Somerset

In this collection of over seventy black and white photographs, the extraordinary diversity of landscape in Somerset is shown, from the bleak, limestone hills, riddled with caves and stone quarries, of the Mendips in the north, to the forested slopes of the Blackdowns and Quantocks, and the Exmoor National Park in the west. In the centre, a deep basin, lie the Somerset Levels, over 150 square kilometres of wetland, rich pastureland, much of which, until recently, remained underwater during the winter months.The county also contains many historic landmarks of national importance: the last battle on English soil, the battle of Sedgemoor, took place at Westonzoyland; the first Christian community settled at Glastonbury; and one of the first commercial nuclear power stations was built on the coast at Hinkley Point. In addition, the influence of some of the trades for which Somerset is well known can be seen - its cider orchards, its withies and peat workings - as well as some of its more remote rural haunts and coastal villages, perhaps hitherto only really familiar to local inhabitants.Well-known and much visited landmarks are not forgotten - Wells Cathedral and Cheddar Gorge, Montacute House and Glastonbury Abbey, among others - and these are shown by the photographer in a new light.The accompanying text describes the history and legend of the places photographed and details the photographic techniques employed. A tour of the county by a photographer who knows it well, Photographers' Britain: Somerset will appeal not only to the tourist and visitor, but to those who live there and to camera enthusiasts everywhere.