Wookey, Somerset

Description
Wookey or Wokey, a parish, with Wookey village, and Wookey Hole and Henton hamlets, in Somerset. It has a station on the G.W.R., 127 miles from London and 2 W by N of Wells, and a post office under Wells; money order and telegraph office, Wells. Acreage, 3595; population of the civil parish, 961; of the ecclesiastical, 564. An ancient episcopal palace stood on a site now occupied by a farm. Wookey Hole Cavern penetrates a limestone rock to the extent of 520 feet; was noticed by some very early writers, and described by Dr Harrington of Bath; was the legendary haunt of the "Witch of Wookey," who figures in a ballad in Percy's " Reliques;" is much visited by tourists, and emits a rapid streamlet which, within a short distance, drives several paper and flour mills. Interesting fossils and Roman relics have been found in and near the cave. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Bath and Wells; net value, £220 with residence. Patron, the Bishop of Bath and Wells. The church is an ancient Gothic building, with an embattled tower, and has been restored. A Baptist mission hall was erected in 1884.