Somerset

Somerset is in South-West England.

722 Battle of Hehil

878 Battle of Edington

1085 Domesday Book

1477 Trial and Execution of Ankarette Twynyho

1497 Cornish Rebellion

1497 Perkin Warbreck Plot

1587 Execution of Mary Queen of Scots

1607 Bristol Channel Floods

1645 Battle of Lanport

In 1186 Godeheut Tosny (age 56) died at Somerset.

In 1480 John de Vere (age 47) died at Somerset.

Before 01 Mar 1590, the date of his baptism at St Peter's Church, Tawstock [Map], Edward Bourchier 4th Earl Bath was born to William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath (age 32) and Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath at Somerset.

In 1642 Francis Hawley 1st Baron Hawley (age 33) was appointed Commissioner of Array for Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Abbots Leigh

Holy Trinity Church, Abbots Leigh

On 04 Aug 1903 Charles Michael Edgeworth Brinkley (deceased) was buried at Holy Trinity Church, Abbots Leigh. Some letters from Charles Brinkley are held in the Denbighshire Record Office. DD/PR/69vi has a letter from Charles M.E. Brinkley in Queenstown, to his future wife, Evelyn Hutton, Bath, regarding voyage to Ireland in April 1891 and DD/PR/69(xxxix-lxiii) has letters from Charles M.E. Brinkley to his wife in Bath, relating to his voyage on SS Arabia from India in 1900, and a voyage to Madeira in 1903.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Aller

Church of St Andrew, Aller, Somerset

In 1420 Reginald Botreaux died. He was buried at Church of St Andrew, Aller, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Ashington

Around 1132 Robert Fitzwilliam Hastings was born at Ashington, Somerset.

Around 1186 Robert Fitzwilliam Hastings (age 54) died at Ashington, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Baltonsborough

Around 909 Archbishop Dunstan was born to Heorstan- in Baltonsborough, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Barr [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Barrington

Barrington Court

Around 1570 Gervase Clifton 1st Baron Clifton was born to John Clifton (age 32) and Anne Stanley (age 38) in Barrington Court.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Beacon's Hill [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Beckington

Around 1390 Bishop Thomas Beckington was born at Beckington, Somerset.

Pepy's Diary. 12 Jun 1668. Friday. Up, finding our beds good, but lousy; which made us merry. We set out, the reckoning and servants coming to 9s. 6d.; my guide thither, 2s.; coachman, advanced, 10s. So rode a very good way, led to my great content by our landlord to Philips-Norton, with great pleasure, being now come into Somersetshire; where my wife and Deb. mightily joyed thereat1, I commending the country, as indeed it deserves. And the first town we came to was Brekington, where, we stopping for something for the horses, we called two or three little boys to us, and pleased ourselves with their manner of speech, and did make one of them kiss Deb., and another say the Lord's Prayer (hallowed be thy kingdom come). At Philips-Norton I walked to the Church, and there saw a very ancient tomb of some Knight Templar, I think; and here saw the tombstone whereon there were only two heads cut, which, the story goes, and credibly, were two sisters, called the Fair Maids of Foscott, that had two bodies upward and one belly, and there lie buried. Here is also a very fine ring of six bells, and they mighty tuneable. Having dined very well, 10s., we come before night to the Bath; where I presently stepped out with my landlord, and saw the baths, with people in them. They are not so large as I expected, but yet pleasant; and the town most of stone, and clean, though the streets generally narrow. I home, and being weary, went to bed without supper; the rest supping.

Note 1. They were natives of that county.-B.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Bicknoller

On 01 Dec 1769 Robert Dashwood (age 59) died at Bicknoller, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Bleadon

In 1068 Eadnoth the Constable aka Staller was killed in Bleadon, Somerset leading a force against the two sons of King Harold II of England who had invaded Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Bradford-on-Tone [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Brooke

Around 1391 Thomas Brooke was born at Brooke, Somerset.

Around 1415 Edward Brooke 6th Baron Cobham was born to Thomas Brooke (age 24) and Joan Braybrooke 5th Baroness Cobham (age 12) at Brooke, Somerset.

Around 1433 Elizabeth Brooke was born to Edward Brooke 6th Baron Cobham (age 18) and Elizabeth Tuchet Baroness Cobham (age 13) at Brooke, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Bruton

In 1541 Henry Berkeley was born to Maurice Berkeley (age 35) and Catherine Blount (age 23) at Bruton, Somerset.

In 1580 Edward Berkeley was born to Henry Berkeley (age 39) and Margaret Lygon (age 40) at Bruton, Somerset.

Around Dec 1605 William Berkeley was born to Maurice Berkeley (age 29) and Elizabeth Killigrew (age 26) at Bruton, Somerset.

On 24 Mar 1741 William Berkeley 4th Baron Berkeley (age 78) died at Bruton, Somerset. His son John Berkeley 5th Baron Berkeley (age 43) succeeded 5th Baron Berkeley of Stratton in Cornwall.

Bruton Abbey [Map]

On 18 Apr 1773 John Berkeley 5th Baron Berkeley (age 75) died without issue at Bruton Abbey [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Brympton d'Evercy

On 26 Mar 1857 Jane Huck Saunders Countess of Westmoreland (age 74) died at Brympton d'Evercy, Somerset.

Before 1440 John Sydenham and Joan Stourton were married by which Brympton d'Evercy, Somerset came into the possession of the Sydenham family.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Burnham-on-Sea [Map]

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 845. This year Alderman Eanwulf, with the men of Somersetshire, and Bishop Ealstan, and Alderman Osric, with the men of Dorsetshire, fought at the mouth of the Parret [Map] with the Danish army; and there, after making a great slaughter, obtained the victory.

On 30 Jan 1607 around midday the Bristol Channel suffered from unexpectedly high floodings that broke the coastal defences in several places devastings significant areas of South-Wales and Somerset. It is estimated that 2,000 or more people were drowned, houses and villages were swept away, an estimated 200 square miles (51,800 ha) of farmland inundated, and livestock destroyed, wrecking the local economy along the coasts of the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary. The coast of Devon and the Somerset Levels as far inland as Glastonbury Tor, 14 miles (23 km) from the coast, were also affected. The sea wall at Burnham-on-Sea [Map] gave way, and the water flowed over the low-lying levels and moors.

