Keynsham
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Keynsham | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Statistics | ||
| Population: | 15,500 | |
| Ordnance Survey | ||
| OS grid reference: | ST654684 | |
| Administration | ||
| District: | Bath and North East Somerset | |
| Region: | South West England | |
| Constituent country: | England | |
| Sovereign state: | United Kingdom | |
| Other | ||
| Ceremonial county: | Somerset | |
| Historic county: | Somerset | |
| Services | ||
| Police force: | Avon and Somerset | |
| Fire and rescue: | {{{Fire}}} | |
| Ambulance: | South Western | |
| Post office and telephone | ||
| Post town: | BRISTOL | |
| Postal district: | BS31 | |
| Dialling code: | 0117 | |
| Politics | ||
| UK Parliament: | Wansdyke | |
| European Parliament: | South West England | |
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Keynsham (pronounced "CANE-sh'm"), is a town between Bristol and Bath in south west England.
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[edit] History and geography
Traditionally a town in the county of Somerset, Keynsham was administered as part of the shortlived county of Avon between 1974 and 1996 and now resides in the unitary authority of Bath and North East Somerset which, along with North Somerset and the non-metropolitan county of Somerset, forms the ceremonial county of Somerset. At Keynsham, the River Chew meets the River Avon, at the Keynsham Lock and weir.
Keynsham is scattered with Roman remains, such as the Roman villas at Somerdale and Durley Hill and a burial site between Keynsham and Saltford.The settlement, said to be named after Saint Keyna, developed into a mediaeval market town, its growth prompted by the foundation of an influential and prosperous abbey, founded by the Victorine order of Augustinian monks. The town was the site of a battle between royalist forces and the rebel Duke of Monmouth.
Described in a dictionary published in 1752 as 'a foggy smoaky town, whose market is weekly on Thursday; it has fine stone bridge over the River Avon, and its principal trade is malting; in the neighbourhood of this town is a quarry in which are frequently foundstones inform of serpents, but generally without any representation of a head'
The Saxons are said to have lived in Keynsham.
[edit] Industry
An important industry in the town is Cadbury's chocolate factory, formerly Fry's which was merged with Cadbury's in 1989. Keynsham Cadbury is the home of Fry's Chocolate Cream, the Double Decker, Dairy Milk, Chocolate Buttons, Mini Eggs, Cream Eggs, Fudge, Chomp and most importantly, the Crunchie. According to Cadbury Employees (or 'Chocolate Welders' as they are locally known), the Crunchie Machine makes enough bars to stretch to The Moon and back every week!
[edit] Fame
In 1969, the town featured as the title of the third album by the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. The title was chosen after Keynsham rose to fame after featuring on an advert on Radio Luxembourg for Horace Bachelor's Infra-draw betting system. The name of the town was spelled out, "Keynsham – spelt K-E-Y-N-S-H-A-M – Keynsham, Bristol".
On February 2, 2005, Keynsham was granted Fairtrade Town status.
Famous people from Keynsham including England & Somerset cricketer Marcus Trescothick, who was made Freeman of Keynsham and after whom a new close was named. In the town centre there is set to be a moasic of the hospital and him.
Bill Bailey was raised in Keynsham and is now a famous comedian.
Beth Gibbons is lead singer of Portishead and is a solo artist.
Mark Regan is a professional rugby player and a former player at Keynsham RFC, he also won the rugby world cup with England in 2003. Although he had a sojourn at Bath Rugby he is now back with the area's premier club Bristol Rugby. Hoping to follow in his footsteps is local homegrown talent Neil Wilmer, a long time member of the club, who is hoping to be leading England to glory in future world cups.
Bassist Charlie Jones, member of Goldfrapp and worked with Page and Plant was born here.
Lancashire wicket keeper and batsman Luke Sutton is also from Keynsham. Gareth Andrew of Somerset County Cricket Club played for Keynsham cricket club.
Young Snooker Professional Judd Trump is 17yrs old and resides in Keynsham.
[edit] Outskirts
On the outskirts of Keynsham lies Keynsham Humpy Tumps, one of the most floristically rich acidic grassland sites within the Avon area. Between Keynsham and Saltford, an area of green belt has been planted as the Manor Road Community Woodland and was designated as a Nature Reserve in 2005.Also look out for Keynshams top tourist attraction Avon Valley Country Park voted one the best family day outs by the times newspaper
[edit] Twin towns
Keynsham has one official twin town:
[edit] External links
- Keynsham On-line - a website with information about the town.
- St Keyne
- Cane Shum - lighthearted view of the town.
- Keynsham Town Council
- Proposed housing on greenbelt land.
