Pictures of Acton Burnell

About Acton Burnell

Interestingly, Acton Burnell has connections with America that go back to the stirring days of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Richard Henry Lee, one of the signatories to the declaration was an ancestor of the Lee family who owned this village in the 17th-century, so too, was General Robert E. Lee, noted commander of the South during the Civil War.

Acton Burnell, is a spacious village that has attractive properties of stone and an assembly of picturesque timber framed black and white cottages. It has an understated gentility that tells you that this is an old place with a great deal of history. Part of that history is the romantic ruin of Acton Burnell Castle which stands close to the village church. The castle dates approximately 1284 and was built by Robert Burnell, who was both Lord Chancellor and Bishop of Bath and Wells during the time of King Edward Ist.

The church of St.Mary dates 13th-century with a later Victorian tower. The interior has many interesting features, including memorials to the Burnell and Lee families.

For a pleasurable trip into the past and a wander around picturesque romantic ruins, Acton Burnell is well worth a visit.