The River Parrett rises in the hills around Chedington, Dorset [Map] after which it flows broadly north past Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerset [Map], Muchelney, Somerset [Map], through Langport, Somerset [Map], Stathe, Somerset [Map], Burrow Bridge, Somerset [Map], then under Somerset Bridge [Map], through Bridgwater, Somerset [Map], past Dunball, Somerset [Map] and Combwich, Somerset [Map] before joining the Severn Estuary two kilometres south of Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Cannard's Grave [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Cannington

Castle Cary, Somerset

Florence of Worcester Continuation. 1138. Soon afterwards the king moved his army towards Bristol, where, in those times, infernal cruelties, befitting the reigns of Nero or Decius, were exercised by a kinsman of the earl, whose name was Philip Gay. By his agency, a variety of bitter torments were invented there, which, afterwards introduced far and wide in every part of England, nearly reduced the island to ruin. The king, therefore, having wasted and burnt the lands and vills of the earl of Gloucester in that neighbourhood, besieged the castle for some time. At last, weary of the length of the siege, he drew off to besiege the earl's other castles, Cariff in Dorsetshire1, and Harptree in Somersetshire, and having constructed forts over against them, and garrisoned them with soldiers, he departed, and marched with his whole army to attack Dudley Castle, which Ralph Paganel had fortified against him. Having given the surounding country to the flames, and seized and carried off large herds of cattle, he went by sea, with a large body of troops, to besiege Shrewsbury Castle, which William Fitz-Allan held against him. Hearing, however, of the king's approach, he secretly escaped, with his wife and children, and some others, leaving those in the castle who had sworn to be true to him, and never surrender it. After the castle had been besieged for some days, according to the accounts of those who were well-informed, a machine of this sort was prepared: – A large structure of timber was put together and brought forward; the castle ditch was filled by the king's command; fire was kindled; and the smoke, rising in the air, smothered all. The royal gate having been forced open, the whole garrison attempted to make their escape miserably, by leaping from or creeping out of the castle; but the king gave orders that they should be pursued and put to death. Five of the men of highest rank among them were hung. The enemy being vanquished, the king departed thence and proceeded to attack Wareham; put a treaty having been entered into, Ralph Paganel and the king made a truce for a time.

Note 1. Castle Cary, as well as Harptree, is in Somersetshire.

On 19 Feb 1215 Henry Lovel was born at Castle Cary, Somerset.

Before 05 Sep 1251 Hugh Lovel was born to Henry Lovel (age 36) at Castle Cary, Somerset.

Around 1276 Richard Lovel was born to Hugh Lovel (age 24) at Castle Cary, Somerset.

On 21 May 1291 Hugh Lovel (age 39) died at Castle Cary, Somerset.

Around 1297 Joan Lovel Baroness Maynard was born to Richard Lovel (age 21) at Castle Cary, Somerset.

On 21 Aug 1337 Joan Lovel Baroness Maynard (age 40) died at Castle Cary, Somerset.

On 03 Mar 1550 John Carey 3rd Baron Hunsdon was born to Henry Carey 1st Baron Hunsdon (age 23) and Anne Morgan Baroness Hunsdon (age 21) in Castle Cary, Somerset.

On 29 Mar 1763 Samuel Woodford was born in Castle Cary, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Chaffcombe

In 1293 Idonea Lisle was born to William Lisle at Chaffcombe, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Chard [Map]

Fosse Way 5a Axmouth to Ilchester. The Fosse Way starts in Seaton, Devon [Map] and/or Axmouth, Devon [Map] after which it travels north through Musbury, Devon [Map] to Axminster, Devon [Map] where crosses the Exeter, Devon [Map] to Dorchester, Dorset [Map] Roman Road. From Axminster, Devon [Map] the Fosse Way continues through Chard, Somerset [Map], Dinnington, Somerset [Map], Yeabridge, Somerset [Map] to Lindinis [Map] aka Ilchester.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Charterhouse [Map]

Some sources suggest Charterhouse, Somerset [Map] may have been the Roman settlement of Iscalis whereas others suggest Iscalis may have bee Cheddar, Somerset with Charterhouse, Somerset [Map] being named Vebriacum. Charterhouse, Somerset [Map] grew up around the north-western edge of prehistoric lead and silver mines, which were exploited by the Romans.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Cheddar

Some sources suggest Charterhouse, Somerset [Map] may have been the Roman settlement of Iscalis whereas others suggest Iscalis may have bee Cheddar, Somerset with Charterhouse, Somerset [Map] being named Vebriacum. Charterhouse, Somerset [Map] grew up around the north-western edge of prehistoric lead and silver mines, which were exploited by the Romans.

Gough's Cave, Cheddar [Map]

Gough's Cave, Cheddar [Map] is a cave in Cheddar, Somerset, in which Mesolithic remains have been found. The cave is 115m deep and is 3.405km long.

Around 7100BC Cheddar Man was the body of Cheddar Man was placed in Gough's Cave, Cheddar [Map] having, it appears, died violently. His is the oldest complete human skeleton discovered in England.

Wookey Hole Cave, Cheddar

Carbon Date. 8460BC. Paleaolithic Carbon Dates

Report: Tooth, id as red deer (Cervus elaphus), Section 2A, from Hyaena Den, Wookey Hole, Somerset, England. Subm R M Jacobi. Comment (subm): tooth was from topmost of a series of Pleistocene slope deposits which filled a fissure at the back of the den. It was found close to an upper P3 and P4, most probably from the same dentition, within a loosely compacted small rubble ... which covers much of this part of the eastern slope of Wookey Hole ravine and probably originally masked both entrances to the den. Result suggests Late Glacial rather than earlier date for its accumulation. Red deer is now also firmly dated to the Younger Dryas Stadial.

