102 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 182 |
Brent Knoll is a 137-metre-high (449 ft) hill in Somerset, England. It stands out on the flat area known as the Somerset Levels. You can find it about halfway between the towns of Weston-super-Mare and Bridgwater. It is also only about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) from the coast at Burnham-on-Sea.
Two villages, East Brent and Brent Knoll, are located at the base of the hill. The village of Brent Knoll is named after the hill. It used to be called South Brent. Because of its size and isolated spot, Brent Knoll can be seen from far away. Many important routes, like the M5 motorway and major roads, pass close by.
Contents
What's in a Name? The Story of Brent Knoll
The word 'knoll' means a small hill or a hill-top. The first part of the name, 'Brent', has a few possible meanings.
Where Did "Brent" Come From?
Some people think "Brent" comes from an old English word, "brant." This word means "steep." Others suggest it comes from a word meaning "burnt." This might mean the area was once burned by the Danes.
Another idea is that "Brent" comes from a Celtic word. This word would mean "high place." It's also possible that the name simply comes from the local River Brent. This river also gave its name to a local area called a hundred.
How Brent Knoll Was Formed: A Geology Lesson
Brent Knoll is a unique, isolated hill. It's a great example of something called denudation. This is when natural forces wear away land. The waters of the Bristol Channel slowly eroded the land around it. This left only the hard Blue Lias rocks from the Jurassic period. These rocks are topped with softer Midford Sands.
Traveling to Brent Knoll
Brent Knoll once had its own railway station. However, this station closed down in 1971. Today, people usually visit by car or on foot.
A Look Back in Time: The History of Brent Knoll
People have lived on Brent Knoll for a very long time. We know this from findings dating back to the Bronze Age.
Brent Knoll's Iron Age Fort
On the hill, you can find an Iron Age hill fort. This fort is called Brent Knoll Camp. It has several defensive walls, or ramparts, that follow the shape of the hill. The main entrance to the fort is on the eastern side.
The Isle of Frogs
Before the Somerset Levels were drained, Brent Knoll was like an island. It was surrounded by water and marshes. People called it the Isle (or Mount) of Frogs. It was a safe place to go when the surrounding land was flooded.
There's a legend about Brent Knoll. It says that Ider, son of Nuth, a knight of King Arthur, came to the Mount of Frogs. His mission was to defeat three giants who lived there. Some historians also believe this fort might be the site of a famous battle called Mons Badonicus.
Images for kids
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An aerial view showing Brent Knoll and the flat Somerset Levels around it.
