Mere

Directory Information

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About Mere

Overlooking Mere

Overlooking Mere

Mere is a small town in the county of Wiltshire, it lies at the extreme south western tip of Salisbury Plain close to the borders of Somerset and Dorset. The Stourhead Estate at the source of the River Stour is located near Mere and is maintained under the ownership of the National Trust. The estate includes a Palladian mansion, the village of Stourton, gardens, farmland, and woodland.

 

History

Stourhead House

Stourhead House

  • There is evidence of farming on Whitesheet Hill in Neolithic times (2000BC).
  • It seems likely that the site of Mere itself was first settled in Saxon times but the date is uncertain. The name probably comes from the Saxon ‘Mere’ meaning a marsh or boundary – Mere is on the meeting place of three Saxon shires. There is much evidence that Mere flourished in medieval times.
  • Mere owes part of its successful mixture of trades to its location, serving as a coaching stop with inns and supporting businesses. A range of local industries such as wool and flax spinning, as well as market gardening and plant husbandry have flourished. In the latter part of the 19th century, silk was spun at several mills. Dairy farming and brush making also played a significant part in the local economy from the early 20th century. Mere remains a staging post being half way from London to the West Country destinations.
 Facts
  • Population – 2,633 (2001)
  • Unitary Authority – Wiltshire Council
  • Major Industries – Mixed Local Economy
  • Post Town – WARMINSTER
  • Postcode District – BA12
  • Dialling code – 01747
  • Police – Wiltshire Police
  • Fire – Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Ambulance – Great Western Ambulance Service

Discover Mere – links to town guides, what’s on and places to see

Whitesheet Hill, Mere

Whitesheet Hill, Mere

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