About Frome
History
In
the early 1700’s Frome was a commercial centre, it built it’s wealth on the
wool and cloth trade. At that time the population was around 10,000, four
times larger than Bath! The Founder of Frome, Saint Aldhelm
(c.639-709), believed to be the first English scholar, being a popular
teacher, song writer, poet, bishop and counsellor, initiated the building of
churches and monasteries.
What made Frome the relatively large, thriving medieval town was the wool industry, as at that time the export of wool was the main source of revenue for all concerned, including the monarchy. From wool the town progressed into cloth production, adding to the prosperity of the Frome in general. As the town’s reputation for good cloth grew, fleeces from further a field, (Salisbury Plain and the Cotswold Hills) started to come to the area for combing, spinning and weaving. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the industry turned to casting iron components for the gas industry. The spin off from this last venture meant that Frome in 1832 had gas lit streets.
Annual Events
Spring
Valentine
Lamp Lighting Ceremony
The
Valentine's Lamp is the only working gas lamp in Somerset. It
is lit at a ceremony dedicated to lovers on the 14th of February at the top
of Catherine Hill.
Pancake Races
A new up and coming event for Easter. The
competitors race up Catherine Hill with a frying pan and a pancake, tossing
it a certain periods along the way. At the top they exchange the
frying pan and pancake for a spoon and Easter egg, and try to get back down
again first.
Summer
Frome Medieval Festival
St Catherine's Hill Medieval Street Fair has stalls and fun for all the
family get a feel of the olden days!
Autumn
Frome Cheese Show
Frome Cheese Show is a
large agricultural show,
with ring events. Trade, craft, horticultural and cheese tents.
There is a wide variety for
the whole family to enjoy.
8.30am—6pm. West Woodlands.
September
Frome Carnival
Frome Carnival is a two part event, with both a
children's and adult's display comprised of a bright and colourful
array of floats.
Children's: 2.30 pm from Victoria Park.
Adult's: 7pm from Marston Trading Estate.
September
Winter
Christmas Extravaganza
The Frome Christmas Extravaganza is a key event in Frome with colourful,
luminous floats, Father Christmas, the switching on of the Christmas lights,
late night shopping & entertainment including firework display
Start Time: 18:00
November
Places of Interest
Frome Museum
Frome Museum is currently displaying a variety of exhibitions including,
the art of JW Singer & Sons Ltd of international renown that originally
specialised in church ornaments, plate and memorials, and went on to
statuary and war memorials.
Admission is free and any one is welcome
Longleat
Longleat is fun for all the family, widely recognised for it's exciting
safari park and miraculous grounds. Attractions include; The
butterfly garden, King Arthur's mirror maze, The Adventure Castle, The
Blue Peter Maze, Pets Corner, A Large Maze, Longleat House, Safari Boats
and various gift shops.
Phone Warminster: 01985 844400 for more details
Wookey Hole
Britain's most famous caves, legendary for 'The Witch of Wookey Hole'.
It's beauty has been enhanced by adeptly placed lighting, topped off by
enchanting sounds.
It is open 7 days a week and is an all weather facility for the entire
family.
For more details contact Wookey Hole, Wells on: 01749 672243
Useful Numbers
Emergency Utility Numbers
Electricity- Southern 0845 770 8090
Gas- Transco 0800 111999
Water- Bristol Water, Water Services 0800 373501 and
Wessex Water Sewage Services 0845 7300600
Blood Donors
National Call Centre- 0845 7711711
Citizens Advice Bureaux
Frome- 5 King Street, Mon, Wed, Fri 10-3.30, Tue 2-7, Thurs 10-1 01373
465496
Councils
Somerset County Council
Community Services for Adults & Older People 0845 345
9133
Children/Young People/Learning 0845 345 9122
Environment & Community Protection 0845 345 9188
Library Service 0845 345 9177
Roads & Transport 0845 345 9155
Somerset Culture & Heritage 0845 345 9144
General Enquiries Service 0845 345 9166
Mendip District Council, Shepton Mallet 01749 343399
Frome Town Council, 5 Palmers Street 01373 465757
Hospitals
Frome Victoria Hospital, Park Road, Frome Casualty- 01373 463591
Police
Oakfield Road, Frome 01225 444343
Births, Deaths, Marriages
West Hill House, West End, Frome: Mon, Tue and Fri 9.30-1 Wed 9.30-2 01373
462887
Social Services
Frome Public Offices, Christ Church Street West 01373 461162
Tourist Information
The Round Tower, 2 Bridge Street, Frome BA11 1BB - Open Monday to Saturday
10am to 5pm Visit-
www.frometouristinfo.co.uk or call 01373
467271
National Rail Enquiries
Visit
www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 0845 748
4950
Members of Parliament
David Heath M.P, 14 Catherine Hill, Frome BA11 1BZ 01373 473618
Emergency Vets
Garston veterinary Group, Garston House, Portway, Frome 01373 452225
Shop mobility
Frome Shop mobility, next to the Cheese and Grain, in the Market Place Car
Park. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9.30am to
4.30pm 01373 467711
Badger Line
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southwest/somerset/home/
-Information on local badgerline bus times and fares
Car Parking
Free One Hour Parking in: Market Place (Opposite the George) 10 spaces and Catherine Street (near the valentine lamppost) 5 spaces.
Free Two Hour Parking in: Badcox (Opposite JCR) 19 spaces.
Location of Car Park Spaces Charge for 2 hour stay
Cork Street Car Park
|
70 | £1.20-50p, refund for Somerfield customers |
Market Yard |
358 | 60p-50p refund for Somerfield customers |
Merchants Barton
|
71 | 60p |
Safeways |
136 | £2.00, free for Safeway customers |
Vicarage Street
|
18 | 50p |
North Parade
|
89 | 50p |
South Parade
|
34 | 50p |
Markets
The Main Market
in Frome is held every Wednesday and Saturday in the Market Yard Car Park.
Stalls include: Clothes, Flowers, Accessories, Cosmetics, Toiletries,
Spare Parts, Toys and much more.
Specialist markets take places in The
Cheese & Grain at various times, including a
Farmers Market on the second Saturday of every month, a Flea market
every Monday, an Antiques, Collectors and Flea market every Wednesday,
Country Markets (Formally known as the Women's Institute Market) every
Thursday and a Mini Flea Market every Friday. There are also several
other specialised markets held within the cheese and grain including; CD and
Record fairs, Collectors and Crafts, The National Child Birth Trust Sale,
Charity Fairs, Camera Fairs, Garden Markets, Rabbit Shows, Toy and Model
Fairs, etc.
For more information call The Cheese and Grain: 01373 455768
