Pensford

Today we walked around the village of Pensford in Somerset (see map for location). We explored the village, where there is an old lockup (17th/18th century) like the one on the bridge in Bradford-on-Avon, a church dedicated to St Thomas à Becket (sadly disused but about to be restored) on an island in the river, a viaduct across the valley, remains of coal-mining, a medieval bridge, a pack-horse bridge, and various converted mills. The village shop was open so we were able to buy some nibbles (and the shop-owner was very friendly). We walked up Wick Lane to the top of the hill, and could see across to the Mendips and Stanton Drew stone circle in one direction, and the southern Cotswolds and Kelston Round Hill in the other direction. One of the mine buildings had been converted into a rather unusual house, though at the back of it, there was a large expanse of black where the slag-heap had been levelled.

We quite often do small village walks in the winter, as it saves getting your feet muddy, and there's something to look at besides leafless trees and muddy fields.

Pensford is named after the 7th-century King Penda of Mercia, after whom the humble penny is said to be named. Penda's father was called Pybba, and the neighbouring village, Publow, is named after Pybba. Penda was also the last pagan king in England.