ID: 7587, C14 ID: OxA-6728 Date BP: 10460 +/- 90, Start Date BP: 10370, End BP: 10550

OS Letter: ST, OS East: 532, OS North: 479

Reference Name: Archaeometry, 40, 1998, 228-9

Council for British Archaeology (2012) Archaeological Site Index to Radiocarbon Dates from Great Britain and Ireland [data-set]. York: Archaeology Data Service [distributor] https://doi.org/10.5284/1017767

The Chronicle of Henry of Huntingdon Book 1. There are four things in England which are yery remarkable. One is that the winds issue with such great violence from certain caverns in a mountain called the Peak [Probably the Devil's Arse [Map]] that It ejects matters thrown into them, and whirling them about in the air carries them to a great distance. The second is at Stonehenge, where stones of extraordinary dimensions are raised as columns, and others are fixed above, like lintels of immense portals; and no one has been able to discover by what mechanism such vast masses of stone were elevated, nor for what purpose they were designed. The third is at Chedder-hole1, where there is a cavern which many persons have entered, and have traversed a great distance under ground, crossing subterraneous streams, without finding any end of the cavern. The fourth wonder is this, that in some parts of the countiy the rain is seen to gather about the tops of the hills, and forthwith to fall on the plains.

Note 1. Wookey Hole, in Cheddar Cliffs, under the Mendip Hills, in Somersetshire.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Chew Magna [Map]

After 1603 Anne Ratclyffe (age 64) died at Chew Magna, Somerset [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Chewton Mendip [Map]

In 1442 William Bonville 6th Baron Harington was born to William Bonville (age 22) and Elizabeth Harrington (age 19) at Chewton Mendip, Somerset [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Chuton

In 1399 Robert Harrington (age 69) died at Chuton, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Clandown [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Clapton-in-Gordano

St Michael's Church, Clapton-in-Gordano

On 25 Dec 1704 John Tynte 2nd Baronet (age 21) and Jane Kemeys Lady Tynte (age 19) were married at St Michael's Church, Clapton-in-Gordano. She by marriage Lady Tynte of Halswell in Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Clatworthy [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Coley [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Combwich [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Compton Dando [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Corfe

St Nicholas' Church, Corfe

On 22 Jun 2010 Robin Bush (age 67) died. He was buried at St Nicholas' Church, Corfe.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Creech St Michael [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Curry Rivel

Burton Pynsent, Somerset

Around 1715 William Pynsent 2nd Baronet (age 36) and Mary Jennings were married. She brought the estate of Burton Pynsent, Somerset to the marriage.

On 08 Jan 1765 William Pynsent 2nd Baronet (age 86) died having outlived his three daughters and his son, none of whom had issue. Baronet Pynsent of Erthfont extinct. He left his estate to William "The Elder" Pitt 1st Earl Chatham (age 56) who was no relation and who he had never met. Pitt erected the Burton Pynsent Monument nearby at a cost of £2,000.

In 1800 Hester Lucy Stanhope Traveller (age 23) was sent to live with her maternal grandmother Hester Granville Countess Chatham (age 79) at Burton Pynsent, Somerset.

Mary Jennings was born to Thomas Jennings of Burton Pynsent Somerset.

Edmund Star of New Court and Mary Jennings were married.

Burton Pynsent House, Somerset

Around 1756 Burton Pynsent House, Somerset was built for William "The Elder" Pitt 1st Earl Chatham (age 47).

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Dinnington [Map]

Fosse Way 5a Axmouth to Ilchester. The Fosse Way starts in Seaton, Devon [Map] and/or Axmouth, Devon [Map] after which it travels north through Musbury, Devon [Map] to Axminster, Devon [Map] where crosses the Exeter, Devon [Map] to Dorchester, Dorset [Map] Roman Road. From Axminster, Devon [Map] the Fosse Way continues through Chard, Somerset [Map], Dinnington, Somerset [Map], Yeabridge, Somerset [Map] to Lindinis [Map] aka Ilchester.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Donyatt

Around 1369 John Harrington was born to Robert Harrington (age 39) at Donyatt, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Doulting

On 25 May 709 Saint Aldhelm (age 70) died in Doulting, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Dunkerton Bottom [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, East Horrington

Church of St John, East Horrington

On 26 Sep 1851 William Tollemache (age 31) and Katherine Elizabeth Camilla Burke (age 31) were married at the Church of St John, East Horrington. He the son of Lionel Tollemache 8th Earl Dysart (age 56) and Maria Elizabeth Toone Countess Dysart. They were first cousins.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, East Nynehead [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Evercreech

St Peter's Church

On or before 13 Mar 1596 Ralph Hopton 1st Baron Hopton was born to Robert Hopton of Witham (age 21). He was baptised 13 Mar 1596 at St Peter's Church.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Farleigh Hungerford

Around 22 Jun 1378 Walter Hungerford 1st Baron Hungerford was born to Thomas Hungerford and Joan Hussey (age 29) at Farleigh Hungerford, Somerset.

On 03 Dec 1397 Thomas Hungerford died at Farleigh Hungerford, Somerset. He was buried at Chapel of St Anne in St Leonard's Chapel, Farleigh Hungerford Castle [Map].

In 1400 Robert Hungerford 2nd Baron Hungerford was born to Walter Hungerford 1st Baron Hungerford (age 21) and Eleanor or Catherine Peverell at Farleigh Hungerford, Somerset.

In 1412 Margaret Hungerford was born to Walter Hungerford 1st Baron Hungerford (age 33) and Eleanor or Catherine Peverell at Farleigh Hungerford, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Fiddington [Map]

On 08 Dec 1921 Edgar Clifford Arundell 14th Baron Arundel (age 61) died at Fiddington, Somerset [Map]. On 08 Dec 1921 His brother Gerald Arthur Arundell 15th Baron Arundel (age 59) succeeded 15th Baron Arundel of Wardour in Wiltshire.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Fivehead

Swell Court Fivehead, Somerset

After 1758 Thomas Grosvenor (age 23) lived at Swell Court Fivehead, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Freshford [Map]

The River Frome, Somerset rises 3km south-west of Witham Friary, Somerset [Map] after which it flows past Tytherinton, Somerset [Map] then through Frome, Somerset [Map], past Farleigh Hungerford Castle [Map] before joining the Gloucestershire River Avon at Freshford, Somerset [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Frome [Map]

On 11 Jul 1797 Dean Francis Close was born in Frome, Somerset [Map].

