History of South West England
Just like the rest of England, its largest region has a rich history and delights millions of visitors with its historic monuments. The archaeological evidence suggest that South West England was populated before the Ice Age but the earliest evidence of human occupation date from 10,000 BC. In the caves at Cheddar Gorge, the archaeologists found human remains of over 20 individuals dating from that period. Here, the archaeologists also discovered the so-called Cheddar Man, the oldest complete skeleton found in Britain so far. The skeleton which is dated to roughly 7150 BC is exhibited in the Natural History Museum in London, while the museum in Cheddar village displays a replica of the skeleton.
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The most famous historic sites in South West England are without a doubt Stonehenge and Avebury. The world-famous Stonehenge is believed to be erected sometime between 3,000 BC and 2,000 BC, while its purpose remains a matter of speculation. Several theories have been proposed claiming that it was used as an astronomical observatory, for religious purposes, a place of healing, etc. However, due to lack of archaeological evidence and written material it is impossible to prove any of the theories about Stonehenge’s function. Avebury is another Neolithic monument which is dated to about 2,600 BC. This spectacular henge monument was along Stonehenge, Silbury Hill and associated local sites inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1986. |
In the first century AD, South West England became a part of the Roman Empire and was ruled by the Romans until 409 AD. As a result, visitors of the region can also visit a number exceptionally well preserved Roman sites such as the Roman Baths complex in the city of Bath in Somerset, Chedworth Roman Villa at Chedworth in Gloucestershire, Charterhouse Roman Town at the village of Charterhouse-on-Mendip in Somerset, to name only a few.
Following the Roman withdrawal in the early 5th century, England saw the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons who soon took over rule in the upper Thames area, whereas the rest of the region remained under British control until the 6th century. One of the best known sites from this era is the Cadbury Castle in Somerset which is associated with the legendary King Arthur. At the end of the first millennium, the region just like the rest of England saw the Norse invasions and came under the rule of the Danish kings in the first half of the 11th century. After a brief restoration of Anglo-Saxon rule in 1066, the entire England including South West England was conquered by William the Conqueror.
Like most parts of England, its largest region is home to numerous medieval castles and churches which are an absolute must see as well. It is impossible to see them all within a few day trip but it is worth to visit at least some of the following castles and churches: Corfe Castle in the village of Corfe in Dorset, Glastonbury Abbey in Glastonbury in Somerset, Wells Cathedral in Wells in Somerset and Taunton Castle in the town of Taunton in Somerset.