Burrow Mump is located at a strategic point where the River Tone and the old course of the River Cary join the River Parrett. According to local legend, King Alfred used the hill as a defensive position against the Danes, but there is no evidence that this was true. It may also have been the site of a Norman motte and bailey castle. It was owned by Athelney Abbey from around 937 AD.
In medieval times a chapel dedicated to St Michael was built on top of Burrow Mump. It was rebuilt several times and was still standing in the mid-17th century. During the English Civil War, Royalist troops occupied Burrow Mump in 1642 and for three days in 1645, after losing the Battle of Langport. By the mid-18th century the chapel was in ruins and in 1793 rebuilding commenced, but the church was never completed. The church is built of lias with Ham stone and red brick dressings. In 1836-8 a church (also dedicated to St Michael) was built at the foot of the hill in the village of Burrowbridge instead.
Burrow Mump and the unfinished church were given to the National Trust by Major Alexander Gould Barrett in 1946, as a memorial to the Somerset men and women who lost their lives during the Second World War. There is a small car park located just off the A361 to the east of Burrow Mump.
In medieval times a chapel dedicated to St Michael was built on top of Burrow Mump. It was rebuilt several times and was still standing in the mid-17th century. During the English Civil War, Royalist troops occupied Burrow Mump in 1642 and for three days in 1645, after losing the Battle of Langport. By the mid-18th century the chapel was in ruins and in 1793 rebuilding commenced, but the church was never completed. The church is built of lias with Ham stone and red brick dressings. In 1836-8 a church (also dedicated to St Michael) was built at the foot of the hill in the village of Burrowbridge instead.
Burrow Mump and the unfinished church were given to the National Trust by Major Alexander Gould Barrett in 1946, as a memorial to the Somerset men and women who lost their lives during the Second World War. There is a small car park located just off the A361 to the east of Burrow Mump.
St Michael's Church
St Michael's Church
Inside St Michael's Church
St Michael's Church
View across the Levels from St Michael's Church
War memorial plaque
Burrow Mump at sunset
Burrow Mump just after sunset
Burrow Mump in the twilight
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