Somerset

Somerset is a county found in South West England. To the north of the county is Bristol and Gloucestershire. To the east, Wiltshire. To the south-east, Dorset. To the south-west, you can find Devon.

History

Somerset is one of the oldest inhabited areas of the United Kingdom. The caves, found in the Mendip Hills, were inhabited during the palaeotlithic period. In fact, there are several archaeological sites found throughout Somerset. This includes the famed Cheddar Gorge. In fact, even to this day, proper Cheddar Cheese is aged in the caves around this area.

Some of the caves throughout Somerset have been even been occupied up until recently. This includes Wookey Hole, which is now perhaps best known as a tourist attraction where the ‘Wookey Witch’ supposedly lives.

Somerset was one of the first areas occupied during the Roman Empire’s expansion into Britain. The Romans actually remained in Somerset until 409 AD. This means that Somerset was one of the areas of the country which remained under the control of the Romans for the longest.

The county was actually one of only a few areas in Britain which was able to resist Anglo-Saxon control. It wasn’t under the 8^th Century that it finally ‘fell’. The area also fell into the hands of the Normans shortly afterwards.

Economy of Somerset

Many of the industries in modern Somerset disappeared in light of the industrial revolution, although the farming industry continued to thrive, something which still happens to this day.

Nowadays, the bulk of the economy for Somerset is generated by light industry and high technology businesses. Owing to the fact that Somerset has a varied landscape, with plenty of caves and the coast to explore, the county has become increasingly reliant on the tourism sector. Overall, at 2.5%, the unemployment rate in Somerset is far, far lower than the national average. This is surprising, considering the population in Somerset is also growing at a far higher pace than the rest of the United Kingdom.

Culture of Somerset

Somerset has always played a major role in arts, music, and literature in the United Kingdom, with several major writers growing up in the area. This includes Evelyn Waugh and John Cowper Powys.

In terms of music Somerset is known worldwide. This is due to the almost yearly Glastonbury Festival. While Glastonbury Festival is meant to be a festival of the arts more than anything else, it is mostly known for the huge bands that the festival is able to attract. Honestly, you have not made it in the music industry until you have graced one of the many, many stages at Glastonbury Festival. This festival has actually given rise to several other ‘spin-off’ festivals in the area including the Big Green Gathering and the Bath Literature Festival.

Somerset also plays a major role in Arthurian Legend. It is said that the bones of King Arthur were found at Glastonbury Abbey. In fact, this Abbey is said to be part of the mystical land of Avalon. The whole area has always been religions. It is said that Joseph of Arimathea also visited the area, with the Holy Grail in tow.

Things to do in Somerset

As a large county, there is a lot to see and do in Somerset. This includes the Wookey Hole Caves, where you can see cheddar being aged. You can also head to Bristol Zoo and Bristol Aquarium, Brean Leisure Park, and Puxton Park in Weston-Super-Mare. Other people just enjoy exploring the coast of Somerset. There are plenty of campsites and caravan parks throughout the county for those who just want to relax and enjoy their surroundings.

Towns In Somerset Within 35 Miles Of Yeovil – which is the distance from Yeovil we can travel to serve you well.

Haselbury Pluckett
Hinton St. George
Ilchester
Kingsbury Episcopi
Kingsbury Regis
Marston Magna
Martock
Milborne Port
Misterton
Montacute
North Cadbury
Queen Camel
Tintinhull
West Chinnock
West Coker
Yeovil