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Local Information for Weston-super-mare

Weston-super-Mare is an English seaside resort town in North Somerset, population 71,758 (2001 census). It is situated on the Bristol Channel approximately 18 miles (28 km) south west of Bristol. The town has spread along the coast between the bounding high ground of Worlebury Hill and Brean Down. It is well known for its sandy beaches, although at low tide the sea can be over a mile from the beachfront. It is the most populous civil parish in England.

Weston comes from the Anglo-Saxon for the west tun or settlement. The descriptive part of its name is unusual because it is in medieval Latin and was first recorded by an unknown medieval church clerk, presumably to distinguish it from other Westons in the area. It is a popular myth that the description was a later Victorian invention. It means literally "on sea". It is pronounced mair rather than mahrey, however.

Weston owes its growth and prosperity to the Victorian era boom in seaside holidays. Along with nearby Bur...More