Axbridge

Axanbrycg is suggested as the source of the name, meaning a bridge over the River Axe, in the early 9th century. Early inhabitants of the area almost certainly include the Romans (who are known to have mined lead on the top of the Mendips) and, earlier still, prehistoric man, who lived in the local caves and whose flint tools have been found on the slopes of the local hills. The history of Axbridge can be traced back to the reign of King Alfred, when it was part of the Saxons' defence system for Wessex against the Vikings. In the Burghal Hidage, a list of burhs compiled in 910, it was listed as Axanbrycg. A listing of Axbridge appears in Domesday Book of 1086 as ', meaning 'axe bridge' from…