Chew Stoke - Definition

Chew Stoke is a small village approximately 8 miles south of Bristol. It has a population of approximately 1000 and has one shop, two pubs and a primary school (http://www.chewstoke.ik.org/). The bridge shown is now pedestrian only, but an "Irish Bridge" nearby which is dry in summer and a ford in winter, provides access to parts of the village.

Chew Valley School (http://www.chewvalleyschool.co.uk/new/index.htm) for secondary pupils is less than a mile away.

Chew Stoke had a remarkable family of Bell founders and clock makers who lived and worked for over 200 years from the late sixteen hundreds until the eighteen hundreds. The Bilbie family's Bellmaking produced over 1350 bells that are hung in Churches scattered all over the West Country, the oldest of which was cast in 1698 and is still giving good service in St Andrew's Church, Chew Stoke. Their clocks date from 1724 and are highly prized. They produced mostly longcase clocks, the cheapest with 30 hour movements in modest oak cases, but they also made high quality 8 day movements with additional features such as including the high tide at Bristol docks. These were fitted into quality cabinet-maker cases that now command the highest prices.

Romano-Celtic Temple, Pagans Hill - This octagonal temple is situated on a promontory overlooking the River Chew. The outer portico measures about 56½ feet in diameter, the inner cellar about 32 feet across; all walls are about 3 feet thick. The temple faced east and was first built in the late-3rd century. After the collapse of the original building another temple was built, again to fall into ruin. The final rebuild after about AD367 included the addition of an internal screen. The building finally collapsed in the 5th century.

Her Royal Highness Anne, Princess Royal buried a time capsule at the Rural Housing Trust’s development at Salway Close, Chew Stoke, Somerset, on Friday, 2nd February 2001

It is in the Bath and North East Somerset Council Area near Chew Magna, and very close to the Chew Valley Lake, and is overlooked by Dundry Hill.

External links

Chew Stoke village web site (http://www.chew-stoke.cx/) Chew Valley web site (http://www.chewvalley.co.uk/)