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The ancient
village of Chew Stoke lies in the Chew Valley, 1.5
miles south of Chew Magna and 15 miles from Bath.
Archaeological
excavations have found evidence of human occupation in the
area dating back to the early Stone Age.
On Pagans
Hill, Chew Stoke, stands a 3rd century Romano-Celtic double-octagonal
temple and it is likely that there was other Roman occupation
in the village. The settlement was mentioned in the Domesday
book of 1086 and at this time farming was the most important
activity.
Today
arable and dairy farming still remain important in the village.
From
the late 1600s to the 1800s the Bilbie family, well-known
bell founders and clockmakers, lived and worked here. Their
bells are hung in churches across the West Country and their
clocks now fetch high prices.
Chew
Stoke's long history is reflected in its range of listed buildings.
The old
stone packhorse bridge has recently been pedestrianised.
St Andrew's
Church on the outskirts of the village dates from the 15th
century. Inside the church is a memorial to the Bilbie family
and the bells they created still ring here.
Chew
Stoke now lies near the northern end of Chew Valley Lake.
When the lake was created in the 1950's many people displaced
by the flooding moved to Chew Stoke.
Chew
Stoke also lies on the northern edge of the Mendip Hills Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Chew Stoke
