Porlock Weir, Ancient harbor settlement in Somerset West and Taunton, England
Porlock Weir is a harbor settlement on the coast of Somerset West and Taunton where sailboats and fishing boats anchor in the port. Tides control access to the maritime facilities throughout the day.
Records show Danish raids on this port in the 9th century, and in 1052 Harold Godwinson arrived with nine ships from Ireland. The place served as an important maritime stopping point over centuries.
The settlement preserves 17th-century trading structures, including the Grade II listed Gibraltar Cottages that reflect local building customs of that era. These older buildings continue to shape how the place looks today.
The settlement sits in a cove surrounded by steep cliffs, so take care when exploring the hillside paths around it. The best time to visit is during drier months when the paths are safer to walk.
In 1899, local residents hauled a heavy lifeboat over the steep hills using horses to reach calmer waters at sea. This feat shows how vital rescuing people at sea was to the community.
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