The River Frome, Somerset rises 3km south-west of Witham Friary, Somerset [Map] after which it flows past Tytherinton, Somerset [Map] then through Frome, Somerset [Map], past Farleigh Hungerford Castle [Map] before joining the Gloucestershire River Avon at Freshford, Somerset [Map].

Church of St John the Baptist Frome, Somerset

On 19 Mar 1711 Bishop Thomas Ken (age 73) died. He was buried in Church of St John the Baptist Frome, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Glastonbury

Around 1368 Jane Basset was born to Ralph Basset 3rd Baron Basset Drayton (age 33) and Joan Beauchamp Baroness Basset Drayton at Glastonbury, Somerset.

Glastonbury Tor

On 30 Jan 1607 around midday the Bristol Channel suffered from unexpectedly high floodings that broke the coastal defences in several places devastings significant areas of South-Wales and Somerset. It is estimated that 2,000 or more people were drowned, houses and villages were swept away, an estimated 200 square miles (51,800 ha) of farmland inundated, and livestock destroyed, wrecking the local economy along the coasts of the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary. The coast of Devon and the Somerset Levels as far inland as Glastonbury Tor, 14 miles (23 km) from the coast, were also affected. The sea wall at Burnham-on-Sea [Map] gave way, and the water flowed over the low-lying levels and moors.

In 1786 Richard Colt Hoare 2nd Baronet (age 27) purchased Glastonbury Tor and restored the church tower on its summit.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Goathurst

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Hache

On 25 Aug 1339 Henry Cobham 1st Baron Cobham (age 79) died at Hache, Somerset. His son John Cobham 2nd Baron Cobham (age 54) succeeded 2nd Baron Cobham. Agnes Stone Baroness Cobham by marriage Baroness Cobham.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Henstridge Bowden [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Hinton St George

Around 1407 John Paulett was born to Thomas Paulett (age 29) at Hinton St George, Somerset.

Around 1456 Alice Paulett was born to William Paulett (age 51) at Hinton St George, Somerset.

In or before 1509 Hugh Paulett was born to Amyas Paulett (age 51) and Laura Kellaway (age 45) at Hinton St George, Somerset.

Around 1533 Amias Paulett was born to Hugh Paulett (age 24) and Philippa Pollard at Hinton St George, Somerset.

In 1562 Anthony Paulett was born to Amias Paulett (age 29) at Hinton St George, Somerset.

On 06 Dec 1573 Hugh Paulett (age 64) died at Hinton St George, Somerset.

On 26 Sep 1588 Amias Paulett (age 55) died at Hinton St George, Somerset.

Church of St George, Hinton St George

The Letter Books of Amias Paulet Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots Published 1874 Marys Execution. Poulet (age 54), as has already been said, was made Chancellor of the Garter in April, 1587, but he did not retain this preferment for a whole year. He continued in the Captaincy of Jersey up to his death, but he appears to have resided in and near London. In the British Museum are two letters from him of small importance. One, addressed to the Lord High Admiral, is dated, "From my poor lodging in Fleet Street [Map], the 14th of January, 1587," about "right of tenths in Jersey, belonging to the Government." The other, "From my little lodge at Twickenham, the 24th of April, 1588," "on behalf of Berry," whose divorce was referred by the Justices of the Common Pleas to four Doctors of the Civil Law, of whom Mr. Doctor Caesar, Judge of the Admiralty, to whom the letter was written, was one.

His name also occurs in a letter, from Walsingham to Burghley, dated May 23, 1587, while Elizabeth still kept up the farce of Burghley's disgrace for despatching Mary Stuart's death-warrant. "Touching the Chancellorship of the Duchy, she told Sir Amias Poulet that in respect of her promise made unto me, she would not dispose of it otherwise. But yet hath he no power to deliver the seals unto me, though for that purpose the Attorney is commanded to attend him, who I suppose will be dismissed hence this day without any resolution." And on the 4th of January following, together with the other lords of the Council, he signed a letter addressed by the Privy Council to the Lord Admiral and to Lord Buckhurst, the Lieutenants of Sussex, against such Catholics as "most obstinately have refused to come to the church to prayers and divine service," requiring them to "cause the most obstinate and noted persons to be committed to such prisons as are fittest for their safe keeping: the rest that are of value, and not so obstinate, are to be referred to the custody of some -ecclesiastical persons and other gentlemen well affected, to remain at the charges of the recusant, to be restrained in such sort as they may be forthcoming, and kept from intelligence with one another." On the 26th of September, in the year in which this letter was written, 1588, Sir Amias Poulet died.

Poulet was buried in St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London. [Map]. When that church was pulled down to be rebuilt, his remains, with the handsome monument erected over them, were removed to the parish church of Hinton St. George. After various panegyrics in Latin, French, and English inscribed on his. Monument, a quatrain, expressive apparently of royal favour, pays the following tribute to the service rendered by him to the State as Keeper of the Queen of Scots: Never shall cease to spread wise Poulet's fame; These will speak, and men shall blush for shame: Without offence to speak what I do know, Great is the debt England to him doth owe.Execution of Mary Queen of Scots.

On 15 Jul 1616 Edmond Peacham was instituted to the rectory of Church of St George, Hinton St George whose patron was Amias Paulett.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Holford

On 14 Jul 1591 Hugh Cholmondeley was born to Hugh "The Younger" Cholmondeley (age 39) and Mary Holford (age 29) at Holford, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Holton [Map]

Holton Bow Brook rises near Holton, Somerset [Map] from where it flows through Lattiford, Somerset [Map], Horsington Marsh, Somerset [Map] to Higher Nyland, Dorset [Map], between which it is joined by an unamed body of water from Templecombe, Somerset [Map], where it joins the River Cale.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Horsington Marsh [Map]

Holton Bow Brook rises near Holton, Somerset [Map] from where it flows through Lattiford, Somerset [Map], Horsington Marsh, Somerset [Map] to Higher Nyland, Dorset [Map], between which it is joined by an unamed body of water from Templecombe, Somerset [Map], where it joins the River Cale.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Huish Campflower [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Ilchester [Map]

In the Roman period, Ilchester, Somerset [Map] was named Lindinis and was the site of a fort and then a town on the Fosse Way. It eventually served as one of two regional capitals for the Durotriges tribe.

