Southstoke

infobox UK place
country = England
official_name= Southstoke
population =
os_grid_reference = ST747612
latitude= 51.3497
longitude= -2.3639
unitary_england= Bath and North East Somerset
lieutenancy_england=Somerset
region= South West England
post_town = Bath
postcode_district = BA2
postcode_area=BA
dial_code =
constituency_westminster = Wansdyke to be North East Somerset from next general election.

Southstoke is a small village in North East Somerset, England. In 2004 the parish council requested that the name be formally changed to South Stoke, as "this is historically the more established spelling (rather than the single word spelling Southstoke) and better reflects the origin and meaning of the Parish name." [cite web |url=http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/committee_papers/Council/CO040122/16southstoke.htm |title= South Stoke Parish - change of name |accessdate=2007-12-26 |format= |work=Bath and North East Somerset Council ]

It is convert|2|mi|km|0|lk=on south of the city of Bath, on the River Avon and the route of the disused Somerset Coal Canal. The village provides views over the surrounding area and is the starting point for country walks. A popular route is to visit other villages and their pubs in the area, such as Combe Hay and Midford.

Packhorse Inn

Its main feature is its traditional pub, the Packhorse, which serves many ales and Cheddar Valley scrumpy cider, as well as food. There is a garden to sit in when the weather is nice. You can even take your dog in.

The pub dates from 1498 when it was rebuilt on the site of an earlier guesthouse or hostelry built by monks to provide shelter with food and drink for travellers and pilgrims. [cite web |url=http://www.packhorseinn.com/about.asp |title=Packhorse Inn |accessdate=2007-12-26 |format= |work=Packhorse Inn ] The present building dates from 1674, and has been designated by English Heritage as grade II listed building. [cite web | title= Packhorse Inn | work=Images of England | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?id=407929 | accessdate=2007-12-26]

Church of St James

The church is dedicated to St. James. It dates from the 12th century, was altered in the 15th and further restored with the chancel and south aisle being rebuilt between 1845 and 1850. It is grade II* listed. [cite web | title= St. James' Church | work=Images of England | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?id=407930 | accessdate=2007-12-26]

References

External links

* [http://www.packhorseinn.com/ Packhorse Inn]
* [http://www.somerset.gov.uk/archives/Maps/OS61htm/1413.htm Map of South Stoke c.1884-87]
* [http://www.somerset3d.co.uk/logos%20&%20pictures/town%20&%20village%20pages/southstoke.html Photos of Southstoke in 3d (Anaglyphs)]