Chew Stoke
Chew Stoke | |
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Avon and Somerset | |
Fire | Avon |
Ambulance | South Western |
UK Parliament | |
Website | www |
Chew Stoke is a small village and
Chew Stoke has a long history, as shown by the number and range of its
The population of 1,038 is served by one shop, one working public house, a primary school and a
History
Prehistory
Romano-Celtic temple
Chew Stoke is the site of a
Middle Ages
During the
In the
The parish was part of the
Bilbie family of bell and clockmakers
The Bilbie family of
Recent history
In the 20th century, Chew Stoke expanded slightly with the influx of residents from the Chew Valley Lake area. These new residents were moved to Chew Stoke when the lake was created in the 1950s.[1] In World War II, 42 children and three teachers, who had been evacuated from Avenmore school in London, were accommodated in the village.[4] On 10 July 1968, torrential rainfall, with 175 millimetres (7 in) falling in 18 hours on Chew Stoke, double the area's average rainfall for the whole of July,[9] led to widespread flooding in the Chew Valley, and water reached the first floor of many buildings.[4] The damage in Chew Stoke was not as severe as in some of the surrounding villages, such as Pensford; however, fears that the Chew Valley Lake dam would be breached caused considerable anxiety.[9][10]
On 4 February 2001,
During November 2012 a series of floods affected many parts of Britain. On 22 November a man died after his car was washed down a flooded brook in Chew Stoke and trapped against a small bridge.[13][14]
Governance
Chew Stoke has its own nine-member
The village is part of the
The police service is provided by
Geography
The area of Chew Stoke is surrounded by
Chew Stoke is approximately 8 miles (13 km) south of Bristol, 10 miles (16 km) north of Wells, 15 miles (24 km) west of Bath, 17 miles (27 km) east of Weston-super-Mare, and 9 miles (14 km) southwest of Keynsham. It is 1.3 miles (2.1 km) south of Chew Magna on the B3130 road that joins the A37 and A38. The A368 crosses the valley west of the lake. The "Chew Valley Explorer" bus route 672/674, running from Bristol Bus Station to Cheddar, provides public transport access. This service is operated by CT coaches and Eurotaxis and subsidised by Bath and North East Somerset council.[17] In 2002, a 1.9-mile (3.1 km) cycle route, the Chew Lake West Green Route, was opened around the western part of the lake from Chew Stoke. It forms part of the Padstow to Bristol West Country Way, National Cycle Network Route 3. It has all-weather surfacing, providing a smooth off-road facility for ramblers, mobility-challenged visitors, and cyclists of all abilities. Funding was provided by Bath and North East Somerset Council, with the support of Sustrans and the Chew Valley Recreational Trail Association. The minor roads around the lake are also frequently used by cyclists. Bristol Airport is approximately 10 miles (16 km) away, and the nearest train stations are Keynsham, Bath Spa, and Bristol Temple Meads.
