Nestled just outside Bath lies Norton St Philip, a captivating village that feels like a journey back through centuries. When touring Somerset, this quaint hamlet is a must-visit — not only for its renowned coaching inn, The George, but for the rich layers of history woven through its streets.
Norton St Philip has a fascinating past marked by a brutal 17th-century battle where blood ran down the village’s cobblestones. History enthusiasts will delight in its secret tunnels, narrow alleyways, and charming cottages that transport visitors to another time.
Liz Matthews, who moved to the village several years ago, shared her love for Norton with SomersetLive in 2022. Enchanted by its quintessential English character, she recalled how her first date at The George highlighted the inn’s unique architecture. “My husband, an architect, was fascinated by the outside gallery leading to the toilets,” she said.
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During the lockdown, Liz crafted the Battlefield Trail—a free walking tour enabling locals and visitors to experience Norton as a 17th-century villager would. Along North Street, once the main road to Bath, remnants of a manor house and farm walls still stand, providing a tangible link to the past.
In June 1685, the village was the backdrop to a fierce confrontation between the Duke of Monmouth and King James II. Monmouth, headquartered at The George, narrowly escaped a bullet that shattered a first-floor window. The following day, a barricade in North Street set the stage for a bloody skirmish. Though Monmouth’s forces suffered few casualties, 12 villagers were later executed for treason, a grim legacy that shapes Liz’s tours.
The George itself dates back to the 13th century, originally established by monks from the nearby Hinton Priory to house visitors. Legend tells of a concealed tunnel linking the priory to the inn—a secret passage said to still exist today.
Beyond the inn, visitors will discover a 14th-century church, one of England’s smallest common lands, and a Tudor dovecote that once housed up to 800 birds. The village is also known for its warm, welcoming residents who never fail to greet you with a friendly “good morning.”
Matt, a local resident who lives in what used to be the manor farm’s milking parlour, enjoys being surrounded by history. He points out neighboring structures that were once a tithe barn and marvels at the Tudor rose masonry on the dovecote’s roof.
Even the village’s street names echo its past. Bell Hill, named after a clever communication system, once featured the Prince Blucher Inn at its base. Coal wagons from Radstock would signal for help by pulling a rope that rang a bell at The George. A trained cart-horse would then descend the hill alone to assist the wagons up the climb, rewarded with coins slipped into its pouch before returning to the stable.
To truly experience Norton St Philip, climb Bell Hill and end your visit with a pint at The George. The breathtaking views and rich history make every step worthwhile.
This story was first published in December 2022 and republished in December 2025.