In 1086 the name Ilchester, Somerset [Map] is first used in the 1085 Domesday Book where it appears as Givelcestre meaning 'Roman fort on the River Yeo'.

Fosse Way 5a Axmouth to Ilchester. The Fosse Way starts in Seaton, Devon [Map] and/or Axmouth, Devon [Map] after which it travels north through Musbury, Devon [Map] to Axminster, Devon [Map] where crosses the Exeter, Devon [Map] to Dorchester, Dorset [Map] Roman Road. From Axminster, Devon [Map] the Fosse Way continues through Chard, Somerset [Map], Dinnington, Somerset [Map], Yeabridge, Somerset [Map] to Lindinis [Map] aka Ilchester.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Illubruar Manor

In 1484 Edward Redman Lord Harewood (age 29) was awarded the manor at Illubruar Manor, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Ilminster

St Mary's Church, Ilminster

On 05 Mar 1542 Nicholas Wadham of Marryfield and Edge (age 76) died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Ilminster.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Ilton

Merryfield, Ilton

In 1531 Nicholas Wadham was born to John Wadham at Merryfield, Ilton.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Keyford

On 12 Apr 1477 Ankarette Hawkeston aka Twynyho was arrested at Keyford, Somerset and taken to Bath, Somerset [Map]. George York 1st Duke of Clarence (age 27) believed she had murdered his wife Isabel Neville Duchess Clarence who had died four months before.

On 13 Apr 1477 Ankarette Hawkeston aka Twynyho taken to Cirencester, Gloucestershire [Map].

On 15 Apr 1477 Ankarette Hawkeston aka Twynyho and John Thursby were hanged at Myton Gallows, Warwick [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Keynsham

On 14 Aug 1828 John Barker aka Barker-Mill 1st Baronet (age 24) and Jane Swinburne Lady Barker-Mill (age 30) were married at Keynsham, Somerset.

In 1847 Richard Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville 2nd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (age 49) was declared bankrupt with debts of over a million pounds. He was required to sell his estate in Keynsham, Somerset, Avington Park Itchen Valley, Winchester and the contents of Stowe House, Buckinghamshire in 1848.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Kilmersdon

Walton, Kilmersdon

On 20 Feb 1389 William Botreaux 3rd Baron Botreaux was born to William Botreaux 2nd Baron Botreaux (age 22) and Elizabeth St Lo Baroness Botreaux (age 25) at Walton, Kilmersdon.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Kingsbury Episcopi [Map]

Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerset [Map] is a village in Somerset. Episcopi, meaning Bishop, refers to it having been owned by the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

The River Parrett rises in the hills around Chedington, Dorset [Map] after which it flows broadly north past Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerset [Map], Muchelney, Somerset [Map], through Langport, Somerset [Map], Stathe, Somerset [Map], Burrow Bridge, Somerset [Map], then under Somerset Bridge [Map], through Bridgwater, Somerset [Map], past Dunball, Somerset [Map] and Combwich, Somerset [Map] before joining the Severn Estuary two kilometres south of Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Kingston St Mary

On 28 Feb 1778 Harry Trelawny 7th Baronet (age 21) and Anne Brown Lady Trelawny were married at Kingston St Mary, Somerset. She by marriage Lady Trelawny of Trelawny in Cornwall.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Kittersford [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Langport [Map]

On 10 Jul 1645 the Battle of Lanport was fought at Langport, Somerset [Map].

Charles Goring 2nd Earl Norwich (age 30) was Colonel of a Regiment of Horse.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Lansdown

On 12 Mar 1716 Georgiana Caroline Carteret was born to John Carteret 2nd Earl Granville (age 25) and Frances Worsley Countess Granville (age 23) at Lansdown, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Lattiford [Map]

Holton Bow Brook rises near Holton, Somerset [Map] from where it flows through Lattiford, Somerset [Map], Horsington Marsh, Somerset [Map] to Higher Nyland, Dorset [Map], between which it is joined by an unamed body of water from Templecombe, Somerset [Map], where it joins the River Cale.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Lillesdon

Around 1290 Hugh Beauchamp was born to Humphrey Beauchamp (age 36) at Lillesdon, Somerset.

In Jun 1338 Hugh Beauchamp (age 48) died at Lillesdon, Somerset.

On 08 Feb 1443 Alice Beauchamp Baroness Sudeley (age 77) died at Lillesdon, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Litton [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Long Ashton

Church of All Saints, Long Ashton [Map]

Church of All Saints, Long Ashton [Map]. Monument to Sir Judge Richard Choke and Lady Margaret Choke. Long Ashton, Somerset. He was a Justice of the Common Pleas from 1461.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Long Load [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Low Ham

On 29 Feb 1624 Edward Hext (age 79) died at Low Ham, Somerset.

On 08 Aug 1689 Ralph Stawell 1st Baron Stawell (age 48) died at Low Ham, Somerset. His son John Stawell 2nd Baron Stawell (age 20) succeeded 2nd Baron Stawell of Somerton in Somerset. Margaret Cecil Countess Ranelagh (age 17) by marriage Baroness Stawell of Somerton in Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Mare Green [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Mark

Southwich House Mark, Somerset

On 26 Oct 1808 John Allen Giles Historian was born to William Giles and Sophia Allen at Southwich House Mark, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Mells

St Andrew's Church, Mells

On 01 Sep 1967 Siegfried Sassoon (age 80) died. He was buried at St Andrew's Church, Mells.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Midsomer Norton [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Montacute

Around 1250 Simon Montagu 1st Baron Montagu was born to William Montagu (age 37) at Montacute, Somerset.

Montacute House

Before 1643 Cornelius Johnson (age 49). Portrait of Lucius Carey 2nd Viscount Falkland (age 32). Montacute House.

Before 1647 Cornelius Johnson (age 53). Portrait of Lettice Moryson Viscountess Falkland. Montacute House.

Lettice Moryson Viscountess Falkland: she was born to Richard Moryson. In or before 1632 Lucius Carey 2nd Viscount Falkland and she were married. She by marriage Viscountess Falkland.

Around 1650 Cornelius Johnson (age 56). Portrait of Hester Wase. Montacute House.

Hester Wase: William Mainwaring and she were married. she was born to Christopher Wase. After 1645 Henry Blount Traveller and she were married.

