More properly the design should be referred to as a 'labyrinth' as the path through to the centre does not branch or feature any dead ends, but historically turf designs like the one at Somerton are usually referred to as 'mazes'.

'Troy' or 'Troy Town' is also a common name given to mazes like this, although theories differ as to why this is the case.

Turf mazes were once popular, but they fell out of favour, particularly in the mid-17th century, when puritanical beliefs outlawed such amusements. Only seven other original turf mazes from the period remain in England, although many modern examples exist.

The exact purpose of the maze, and other mazes like it, is hotly debated. In Folklore of the Cotswolds, Katherine M. Briggs mentions the 'Troy game', in which people would walk or dance the path of the maze. Why? Some argue that there was a religious, meditative or spiritual angle to the desire to walk the path of a maze from end to end, but others suggest that it may have just been a frivolous rural passtime, similar to dancing around a maypole. Of course, things can mean different things to different people, so both explanations may be true.

The Troy Maze at Somerton sits in a private garden to the southeast of Troy Farm, which now operates as a bed and breakfast, so if you want to see the maze up close the best way is to book yourself a stay!