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Keynsham
lies between Bath and Bristol at the confluence of the Rivers
Avon and Chew.
Surrounding
the bustling town are pastures and woodland that have been
inhabited since early times.
The Romans
built villas in the nearby area and it is believed that the
Saxons established a minster in the town. Following the founding
of Keynsham Abbey by Augustinian monks in 1166, Keynsham grew
to become a prosperous market town. However, the abbey fell
into ruin after Henry VIII disolved the monasteries in 1539.
Keysham
has an abundant water supply and over the centuries this has
been harnassed by the mills in the surrounding area.
Before
the creation of Chew Lake, Keynsham town was prone to flooding
and the 'Great Flood' of 1968 inundated large parts of town
and destroyed its bridges.
Behind
the High Street lies Keynsham Memorial Park. This peaceful
park, with the River Chew flowing through it, also has children's
play areas and sports facilities.
On the
outskirts of Keysham lies Keynsham Humpy Tumps, one of the
richest acidic grassland sites in the area.
The town
is home to a Cadburys chocolate factory (formerly Fry's) and
many of the company's favourite lines are made here.
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