Thursday 6 November 2014

Highbridge Hop 30

A decent ride today. Went to Highbridge on the back roads and came back via Burnham and Sea and Brean.  Got caught in a shower just before the end but as the second half was assisted by a stiffish breeze, that was no problem.



White Horse Inn, Mark

Not much to say about this really. A non descript pub in the village of Mark on the B4139. End of!


Major Frank Foley

Found this statue as I rode into Highbridge which is just south of Burnham on Sea. This man was born locally in 1884 and after being wounded in WW1 he was drafted into the intelligence service. Between the world wars he worked in Berlin in the British Passport Office as a control officer, although in reality he was a spy for the British government. Using his position, he was able to falsify passports and issue visas illegally which enabled thousands of Jewish families to flee the Nazi regime. He also gave assistance to Jewish people by giving them shelter at considerable risk to himself as he was not able to claim diplomatic immunity. He has been recognised, not only by this statue in his home town, but by the Jewish community elsewhere. An unsung hero.


Highbridge Clock

Situated near to a bridge over the River Brue. This town, for centuries was an important gateway between Bristol and North Devon.  There are references to a wharf at this site and to usage of the river as part of the drainage plan for the Somerset Levels by the Monks of Glastonbury.


A ride of just over 30 miles today. Most of it on the Somerset Levels which, as the name implies, is a bit flat. The only 'hills' are those created artificially to cross rail and motorways.

No comments:

Post a Comment