North Somerset remains an integral part of Somerset, emphasized its council leader, Mike Bell, as the county commemorated Somerset Day on May 11.
North Somerset, encompassing towns such as Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, Nailsea, and Portishead, was separated from Somerset Council in 1974 to join the then-new County of Avon. Following administrative changes, it became an independent authority known as “North Somerset.” Despite using Bristol postcodes, it officially belongs to the ceremonial county of Somerset.
Marking the occasion, Mike Bell posted on Facebook: “I am proud to live in this historic county. Regardless of local government boundaries, the Royal Mail, or other classifications, I was born and have always lived in Somerset.”
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To celebrate the day, the Somerset flag was raised above the town hall in Weston-super-Mare. Bell encouraged residents to remember the Somersaete Aelle—the people of Somerset who contribute to the county’s rich community and heritage.
Somerset Day annually commemorates two significant historical events on May 11: Alfred the Great’s 878 call for all Somerset people to unite against Viking invaders, and, a century later, King Edgar’s coronation as the first king of all England in Bath Abbey.
The day became an official county celebration in 2015 after a popular vote. Like North Somerset, Bath was also removed from Somerset Council in 1974 but remains part of the ceremonial county.
North Somerset Council reinforced this unity, stating, “We’re flying the Somerset flag above the town hall in Weston-super-Mare to mark the day. Though administratively separate, North Somerset, Somerset Council, and Bath & North East Somerset Council share the ceremonial county identity of Somerset.”