Somerset at War
With the 80th anniversary of VE Day upon us, join author and historian Andrew Powell-Thomas as he explores the role Somerset played in the Second World War.
This day course begins with a poignant look at how Somerset remembered its fallen in the aftermath of the Great War, understanding the process of remembrance at the time, and the different memorials that exist - which were then sadly added to, just twenty years later. The second session acts as an overview and looks at the wide ranging, and often surprising role of Somerset in the Second World War. From evacuees to factories; airfields to prisoner of war camps, and defences to bombing raids. The day finishes with an in-depth look at the role and locations of the Second World War Taunton Stop Line. This was a 50-mile defensive ‘wall’ built across Somerset, Dorset and Devon in 1940, to repel a potential Nazi invasion, with much of it still hidden in plain sight!
Our home for the day will be the stunning surroundings of Pennard House, a Grade II listed manor house nestled in the idyllic Somerset countryside. The friendly team at Pennard will ensure you are well looked after throughout your visit with a beautiful 2-course lunch and refreshments, not to mention a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
With the 80th anniversary of VE Day upon us, join author and historian Andrew Powell-Thomas as he explores the role Somerset played in the Second World War.
This day course begins with a poignant look at how Somerset remembered its fallen in the aftermath of the Great War, understanding the process of remembrance at the time, and the different memorials that exist - which were then sadly added to, just twenty years later. The second session acts as an overview and looks at the wide ranging, and often surprising role of Somerset in the Second World War. From evacuees to factories; airfields to prisoner of war camps, and defences to bombing raids. The day finishes with an in-depth look at the role and locations of the Second World War Taunton Stop Line. This was a 50-mile defensive ‘wall’ built across Somerset, Dorset and Devon in 1940, to repel a potential Nazi invasion, with much of it still hidden in plain sight!
Our home for the day will be the stunning surroundings of Pennard House, a Grade II listed manor house nestled in the idyllic Somerset countryside. The friendly team at Pennard will ensure you are well looked after throughout your visit with a beautiful 2-course lunch and refreshments, not to mention a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
With the 80th anniversary of VE Day upon us, join author and historian Andrew Powell-Thomas as he explores the role Somerset played in the Second World War.
This day course begins with a poignant look at how Somerset remembered its fallen in the aftermath of the Great War, understanding the process of remembrance at the time, and the different memorials that exist - which were then sadly added to, just twenty years later. The second session acts as an overview and looks at the wide ranging, and often surprising role of Somerset in the Second World War. From evacuees to factories; airfields to prisoner of war camps, and defences to bombing raids. The day finishes with an in-depth look at the role and locations of the Second World War Taunton Stop Line. This was a 50-mile defensive ‘wall’ built across Somerset, Dorset and Devon in 1940, to repel a potential Nazi invasion, with much of it still hidden in plain sight!
Our home for the day will be the stunning surroundings of Pennard House, a Grade II listed manor house nestled in the idyllic Somerset countryside. The friendly team at Pennard will ensure you are well looked after throughout your visit with a beautiful 2-course lunch and refreshments, not to mention a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.