LOCAL HISTORY

The history of Kewstoke is linked with that of Woodspring Priory on slopes of Middle Hope.
The Priory, owned by the Landmark Trust was founded in 1210 by William de Courtenay, a
grandson of Reginald Fritz Urse, one of the murderers of Thomas a Becket.
Visitors can reach the Priory from the Queensway in Worle.

It was in Kewstoke Church, on the north facing slope of Worlebury Hill that the Reqliquary was found in a wall in 1849. A stone on which was carved an effigy was found to have a hollow cavity at the back in which there were the remains of a wooden vessel.

It was believed to have belonged to the Priory and said to contain a layer of dark substance considered to be blood from the murdered Archbishop. This artefact is held in the Somerset County Museum at Taunton.

Opposite the Church is Monk's Hill with the ancient St Kew's Steps, which connected the sea below the village to the Worlebury Hill camp in Weston Woods.

CAN YOU HELP?

• THE GREAT FLOOD OF 1981.
  On the 13th 14th December 1981 Weston and outlying villages were devastated by a great
  storm. The sea flooding the roads and buildings caused great damage all over the area.
  
  Were you or your relatives living in Beach Road or any area in the village that was affected
  by the storm at the time?
  
  Did your property suffer flooding or damage. If so how did you cope? Perhaps you helped with
  evacuation of villagers or opened your home to any who's own home was flooded?
  
  Did you help with the clearing up or repairing any damage afterwards? Did you help to raise
  money or donations?
  
  Do you have any photographs taken at the time that I could copy?
  
  I am trying to put together a book covering all aspects of the flood & storm to go into the
  village archive. Any information, photos or reminisces would be gratefully received.
  
  Sue Ryall. Local Historian. Tel. 633407 e-mail: sueryall@sky.com
  

• MYSTERY VASE.
  Do you know anything about this vase? It was presented to the Parish Council and we would like to know more
  about its history, is it connected with the Golf links on Middle Hope?
  
  We have contacted the Stoke on Trent museum and think that the initials "A & S", on the base of the vase are
  Arkinstall and Son, Stoke c. 1904 -24.
  If you can shed any light on this please email us, info@kewstoke.org

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