Worle

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Map sources for Worle at grid reference ST355627

Worle is a village in North Somerset that is now totally absorbed by the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare. Despite this, Worle actually pre-dates Weston and was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. In the book, it is said that Worle was owned by Walter of Douai, and consisted of 750 acres and valued at 6.5 hides. “Walter de Dowai holds of the King, Worle. Edgar held it in the time of King Edward, and gelded for six hides and a half.” The parish church of St. Martin's sits on the side of Worlebury Hill and overlooks the village.

St Martin's Church in Worle

The name was possibly formed from the Old English Wor + leah meaning 'wood or clearing frequented by grouse', or perhaps 'moor meadow'. It is pronounced whirl.

Worle has grown dramatically in the last 40 years. That initial development in the 1970s and 1980s included a large number of houses, a Sainsburys supermarket, a secondary school and an ecumenical church (St Marks). However in recent years a larger range of facilities and amenities have opened up, including large stores, shops, a medical centre, a train station and additional churches. Weston-super-Mare's Magistrates Court has also relocated to Worle. It also has a number of active groups and societies including a Lions club.

St Martin's Church was built in 1125 and rebuilt during the 14th and 15th centuries, with major restoration and extension work in 1870. The Church is now ecumenical, with Methodist as well as Church of England ministers.

[edit] Transport

Worle is located close to junction 21 of the M5 motorway. Bristol is approximately 20 miles way and is accessed by the A370 road. Worle has a train station linking it to the city of Bristol to the north and Weston-super-Mare and Exeter to the south. Worle also has bus connections running every ten minutes into the centre of Weston-super-Mare and bus routes to Bristol and other locations.