Page 17 - Killens At Home

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Neighbourly relations
Chew Magna can trace its heritage far back to Saxon times and like it’s city neighbour Wells became a thriving centre for the wool trade. Indeed, this is not the village’s only connection with Wells: the manor of Chew was held by the Bishops of Wells and Bath until the mid 1500’s and the bishops built a palace here that was visited by Henry III of which Chew Court is the only surviving part. Chew was upgraded to Chew Magna around 1600, with the name ‘Magna’ coming from the Latin for ‘the great’. How apt!
A few thousand years earlier...
In the nearby village of Stanton Drew lies the second largest stone circle in Britain. Thought to have been built around 2000-3000 BC it is considered to be one of the largest Neolithic monuments ever built. Now in the gentle hands of English Heritage, the site comprises 26 upright stones however recent surveys have revealed the original ritual site was probably far more elaborate than had been thought. It’s well worth a visit, for more details go to: www. english-heritage.org.uk and search for ‘Stanton Drew Circles and Cove’.
Entertainment for all!
Chew Magna might be small but it’s reputation for entertainment is quite the opposite!
For starters there’s the annual Valley Fest, the self-titled ‘Best- tasting music festival in the South West’. It’s the perfect event for all the family to enjoy.
Photo credit: Tim / Chew Magna / CC BY-SA 2.0
There’s also an impressive roster of entertainment at The Old School Room and at Chew Magna Baptist Church including live music, musical theatre and a host of events for children too. And with Bristol and Bath just down the road, you’re spoilt for choice regardless of whether you need to indulge in a little shopping, a night on the town or immerse yourself in the Arts scene.
Photo credit: Stevekeiretsu