In Mar 1694 Edith Phelips was born to Edward Phelips (age 56) at Montacute House.

23 Dec 1739. John Vanderbank (age 45). Portrait of Elizabeth Davenport (age 31) in Montacute House.

Elizabeth Davenport: In 1708 she was born to Henry Davenport in India. Before 15 Sep 1740 John Mytton and she were married. On 15 Sep 1740 she died.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Muchelney [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Mudford [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Nempnet Thrubwell

Nempnet aka Fairy Toot Burial Mound [Map]

Nempnet aka Fairy Toot Burial Mound is also in South England Neolithic Long Barrows.

Nempnet aka Fairy Toot Burial Mound [Map] is a 60 m long, 25 m wide and now 2.5 m high, retained by a stone wall, Severn-Cotswold Oval Barrow. On being opened and essentially destroyed between 1787 and 1835 by the Reverend Thomas Bere of Butcombe and the Reverend John Skinner of Camerton, it was found to contain two rows of cells, running from south to north, formed by immense stones set edgeways, and covered by others of larger dimensions. A human skull from the barrow is now in the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.

Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society Volume 8 Pages 35-62. Fairy's Toot [Map], which is now destroyed, was another of these singular tumuli. It is situated about a quarter of a mile east of Butcombe Church, on the declivity of some rising ground near Nempnett Farm, in the same parish. Its discovery was noticed by the Rev. Thos. Bere, rector of Butcombe, who made a drawing of it, and communicated the following account to the Gentleman's Magazine A.D. 1789:

"This barrow is from N. to S. 150 feet, and from E. to W. 76 feet. It had been known from time immemorial by the name of Fairy's Toot, and considered the haunt of fairies, ghosts, and goblins.

"The waywarden of the parish being in want of stones, ordered his workmen to see what Fairy's Toot was made of. They began at the south extremity, and soon came to a stone inclining west, and probably the door of the sepulchre. The stone being passed, an unmortared wall appeared on the left hand, and no doubt a similar one existed on the right. This wall was built of thin stone (a white lias). Its height was more than four feet, its thickness fourteen inches. Thirteen feet north from the entrance a perforated stone appeared, inclining to the north, and shutting up the avenue between the unmortared walls. Working round to the east side of it, a cell presented itself, two feet three inches broad, four feet high, and nine feet long from north to south. Here was found a perfect skeleton, the skull with teeth entire, the body having been deposited north and south.

"At the end of the first sepulchre, the horizontal stones on the top had fallen down. There,were two other catacombs, one on the right and the other on the left, of the avenue, containing several human skulls and other bones. A lateral excavation was made, and the central avenue was found to be continued. Three cells were here discernible, two on the west side and one on the east. These had no bones in them. The whole tumulus was covered with a thin stratum of earth, and overgrown with trees and bushes.

"The upright stones of which the cells are composed are stated to have been many of them two or three tons weight each, and in the very state in which Nature formed them. The number of cells can only be matter of conjecture. Supposing the avenue to have been 110 feet long, and about two feet thickness of wall or stone between each two cells, there would be room for ten cells on each side of the avenue." (See Sayer's History of Bristol.)

The writer of this notice conjectures this sepulchral tumulus to have been the work of the Druids, and the burying-place belonging to the Great Temple of Stanton Drew.

Archaeological Journal Volume 15 Pages 199-215. The chambered tumulus at Butcombe [Map], about three miles from Stanton Drew, must also be noticed, inasmuch as it has been supposed by some to have been the sepulchre of the Druids attached to the Stanton Temple. "This barrow," says the Rev. Thomas Bere, rector of Butcombe, in his communication to the Gentleman's Magazine, 1789, "is from north to south 150 feet, and from east to west 75 feet." It was found to contain a longitudinal stone chamber with lateral cells, similar to that at New Grange [Map], near Drogheda, and to the chambered barrows at Wellow, in Somersetshire [Stoney Littleton Long Barrow [Map]], a few miles only from Stanton Drew, and at Uley [Uley Barrow aka Hetty Pegler's Tump [Map]], in Gloucestershire.1 A perfect skeleton, several human skulls, and other bones were discovered within it; but it is supposed to have been previously opened. It is now entirely destroyed.

Note 1. See Dr. Thurnam's Memoir on the examination of the chambered tumuli at Uley, Archaeological Journal, vol. xi. p. 315.

The Gentleman's Magazine Volume 59 Part 1 Page 392. The barrow is, from North to South, 150 feet; from East to West 79 feet. This looks more like a designed proportion than the effect of chance. It has been immemorially known by the name of Fairy’s Toote [Map], and considered still, by our sagacious provincials, as the haunts of ghosts, goblins, and fairies.

