Meare Fish House
England's sole surviving 14th-century monastic fishery building, offering a unique glimpse into medieval life and architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for external viewing
Meare Fish House
Best Time
Best for external viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
England's sole surviving 14th-century monastic fishery building, offering a unique glimpse into medieval life and architecture.
"A rare glimpse into medieval life, though interior access can be a challenge."
🔑 Key Collection Info
Accessing the interior can be difficult; key collection from a local farmhouse is sometimes required but not always feasible.
🚶♂️ Exterior Views
Even if closed, the building's exterior is impressive. Peer through windows for a feel of its history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 14th Century Structure
Meare, Somerset, UK
A rare surviving monastic fishery building, offering a glimpse into medieval food management and architecture.
Monastic Fishery History
Exterior views
Learn about its role in supplying Glastonbury Abbey and its unique status as the sole surviving building of its kind.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Fish House
Understanding Its History
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔑 Key Collection Info
Accessing the interior can be difficult; key collection from a local farmhouse is sometimes required but not always feasible.
🚶♂️ Exterior Views
Even if closed, the building's exterior is impressive. Peer through windows for a feel of its history.
📍 Middle of a Field
Be prepared for a rural setting. The fish house is situated in a field, adding to its unique charm.
📜 Informative Signage
Look for any external signs that might provide historical context, though more information would be helpful.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔑 Key Collection Info
Accessing the interior can be difficult; key collection from a local farmhouse is sometimes required but not always feasible.
🚶♂️ Exterior Views
Even if closed, the building's exterior is impressive. Peer through windows for a feel of its history.
📍 Middle of a Field
Be prepared for a rural setting. The fish house is situated in a field, adding to its unique charm.
📜 Informative Signage
Look for any external signs that might provide historical context, though more information would be helpful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Meare Fish House a historically significant and architecturally interesting building, appreciating its unique status as the sole surviving monastic fishery in England. However, many note the difficulty in accessing the interior, often limiting the experience to exterior viewing, which can be a point of disappointment.
"built in the 14th century and designated as a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument. It is the only surviving monastic fishery building in England.
Fishing was an important source of food for the monks of Glastonbury Abbey. Fishing was carried out in artificial ponds, which were mentioned at Meare in the Domesday Book and from the River Brue and Meare Pool. The present rectangular stone building was constructed by the abbot between 1322 and 1335 for the storage and processing of the fish and as a residence for the chief fisherman. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries the building fell into disrepair and it was seriously damaged by fire in the 1880s. Some restoration has been undertaken during the 20th century, including the replacement of the roof in the 1920s.
Great building with history, people and English Heritage mention collecting a key from Manor House farm to view it, but this is not possible anymore, so viewing is only from the outside, which is a shame."
Pete / Hel
"In the middle of a field. Didn't go inside as had to get key from a local farmhouse. Nice though"
Deborah Jackson
"Interesting anachronistic building (used to be a home for the Abbey's manager of fisheries on the nearby Glastonbury Meade - a once enormous lake, drained in the 1700s into farmland). A sign on the door said that a key could be obtained from a nearby house...I didn't bother, as one could get a good feel for the place by peering through the bars at windows and doors. Four stars because access was tricky, and it would have been helpful to have more information about the building on the outside."
Tom Kennar
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Meare Fish House is located in Meare, Somerset, UK. It's situated in a rural area, often described as being in the middle of a field. Driving is the most practical way to reach it. Parking availability can vary, so be prepared for a short walk from where you can leave your vehicle.
Public transport options to Meare Fish House are limited due to its rural location. It's advisable to check local bus routes, but driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the interior of Meare Fish House can be challenging. Historically, a key was available from a nearby farmhouse, but this is not always guaranteed. Many visitors report viewing the building from the outside only. +1
Specific opening hours for the interior are not consistently advertised, and access often depends on obtaining a key. It's best to assume it may be closed to the public or only viewable from the exterior.
Tickets are generally not required as interior access is often restricted. Viewing the exterior is free. If interior access is possible via key collection, there is usually no charge.
There is no admission fee for viewing Meare Fish House from the outside. If interior access were to be arranged, it typically does not involve a fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the 14th-century building itself, a unique monastic fishery structure. You can admire its architecture from the outside and imagine its historical significance in supplying Glastonbury Abbey.
Yes, the unique architecture and rural setting of Meare Fish House make it a good subject for photography, especially for those interested in historical buildings and landscapes.
It's the only surviving monastic fishery building in England, constructed between 1322-1335 by the Abbot of Glastonbury to manage and process fish from the nearby Meare Pool and River Brue.
It was built to house the official in charge of the fishery and the great freshwater lake, and for the storage and processing of fish caught for Glastonbury Abbey.
You can certainly walk around the exterior of Meare Fish House to appreciate its structure and its setting in the Somerset countryside.
For Different Travelers
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History Enthusiasts
While interior access can be limited, the exterior itself is a compelling subject. Appreciating its structure and imagining its past use in processing catches from the now-drained Meare Pool provides a rich historical experience. Consider researching the history of Glastonbury Abbey and the Meare area beforehand to fully contextualize your visit.
Photographers
Even if interior access is not possible, the exterior details and the surrounding environment provide ample material for compelling shots. The challenge of accessing the interior can even add a narrative element to your photographs, hinting at the building's hidden history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Fishery Management
The building's rectangular stone structure, though having lost its original roof carpentry, still conveys a sense of its historical function. It is recognized as the only surviving monastic fishery building in England, making it an invaluable historical site. The surrounding landscape, once dominated by the enormous Meare Lake, has since been drained and converted to farmland, adding a layer of historical context to the site's present appearance.
Despite its historical significance, accessing the interior can be a challenge for visitors. While some accounts mention the possibility of collecting a key from a nearby farmhouse, this is not always feasible, leading many to appreciate the Fish House solely from the exterior. Nevertheless, even a glimpse through the barred windows offers a connection to centuries of history and the daily lives of those who worked there.
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