A large amount of local historical information is stored in personal memory and on totally disorganised pieces of paper. Both mediums being subject to human frailty. This was then the reason for committing this potted version of our village history into print.
The settlement of the earth's crust which occurred early in Carboniferous
period (350-270 million years ago) culminated in one of the greatest earth
movements that the world has known. It was during this period that Dundry
Hill was formed.
The hill lies on a roughly east/west axis from the A38 right across to the
Iron Age fort at Maes Knoll. The escarpment rising to over 700 feet forms a
green backcloth for the whole of south Bristol.
Dundry Freestone forms a cap over the length of the hill varying in
thickness from four feet at the eastern end to a maximum of 27 feet at the
western end.
It is largely the concentration of a number of ammonite species that
distinguishes Dundry Freestone, described in geological terms as 'upper
inferior oolite'. Interestingly, it is the basis of similar concentrations
that has established the correlation of Dundry and the Cotswolds, rather
than the Mendips.
On Dundry Hill there was deposited some 10 feet of lower inferior oolite
preserved beneath the upper beds. The term 'inferior' does not imply
unworthiness, but refers to the relative position in the strata of the rock
formation.
For many years the Dundry Downs were a picnickers' dream with softly
grass-covered humps and dumps. In all probability this was caused by
centuries of spoil from the quarries. Modem farming methods have now
flattened this but. . . that is progress.
Dundry emerged at the beginning of the last century as a fairly poorly
served community. There was no piped water, electricity or mains drainage,
and dirt roads meant mud in winter and dust in summer. However, it had a
fine community spirit and a natural ability to enjoy itself.
Houses were mainly grouped in clusters or hamlets such as East Dundry. This
hamlet has probably the best collection of farms and cottages and is
described locally as 'an overcoat warmer' being tucked down so snugly in its
valley.
Other hamlets include Coldharbour, Michinpool by the Chapel, called after
the farm of that name, and Crabtree Close. The centre of the village with
the church, school and pub and associated old cottages mingle with more
up-to-date properties in this area including Ham Lane. Later additions such
as Andruss Drive, Beech Croft, Quarry Close and The Mead came after the
Second World War and Crabtree Close was added to. Other housing is on access
roads such as Dundry Lane which are lined with individual houses and modern
bungalows.
![]() "Children on The Steps" 1912 |
Who undertook this major task of constructing 147 steps, giving a staircase
from the lower field footpaths to the centre of the village is still a
mystery. The hard pennant stone used must have been carried up the hill by
horse and cart for a minimum of 3 miles. The steps would have helped labour
to reach the centre of the village from the footpath below to the quarries
or for a major project.
There are many old farm buildings such as Grove Farm with its turret stair
and draw bar for protecting the front door. The date is 1653 but the deeds
are held showing that the original building is much older than that.
Castle Farm is on a very strategic site with commanding views and its
antiquity is obvious from its architectural style.
Hill House Farm has grown with its many additions but the stone-mullioned
windows indicate very early building.
Elwell Farm, built by a London businessman at the end of the 19th century
has interesting features such as a cistern for holding rainwater in the
cellars.
The attractive outbuildings lent themselves to conversion to a racing
stable. After a successful start this venture collapsed because of a
persistent lung infection, which developed in the horses.
Most of the farms such as Upton, Watercress, Northill, Walnut and Spring are
dated from the 17th and 18th centuries and all have a fascinating history.
Highridge Farm was destroyed by fire but there is a complete record of its
structure, buildings and fields with even the crops listed.
Farming activity was mainly limited to small-scale milk production. Some
farmers such as Walter Beaton and George Hill sold their milk locally in the
Bedminster district up to the 1950s.
It is recorded that Dundry had very sweet grass meadows growing on the
limestone hill. All the hay was cut and harvested by hand at the beginning
of the last century and at that time Dundry had its own smithy, bakery and
post office at the Carpenter's Arms and adjoining cottages. The cottage
opposite was the carpenter's shop and Mr J Brock, the undertaker had
premises in the Maidenhead Inn building. There were two boot and shoe
makers. Much later Maud Oldfield had a shop in the centre of the village and
paraffin and hardware were sold in the old Maidenhead Inn store.
The most important road historically is Wells-Road which is the Roman
road linking the Mendips down into Bristol. This road would have been used
to bring lead from Charterhouse to the city and was also originally the
Wells coaching route. The line of the road on Broadoak Hill was staggered
presumably to enable horses and carts, and coaches to manage the steep
incline.
There are unconfirmed reports of a skeleton being uncovered at Hilly Mead on
Broad Oak at the beginning of the last century when land was being excavated
for a tennis court.
The other main artery was the Great Western Road now known as the A38
Bridgwater Road. This road had to be realigned to accommodate the
construction of the reservoirs in the 1850s and 1860s.
Acknowledgement:
This extract from the booklet “A Taste of Dundry” is reproduced by kind
permission of the author, John Rilett MBE.
Complete copies of the booklet, and a hand finished reproduction of the
1842 Dundry Parish Plan, may be purchased
directly from the author:
J B Rilett
42 Church Town
Backwell
BS48 3JF
Tel: 01275 880 935