The hill's name is derived from the Old English word 'burh', meaning a fortified place or town.
The site was historically used as a royalist fortification during the English Civil War.
The structure atop the hill is the second church to have been built on the site; the first was recorded in the 12th century.
The hill is composed of Keuper Marl, a type of sedimentary rock that creates the prominent mound shape in the flat landscape.
During the severe floods of the 2013-2014 winter, the village of Burrowbridge was surrounded by water, leaving the Mump as an island.
The ruin was partially restored in the 18th century after years of neglect caused the nave to collapse.
Legend holds that the hill was created by the Devil, who dropped a shovelful of earth while attempting to build a causeway across the Somerset Levels.
Burrow Mump is an isolated, 79-foot-tall natural hill in the Somerset Levels topped by the ruins of a 15th-century church. It sits at the confluence of the River Parrett and the River Tone. The site was historically significant as a strategic vantage point overlooking the surrounding marshlands. It is owned and maintained by the National Trust, which preserves the site as an open-access landmark. The hill offers 360-degree views across the Somerset Levels towards Glastonbury Tor. The remains on the summit include the incomplete shell of a medieval chapel dedicated to St Michael, which was never finished due to the English Reformation. It is a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument. The site is accessible via a steep, grassy footpath from the base car park.
The interior of the ruined church arches looking out toward the horizon.
Wear sturdy, waterproof walking boots as the path can become very muddy and slippery after rain.
Bring binoculars to identify distant landmarks like Glastonbury Tor and the Mendip Hills across the flat moorland.
Check the weather forecast for high wind speeds, as the summit is exposed and lacks any natural shelter.
Do not attempt to climb the steepest sides of the hill; use the designated gravel and grass pathway to prevent soil erosion.
Keep dogs on a lead due to grazing livestock; take all litter away as there are no bins on site.
