Chelwood
Somerset
Situated at the Eastern end of the picturesque Chew Valley, some 9 miles West of Bath and the same distance South of Bristol, Chelwood is mentioned in the Domesday Book and its name is derived from the Saxon "Cellwert" meaning "Hill Farm". The nearby Chelwood House was built as a "Dower House" in 1861 and today is a very exclusive Country House Hotel, whilst Lady Farm in Chelwood is renowned for its beautiful gardens.
Chelwood's Parish Church of St. Leonard is well over 700 years old and the Norman font still has the marks of the locking staples, which were incorporated to prevent witches from stealing the holy water.
Four of Chelwood's parishioners went to and returned safely from the Great war of 1914-1918 to give thanks in this historic old church.
Text and photographs - Rod Morris