Backwell

Backwell is a village and civil parish in Somerset, England. It falls within the Unitary Authority of North Somerset and has a population of 4,589. It is 7mi south west of Bristol, on the A370 to Weston-super-Mare. It includes the hamlets of Backwell Common, Backwell Green and Backwell Farleigh and the districts of Backwell West Town and Downside.Nearby are Nailsea, Flax Bourton, Yatton, Brockley and Barrow Gurney.HistoryBackwell Hillfort between Flax Bourton and Backwell is an iron age hill fort.The village has a long history, appearing in the Domesday Book in 1086 with the name 'Bacoile' meaning 'The well back on the hill'.The parish was part of the hundred of Hartcliffe.The lords of the manor from the 12th to 17th centuries were the Rodneys. Walter de Rodney was given the manor for his support of the Empress Matilda against King Stephen.