This may be deemed the electrical tremblings of very remote superstition. The idle tale travelled down through many an age, long, long after the cadavers from which it originated had ceased to be had in remembrance. Desirous of obtaining stone for the adjacent roads, the proprietor ordered his workmen to see what the Toote was made of. They accordingly commenced their labours at the Southern extremity, and soon came to the stone D, which then was at A, with a considerable West inclination, and no doubt served for a door to the sepulchre, which, prior (and in some instances subsequent) to Christianity, was the common mode of securing the entrance of these repositories. Such as that which was placed at the mouth of the cave wherein our blessed Saviour was interred. The stone D being passed, an admirable unmortar’d wall appeared on the left-hand, and no doubt a similar one after the dotted line on the right side existed, as we find it continued in the same direction at F. This wall was built of thin irregular base freestone, less in length and breadth, but in general thicker, than common Dutch chimney tile. Its height was some what more than four feet; its thickness about fourteen inches. Thirteen feet directly North from A (where the stone D stood) the perforated stone B appears, inclining to the North about thirty degrees, and shutting up the avenue between the unmortar’d walls. — Working round the East side, at I a cell presented itself, two feet three inches broad, four feet high, and nine feet from South to North. Here were found a perfect human skull, the teeth entire, all found, and of the most delicate white: it lay against the inside of the stone B, the body having been deposited North and South. Several other pieces of skulls, human spinal joints, arm bones, &c., were found herein; and particularly the thigh bone of a very large quadruped, which, by comparing with the same, bone of an ox, I conjecture to have belonged to an animal of that species. As the skull appeared to me larger than common, I was willing to form some conjecture of the height of that body to which it belonged, and applied my rule to it, taking the painter’s datum, of allowing eight faces (from the hair on the forehead to the chin) for the whole, found it gave something more than eight feet. With this the length of the sepulchre agrees, being, as was before observed, nine feet. In this cell was also found the tooth of some large bead; but no one that has seen it can guess of what genus. At the termination of the first sepulchre, the horizontal bones in the top of the avenue had fallen down. With some difficulty, and no little danger, I obtruded far enough to see, by site light of a candle, two other similar catacombs, one on the right, the other on the left fide of the avenue, containing several human skull’s, and other bones; but which, from the imminent hazard of being buried in the ruins of the surrounding masses, have not yet been entered. This, as far as it goes, is a true account of the discoveries at the Southern extremity of the tumulus. The lateral section at G has afforded as yet nothing more than a view of the unmortar’d wall, seen in the Southern extremity at H, and here at F, with the continuation of the central avenue seen. at B, and here from C to C. This avenue is constructed of very large rock fragments, consisting of three bones, two perpendicular and one horizontal, as may be seen in the representation E. Three cells are here discernible, two of which are on the West side, and one on the East; these also have human bones. The proprietor means now to proceed from B to C C, propping up the avenue with wooden posts, in the same manner in which our miners do their adits, to the lapis caluminaris veins. This mode will give the visitor an opportunity of seeing the different cells with safety and convenience. I have only to add, that the tumulus is formed of small whitish stone, of which the neighbourhood affords plenty; and that the exterior appears to have been turfed, there yet remains a stratum, five or six inches deep, of graded earth on the bones. The view I took on the spot, in one of the sneaping days of the last rigorous season. I can therefore say nothing for it, but that, if it be not a good drawing, it is a true representation. When the central avenue is cleared, I purpose to send you the ichnography. In the mean time, through your publication, I beg to present my compliments to your correspondent Owain o Feirion, who, if I mistake not, is my old college acquaintance, and other gentlemen who may have a turn for such investigation; and hope, through your valuable vehicle, to have their sentiments on this subject.— But, Mr. Urban, if no other more able hand shall give the publick conjectures relative to the history of Fairies Toote, you shall again hear on this subject from your old correspondent.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Nether Stowey

In 1155 Simon Valletort was born at Nether Stowey, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Nettlecombe

St Mary's Church, Nettlecombe

Before 28 Nov 1689 Mary Willoughby Lady Trevelyan died. She was buried at St Mary's Church, Nettlecombe.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Newton St Loe

In 1347 Margaret Clivedon was born to John Clivedon (age 25) at Newton St Loe, Somerset.

Around 1550 Edward Neville 8th and 6th Baron Bergavenny was born to Edward Neville 7th and 5th Baron Bergavenny (age 24) and Katherine Brome Baroness Bergavenny at Newton St Loe, Somerset.

Around 1584 Christopher Neville was born to Edward Neville 8th and 6th Baron Bergavenny (age 34) and Rachel Lennard Baroness Bergavenny (age 31) at Newton St Loe, Somerset.

Around 1590 Mary Neville was born to Edward Neville 8th and 6th Baron Bergavenny (age 40) and Rachel Lennard Baroness Bergavenny (age 37) at Newton St Loe, Somerset.

Richard Neville was born to Christopher Neville and Mary Darcy at Newton St Loe, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, North Cadbury

On 14 Jun 1596 Maud aka Magdelan Longford died at North Cadbury, Somerset.

Church of St Michael North Cadbury, Somerset

On 16 May 1462 William Botreaux 3rd Baron Botreaux (age 73) died. He was buried at Church of St Michael North Cadbury, Somerset. His daughter Margaret Botreaux 4th Baroness Botreaux Baroness Hungerford succeeded 4th Baroness Botreaux.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, North Curry

Calmady House, North Curry

On 03 May 1948 Reverend George Edmund Warlow (age 84) died at Calmady House, North Curry.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, North Petherton

Huntworth, North Petherton

In 1531 John Popham was born to Alexander Popham of Huntworth in Somerset and Jane aka Joan Stradling (age 25) in Huntworth, North Petherton.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, North Widcombe [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Northover [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Norton-St-Philip

Pepy's Diary. 12 Jun 1668. Friday. Up, finding our beds good, but lousy; which made us merry. We set out, the reckoning and servants coming to 9s. 6d.; my guide thither, 2s.; coachman, advanced, 10s. So rode a very good way, led to my great content by our landlord to Philips-Norton, with great pleasure, being now come into Somersetshire; where my wife and Deb. mightily joyed thereat1, I commending the country, as indeed it deserves. And the first town we came to was Brekington, where, we stopping for something for the horses, we called two or three little boys to us, and pleased ourselves with their manner of speech, and did make one of them kiss Deb., and another say the Lord's Prayer (hallowed be thy kingdom come). At Philips-Norton I walked to the Church, and there saw a very ancient tomb of some Knight Templar, I think; and here saw the tombstone whereon there were only two heads cut, which, the story goes, and credibly, were two sisters, called the Fair Maids of Foscott, that had two bodies upward and one belly, and there lie buried. Here is also a very fine ring of six bells, and they mighty tuneable. Having dined very well, 10s., we come before night to the Bath; where I presently stepped out with my landlord, and saw the baths, with people in them. They are not so large as I expected, but yet pleasant; and the town most of stone, and clean, though the streets generally narrow. I home, and being weary, went to bed without supper; the rest supping.

Note 1. They were natives of that county.-B.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Nunney

On 27 Nov 1442 Constance Poynings (age 34) died at Nunney, Somerset.

Nunney Castle

Around 1400 John Paulet was born to William Paulet (age 31) at Nunney Castle [Map].

Around 1408 Constance Poynings was born to Hugh Poynings (age 38) and Eleanor Welles (age 21) at Nunney Castle [Map].

Around 1430 William Paulett was born to John Paulet (age 30) and Constance Poynings (age 22) at Nunney Castle [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Nynehead

Reverend John Sanford was Vicar of Nynehead, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Orchard Portman

Around 1613 Anne Portman Baroness Seymour was born to John Portman 1st Baronet in Orchard Portman, Somerset.

