Uphill
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Uphill is a village on the edge of Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset, England.
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History
There is evidence of a port at Uphill since Roman times, probably for the export of lead from the Mendip Hills. It continued as a small landing stage for many centuries including the import of coal and iron and the export of local produce.[1]
The Bristol to Exeter railway line runs through a steep cutting between Uphill and nearby Bleadon. This cutting is spanned by a high brick bridge known as "Devil's Bridge" and designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The former Bleadon and Uphill railway station served the village from 1871 until 1964.
Geography
Uphill is situated at the south end of Weston Bay, where the River Axe flows into the Bristol Channel, and was once a busy port. The Mendip Way long-distance footpath has its western trailhead at Uphill near the wharf.
The village is dominated on its southern side by a large hill, the southern slope of which and the quarry at its western end form the Uphill Cliff Site of Special Scientific Interest, notable for its species-rich calcareous grassland. A tower on the hill is the remains of a 14th-century windmill.
Religious sites
On top of the hill stands the unroofed Norman "Old Church of St Nicholas". The present day Church of St Nicholas is situated on lower ground towards the north end of the village.[2]
Public services
Uphill is home to Weston General Hospital. Weston Hospicecare, a hospice providing palliative care to patients from the surrounding area with terminal illnesses, is also based here.
References
- ^ Farr, Grahame (1954). Somerset Harbours. London: Christopher Johnson. pp. 65.
- ^ "Uphill Church of St Nicholas". Images of England. http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=33246. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
External links
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