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War Memorial on North Hill in Minehead, Somerset, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minehead_-_geograph.org.uk_-_36873.jpgAuthor: Steve Edge
Minehead is a seaside town in West Somerset, England. Located close to Exmoor National Park, it is about 34 km (21 mi) to the northwest of Taunton, the county town of Somerset. Minehead faces the Bristol Channel and has a population approaching 11,000 people (2012 estimate).
Human habitation in what is today Minehead goes back to prehistory, specifically to the Bronze and Iron Ages. Under the Anglo-Saxons, it was held by Ælfgar, the Earl of Mercia, followed by William de Moyon.
Minehead was little more than a small fishing port until the late 14th century, when it began to develop into a medieval-era trading hub. A jetty was built here in 1420, funded by Lady Margaret Luttrell. The port traded in salt, wool, textile and other goods.
Beach at Minehead, Somerset: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shingle_on_the_beach,_Minehead_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1660829.jpgAuthor: Nigel Chadwick
By the 17th century, the fortunes of the town began to ebb, due to silting of its harbor. An interest in sea-bathing in the 18th century helped to reverse the downslide, and it reinvented itself as a tourist destination, and by the mid 19th century, as a retirement village.
Today Minehead is a modern English towns. Among the retail outlets here include supermarkets Tesco and Morrissons, pharmacy Boots and bookstore WH Smith.
Minehead Lifeboat Station: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minehead_lifeboat_station_D549.jpgAuthor: Geof Sheppard
Visiting Minehead
From London, take the M4 motorway to Junction 20, then continue west on the M5 motorway. Exit the M5 at Junction 25, then head west on the A358 road to Williton, where you continue west on the A39 road until arriving at Minehead.Places of Interest in Minehead
- Blenheim Gardens: Ornamental garden in Minehead.
- Butlins Resort Minehead: Holiday camp operated by Butlins. It opened in 1962 and is still operational today.
- Chapel of St Peter: Quayside chapel that was in 1628 a cellar belonging to Robert Quirke, who dedicated it to God's service, offering it for prayers to those out at sea.
- St Michael's Church: Anglican parish church dating to the 15th century, and today a Grade II* listed heritage building.
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