- Locking, North Somerset
infobox UK place
country = England
latitude= 51.3309
longitude= -2.9108
official_name= Locking
civil_parish=
population = 2,144 [cite web | title=2001 Census data | work=North Somerset Council | url=http://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/F6BA2E91-BED9-49D0-9D50-8A47F7D5C132/0/Census_2001_Locking.pdf | accessdate=2006-11-27]
unitary_england=North Somerset
lieutenancy_england=Somerset
region= South West England
constituency_westminster= Weston-super-Mare
post_town=
postcode_district = BS24
postcode_area= BS
dial_code= 01934
os_grid_reference= ST365595Locking is a
village andcivil parish in a predominantly quiet residential area ofNorth Somerset ,England , 3.5 miles (5.5 km) south east of thetown ofWeston-super-Mare and houses a large farming contingent. The village gave its name toRAF Locking , which has now closed and proposals are under consideration for an employment and residential development for the site that could deliver 25 hectare (62 acre) of employment space and up to 1,800 new homes.The village of Locking is small but has a long history. There is evidence of Roman settlements nearby. The name "Locking" has a Saxon derivation probably meaning "Locc's people" and it was in the Saxon period that the church and village grew. St Augustine's church in Locking was founded around AD 1230 by the monks of
Woodspring Priory . The oldest part of the church visible today is the tower which was built in 1380. The font has carvings characteristic of Celtic art from the 11th century, and the figures at the corners are dressed in armour of the style of Richard I (1189–1199). [cite web | title=Press Release - New name for RAF Locking announced | work=English Partnerships | date=19 October 2006 | url=http://www.englishpartnerships.co.uk/page.aspx?pointerID=5A88DD3A47734F64953DB3BBAC0DE3B5 | accessdate=2006-11-27]As well as a pub and church the village contains a village hall, school (Locking Primary School), a Post Office, two Hairdressers, a Chinese Takeaway, a reptile shop and Petrol Service Station comprising of cars sale & mechanical workshop.
Pub
Locking is home to the Coach House Inn pub which sponsors
Locking Park FC whom can be seen playing football every other Saturday during the football season at the "Top Pitch" football arena situated in the village on Old Banwell Road. It is also the hub of activity for local residents and as well as football it also supports competitive teams fordarts ,skittles ,cricket and pool.Church
The Parish Church of St. Augustine dates from the late 14th century and is a grade II*
listed building . It stands on a hill above a valley by the Mendip Hills and has views towards the nearby coast. There has been a church since around AD 1230. [cite web | title=Parish Church of St. Augustine | work=Images of England | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?id=33388 | accessdate=2006-11-27]References
External links
* [http://www.staugustineslocking.org.uk/ St Augustine's Church]
* [http://www.staugustineslocking.org.uk/index.html]
* [http://www.locking.n-somerset.sch.uk/ Locking Primary School]
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