Whilst making a return visit to a favourite hotel in the Quantock Hills, we decided to divert our journey and visit the Somerset Levels to view its unique landscape, and visit a small historic building.
Being one of the flattest areas in the UK, it is easy to understand that the area was once covered by the sea that is apart from some curious bumps and mounds that rose above the water and formed islands. To reach the grasslands from these "islands", prehistoric people built raised wooden tracks, of which there is still evidence today. The Romans tried to manage the Levels but did not have as much success as the monks from Glastonbury.
However, we were in search of the only surviving monastic fish house building that remains in England. The Fish house was ordered by Abbot Adam de Sodbury over 700 years ago in 1320 to house his water bailiff, who caught fish in the nearby lake. The fish were then salted and dried to provide the monks with an all year round supply of fish.
.jpg)
The Abbot also built the neighbouring property, now a manor house, which was used as a relaxing and contemplative summer residence. It was surrounded by a herb and fruit garden, along with a vineyard and orchard.
The windows' original Norman arches can still be seen; however, the window on the far right was later Gothicised before being completely blocked.
Sitting above the porch is a stone figure wearing robes and a mitre which is believed to represent Abbot Adam de Sodbury.
A monastic fish house sounds like a contradiction in terms but I bet those monks were pleased to able to eat protein throughout the year. Ordinary families could not
ReplyDeleteSadly, inequality never changes with regards those who have and those who have not.
DeleteIt seems that the monks had a quiet life in nature and fish for food.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info and photos!!
The photo with the reflection of the castle (if it is a castle) in the river is very good!
I loved it, perfect framing, you have done a great job!!
š
DeleteInteresting! I guess that explains Glastonbury Tor too, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteI guess you are right Debra.
DeleteThank you for another interesting post Rosemary. Lovely weather as well.
ReplyDeleteReally delightful weather, unlike much of Europe and the States which are apparently roasting!
DeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ali.
DeleteHad no idea that place existed. Both buildings look ancient. Elegant yet simple design. Bob.
ReplyDeleteTravelling through the Somerset Levels introduced us to some interesting and glorious architecture - more next time.
DeleteLove the poppies, Rosemary. Lovely to see and read about - thank you.
ReplyDeleteThere were lots of poppies along the verges which were a delight to see.
DeleteLovely post. What is your favourite hotel in the Quantock hills? I wonder if it is my favourite too. Does it have a mill wheel attached to one end?
ReplyDeleteYes it does - snap - it must be the same hotel.
Delete... and a tennis court at the front. Also my favourite. Those oak woods with with the stream running through. Perfect.
DeleteI do believe that there is a tennis court at the front, but it appears to have a large white marquee permanently placed on top of it and used for weddings.
DeleteHello Rosemary, I think that the statue of Abbot Adam de Sodbury, if it is indeed correct and original, needs to be brought indoors to be conserved. Of course, a copy can be installed outside, and perhaps that is what we are seeing. By the way, I always wonder how those statues precariously sitting atop buildings and monuments manage to stay there--perhaps living in earthquake-prone Taiwan has made me nervous about such situations.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim - we spoke to the lady who lives at the Manor House, the statue is original and also Grade 1 listed.
DeleteHowever, we don't know whether or not it has always sat in such a precarious position. I wondered whether it might have been hidden during the Reformation in order to protect it.
Lovely post & beautiful pictures! Just stunning!
ReplyDeleteLove from Titti
š
DeleteDear Rosemary - Somerset Levels is a lovely place and architecture is simple and beautiful. My eyes were glued to the landscape nicely framed in a circle, and then I was thrilled to hear “one of the flattest areas” in British Isles which is mainly flat and rolling lowlands. I got curious what the whole are is like. My country is mostly mountainous with only about 20 percent lowland. Poppies are the flowers of May here, so I can feel the big temperature difference. It has been nearly 30C in June.
ReplyDeleteYoko
Hello Yoko - some areas of Europe are very hot too, but we currently have a pleasant 20c - 22c. We enjoyed a few lovely days away and then returned back home feeling refreshed.
DeleteThe poppies in your first photograph against the beautiful white daisies look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post both to read and look at.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan.
DeleteI love hearing about the ancient buildings and their history! Your photos of the interior of the fish house are intriguing. The landscape is gorgeous and it is hard to imagine it being the sea.... but I do understand the principle!
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely to know that you enjoyed the post - thank you, I appreciate your comment.
Delete