Low Ham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Low Ham |
|
|---|---|
 Church without dedication, Low Ham |
|
 Low Ham
|
|
| OS grid reference | ST432292 |
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LANGPORT |
| Postcode district | TA10 9 |
| Dialling code | 01458 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Devon and Somerset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
|
Low Ham is a small village in the county of Somerset, England. It is part of a larger area known as the civil parish of High Ham.
Long ago, around the year 1086, Low Ham was mentioned in a very old record called the Domesday Book. At that time, it was part of an estate owned by someone named Serlo de Burcy. It was also known by other names, like Ham Burcy.
Contents
Ancient Roman Villa
People have lived in Low Ham since Roman times. In 1946, archaeologists dug up a large Roman villa here. A villa was like a big country house for wealthy Romans.
Amazing Roman Mosaic
Inside the villa's bath area, they found a special mosaic from the 4th century. A mosaic is a picture made from tiny pieces of colored stone or glass. This mosaic tells the story of Aeneas and Dido, two famous characters from an ancient Roman poem.
This mosaic is very important because it's the earliest piece of storytelling art ever found in Britain from the Roman period. It's a truly unique discovery!
Historic Church
English Heritage lists a special church in Low Ham. This church doesn't have a specific saint it's named after. It was started in the early 1600s.
Building and Damage
The church was damaged during the English Civil War, a big conflict in England in the mid-1600s. It was finally finished in 1690. Today, it is a Grade I listed building, which means it's a very important historic building.
Unfinished Mansion Project
In the 1600s, the local Lord of the Manor, Baron Stawell, planned to build a huge mansion next to the church. However, this grand house was never completed. The original entrance gate to this planned mansion was later moved in the early 1800s. It now stands at Hazelgrove House, which is a school called Hazlegrove Preparatory School.
Special Scientific Site
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Grid reference | ST440290 |
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 5 hectare |
| Notification | 1988 |
| Location map | English Nature |
The Low Ham area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected area because of its important natural features. It's located on the lower slopes of Woodbirds Hill, near a water channel called the Low Ham Rhyne.
Geological Importance
This SSSI covers about 12.4 acres (5 hectares). It was officially recognized in 1988 for its geology. The site contains layers of sand, silt, and peat from the Pleistocene era, which was a very long time ago.
These layers are important because they show what the environment was like during a warmer period within the last Ice Age. They help scientists understand how sea levels changed and how the land formed in Britain's past.