Demography
The population of Chew Stoke, according to the census of 1801, was 517. This number increased slowly during the 19th century to a maximum of 819 but fell to around 600 by the end of the century. The population remained fairly stable until World War II. During the latter half of the 20th century, the population of the village rose to 905 people. Data for 1801–1971 is available at Britain Through Time;[18] data for 1971–2001 is available from BANES(
Landmarks
St Andrew's Church
St Andrew's Church, a Grade II* listed building on the outskirts of Chew Stoke, was constructed in the 15th century and underwent extensive renovation in 1862.[23][24] The inside of the church is decorated with 156 angels in wood and stone,[4] and the church includes a tower with an unusual spirelet on the staircase turret. In the tower hang bells cast by the Bilbie family.[24]
The reconstructed Moreton Cross in the churchyard was moved there when Chew Valley Lake was flooded,
In the church are
Rectory
The Rectory, at the end of Church Lane, opposite the church hall, is believed to have been built in 1529 by Sir John Barry, rector 1524–46. It has since undergone substantial renovations, including the addition of a clock tower for the Rev. W.P. Wait and further alterations c.1876 for Rev. J. Ellershaw. The clock tower has since been removed. The building has an ornate south front with carvings of shields bearing the coat of arms of the St Loe family, who were once chief landowners in the area, alone or impaled with arms of Fitzpane, Ancell, de la Rivere, and Malet. It is Grade II* listed.[31]
New rectory
The Reverend John Ellershaw built the new rectory in the 1870s. The last rector to occupy it was Lionel St Clair Waldy from 1907 to 1945. It was then bought by Douglas Wills, who donated it and the rectory field to
Grade II listed buildings
As with many cities and towns in the United Kingdom, the age of a number of the buildings in Chew Stoke, including the church, school, and several houses, reflects the long history of the village. For example, Chew Stoke School has approximately 170 pupils between 4 and 11 years old. After the age of 11, most pupils either attend Chew Valley School or any of the independent schools in the area. These two buildings were built in 1858 on the site of a former charity school founded in 1718. The architect was S.B. Gabriel of Bristol. Additional classrooms were built in 1926, and further alterations and extensions were carried out in 1970.[33]
An obelisk on Breach Hill Lane, dating from the early-to-mid-19th century, is said to have been built as a waterworks marker. It has a square limestone plinth about 3 feet (1 m) high. The obelisk is about 32 feet (10 m) high with a pyramidal top and small opening at the top on two sides.[34]
The importance of farming is reflected in the age of many of the farmhouses. Manor Farm, on Scot Lane (not to be confused with at least two other Manor Farms in the locality) is thought to date from 1495 and, as such, is probably the oldest building in the village. Presently (2007) occupied by Mr and Mrs Slater; the building has recently (2002) undergone a sympathetic extension to incorporate an old semi-derelict barn onto the main house for use as a garage and workshop. Mr Slater, a Chartered Engineer, is interested in bringing the art of clock making back to the village. Rookery Farmhouse, in Breach Hill Lane, is dated at 1720, with later 18th century additions to either side of the central rear wing.[35] An attached stable, 20 feet (6 m) northeast of the farmhouse, is also a Grade II listed building.[36] School Farmhouse, in School Lane, dates from the late 17th century and has a studded oak door in the side of the house.[4][37] Wallis Farmhouse, farther along School Lane, is dated at 1782.[38] Yew Tree Farmhouse, one of the oldest buildings in the area, is a cruck built farmhouse of which there are very few in North Somerset. It was included in the dendrochronology project carried out by the Somerset Vernacular Building Research Group 1996–1998 and the crucks gave a felling date of 1386, the house has been extensively altered and added to over later centuries.[39] North Hill Farmhouse also has 15th century origins.[4][40] Paganshill Farmhouse dates from the 17th century.[41] Fairseat Farmhouse is from the 18th century and includes a plaque recording that John Wesley preached at the house on 10 September 1790. In August of that year, Fairseat Farmhouse was "registered among the records of this County as a House set apart for the worship of God and religious exercise for Protestant Dissenters." At that time the house belonged to Anna Maria Griffon. In the garden is a large evergreen oak (Ilex) which measured 98 feet (30 m) across until half of it broke away in a gale in 1976.[4][42]
The Methodist Chapel was built in 1815/16 after religious services had been established at Fairseat Farm, and the chapel was rebuilt in the late 19th century with limestone walls with stone dressings and a slate hipped roof with brick eaves stacks and crestings.[4][43]
In the hamlet of Stoke Villice, which is south of the main village, there is a 19th-century milestone inscribed "8 miles to Bristol" that also has listed status.[44]
Education
Chew Stoke Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School serves the village itself and surrounding villages in the Chew Valley. It is a Church of England voluntary controlled school linked with the St. Andrew's parish church. It has about 170 pupils between 4 and 11 years old. After the age of 11, most pupils attend Chew Valley School.[45]
The school was founded as a charity in 1718 making it one of the oldest schools in Somerset. Its original buildings were demolished in 1858 and replaced with new ones to designs by S.B. Gabriel that are now Grade II listed. The school bell was donated by the Bilbie family of bell founders based in the village. Additional classrooms were built in 1926, and further alterations and extensions were built in 1970, 1995 and 2001.[33]
In July 2018, the school celebrated its 300th birthday making it one of the oldest state schools in England. A service was held at St Andrew's Church led by the Bishop of Taunton – The Right Reverend Ruth Worsley, and was followed by a tea party at the school, and the planting of a time capsule.[46]
References
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- ^ "Somerset Hundreds". GENUKI. Archived from the original on 5 May 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
- ^ "Bilbie – Bell founders and clockmakers". Troyte Ringing Centre. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 5 November 2006.
