Mere, Wiltshire
| Mere | |
| Wiltshire | |
|---|---|
 Mere from Long Hill | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | ST812322 |
| Location: | 51°5’24"N, 2°15’58"W |
| Data | |
| Post town: | Warminster |
| Postcode: | BA12 |
| Dialling code: | 01747 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Wiltshire |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Westbury |
Mere is a small town in Wiltshire, at the extreme south-western tip of Salisbury Plain close to the borders of Somerset and Dorset.
There is an old market square (although markets have not been held for several years), a chiming town clock and a large 15th-century parish church of St Michael the Archangel.
The number of shops has halved since the A303 bypass road was opened in 1976. The steep slope of Castle Hill rises from the northwestern side of Mere. Castle Hill was the site of a relatively large (390 by 102 feet) castle, built in the mid-13th century by the lord of the manor, Richard, Earl of Cornwall. The castle fell into disrepair in the 15th century and its stone is said to have been used to build local houses. The Duchy of Cornwall still owns large amounts of land in the area. Local industry and commerce includes the Hill Brush company, large wholesale plant nurseries and the notable Yapp's wine merchants.
It is part of the historic West Country Carnival circuit.
Churches
The parish church is St Michael the Archangel. The church is unusual in that it has 10 misericords; those on the south side of the choir, date from the 15th century, whilst those on the north side are early 20th century.
Churches in the town include:
- Church of England: St Michael the Archangel
- Methodist
- United Reformed Church
- Roman Catholic: St Mary's
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Mere, Wiltshire) |