- ISBN 0-9526702-0-8.
- ^ a b Richley, Rob (June 2008). The Chew Valley floods of 1968. Exeter: Environment Agency.
- ^ "Memories of Bristol's Weather – The Great Flood of 1968". bristolhistory.com. Archived from the original on 4 August 2007. Retrieved 3 July 2007.
- ^ "Bath & North East Somerset Local Plan Deposit Draft January 2002". Bath & North East Somerset Council. Archived from the original on 27 September 2006. Retrieved 5 November 2006.
- ^ "Plans for Radfords site to be unveiled". Chew Valley Gazette. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2007.
- ^ "Man dies as torrential rain and wind cause UK flood havoc". BBC News. 23 November 2012. Archived from the original on 23 November 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
- ^ "Police preserve the scene after man dies in Somerset". ITV. Archived from the original on 23 November 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
- ^ "Chew Valley North Councillor". Bath and North East Somerset Council. Archived from the original on 4 July 2007. Retrieved 13 July 2007.
- ISBN 978-1852841430.
- ^ Harding, J. "Changes to Chew Valley Explorer". Bristol Evening Post. Archived from the original on 14 January 2013. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
- ^ "Chew Stoke Somerset through time : Population Statistics : Total Population". A Vision of Britain through Time. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2007.
- ^ "Chew Stoke Parish". Neighbourhood Statistics. Office for National Statistics. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
- ^ "Neighbourhood Statistics LSOA Bath and North East Somerset 021A Chew Valley North". Office for National Statistics 2001 Census. Archived from the original on 25 May 2011. Retrieved 25 April 2006.
- Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
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- ^ Historic England. "Church of St. Andrew (1129632)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ ISBN 0-300-09640-2.
- ^ Historic England. "base of cross shaft (1136107)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "Webb monument (1129633)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "overthrow and gates (1320748)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ "Chew Stoke WWI Ref: 7488". United Kingdom National Inventory of War Memorials. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
- ^ "Chew Stoke WWII Ref: 7489". United Kingdom National Inventory of War Memorials. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
- ISBN 0-7091-9585-0.
- ^ Historic England. "The Rectory (1320747)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "Old Rectory (1129631)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ a b Historic England. "Chew Stoke School (1320749)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "Obelisk, Breach Hill Lane (1320746)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "Rookery Farmhouse (1129671)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "Stable (1320725)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "School Farmhouse (1129635)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "Wallis Farmhouse (1136118)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "Yew Tree Farmhouse (1136115)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "North Hill Farmhouse (1136056)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "Paganshill Farmhouse (1129628)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "Fairseat Farmhouse (1320750)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "Methodist Chapel (1129630)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ Historic England. "Milestone (1136062)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
- ^ "Chew Stoke Church Primary School". Chew Stoke Primary School. Archived from the original on 1 May 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2006.
- ^ "Service to mark Chew Stoke Church School's 300th birthday. - Diocese of Bath and Wells". Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
Bibliography
- Durham, I. & M. (1991). Chew Magna and the Chew Valley in old photographs. Redcliffe Press. ISBN 1-872971-61-X.
- Janes, Rowland, ed. (1987). The Natural History of the Chew Valley. Biografix. ISBN 0-9545125-2-9.
- Hucker, E (1997). Chew Stoke recalled in old photographs. S.l.: E. Hucker. ISBN 978-0-9531700-0-5.