Joan Portman was born to John Portman 1st Baronet in Orchard Portman, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Over Stowey

On 15 Aug 1798 Henry Labouchere 1st Baron Taunton was born to Peter Caesar Labouchere and Dorothy Elizabeth Baring (age 27) at Over Stowey, Somerset.

On 13 Jul 1869 Henry Labouchere 1st Baron Taunton (age 70) died at Belgrave Square Belgravia. He was buried at Over Stowey, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Paulet

Melcomb Paulet, Somerset

On 20 Jul 1368 William Paulet was born to John Paulett (age 14) at Melcomb Paulet, Somerset.

On 17 Aug 1435 William Paulet (age 67) died at Melcomb Paulet, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Peasdown [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Penselwood [Map]

The River Cale rises around a kilometre north-west of Penselwood, Somerset [Map] from where it flows through Southmarsh, Somerset [Map], Wincanton, Somerset [Map] to Higher Nyland, Dorset [Map] where it is joined by Holton Bow Brook and Yenston Bow Brook after which the River Cale joins the Dorset River Stour.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Pensford [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Pitminster

Before 09 Apr 1588 Anne Thynne (age 38) died. She was buried on 09 Apr 1588 at Pitminster, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Podimore Roundabout [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Porlock

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 917. This year came a great naval armament over hither south from the Lidwiccians;40 and two earls with it, Ohter and Rhoald. They went then west about, till they entered the mouth of the Severn; and plundered in North-Wales everywhere by the sea, where it then suited them; and took Camlac the bishop in Archenfield, and led him with them to their ships; whom King Edward (age 43) afterwards released for forty pounds. After this went the army all up; and would proceed yet on plunder against Archenfield [Note. South and west Herefordshire]; but the men of Hertford [Note. Probably a mistake for Hereforshire] met them, and of Glocester, and of the nighest towns; and fought with them, and put them to flight; and they slew the Earl Rhoald, and the brother of Ohter the other earl, and many of the army. And they drove them into a park; and beset them there without, until they gave them hostages, that they would depart from the realm of King Edward (age 43). And the king had contrived that a guard should be set against them on the south side of Severnmouth; west from Wales, eastward to the mouth of the Avon; so that they durst nowhere seek that land on that side. Nevertheless, they eluded them at night, by stealing up twice; at one time to the east of Watchet, Somerset, and at another time at Porlock, Somerset. There was a great slaughter each time; so that few of them came away, except those only who swam out to the ships. Then sat they outward on an island, called the Flat-holms; till they were very short of meat, and many men died of hunger, because they could not reach any meat. Thence went they to Dimmet [Note. Possibly Braunton, Devon], and then out to Ireland. This was in harvest. After this, in the same year, before Martinmas, went King Edward (age 43) to Buckingham [Map] with his army, and sat there four weeks, during which he built the two forts on either side of the water, ere he departed thence. And Earl Thurkytel sought him for his lord; and all the captains, and almost all the first men that belonged to Bedford; and also many of those that belonged to Northampton. This year Ethelfleda, lady of the Mercians (age 47), with the help of God, before Laminas, conquered the town called Derby [Map], with all that thereto belonged; and there were also slain four of her thanes, that were most dear to her, within the gates.

Note 40. The pirates of Armorica, now Bretagne; so called, because they abode day and night in their ships; from lid, a ship, and wiccian, to watch or abide day and night.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. After 05 Mar 1052. Meanwhile Harold (age 30) had gone out from Ireland with nine ships, and came up at Porlock, Somerset with his ships to the mouth of the Severn, near the boundaries of Somerset and Devonshire, and there plundered much. The land-folk collected against him, both from Somerset and from Devonshire: but he put them to flight, and slew there more than thirty good thanes, besides others; and went soon after about Penwithstert [Note. Possibly Plymouth, Devon [Map]], where was much people gathered against him; but he spared not to provide himself with meat, and went up and slew on the spot a great number of the people-seizing in cattle, in men, and in money, whatever he could. Then went he eastward to his father; and they went both together eastward71 until they came to the Isle of Wight [Map], where they seized whatever had been left them before. Thence they went to Pevensey [Map], and got out with them as many ships as had gone in there, and so proceeded forth till they came to the Ness;72 getting all the ships that were at Romney, and at Hithe, and at Folkstone. Then ordered King Edward (age 49) to fit out forty smacks that lay at Sandwich, Kent [Map] many weeks, to watch Earl Godwin (age 51), who was at Bruges [Map] during the winter; but he nevertheless came hither first to land, so as to escape their notice. And whilst he abode in this land, he enticed to him all the Kentish men, and all the boatmen from Hastings, and everywhere thereabout by the sea-coast, and all the men of Essex and Sussex and Surrey, and many others besides. Then said they all that they would with him live or die. When the fleet that lay at Sandwich, Kent [Map] had intelligence about Godwin's expedition, they set sail after him; but he escaped them, and betook himself wherever he might: and the fleet returned to Sandwich, Kent [Map], and so homeward to London. When Godwin understood that the fleet that lay at Sandwich, Kent [Map] was gone home, then went he back again to the Isle of Wight, and lay thereabout by the sea-coast so long that they came together-he and his son Earl Harold. But they did no great harm after they came together; save that they took meat, and enticed to them all the land-folk by the sea-coast and also upward in the land. And they proceeded toward Sandwich, Kent [Map], ever alluring forth with them all the boatmen that they met; and to Sandwich, Kent [Map] they came with an increasing army. They then steered eastward round to Dover, and landing there, took as many ships and hostages as they chose, and so returned to Sandwich, Kent [Map], where they did the same; and men everywhere gave them hostages and provisions, wherever they required them.

Note 70 i.e. Earl Godwin and his crew.

Note 71 i.e. from the Isle of Portland; where Godwin had landed after the plunder of the Isle of Wight.

Note 72 i.e. Dungeness; where they collected all the ships stationed in the great bay formed by the ports of Romney, Hithe, and Folkstone.

St Dubricius Church, Porlock [Map]

Effigy of an Unknown Knight in St Dubricius Church, Porlock [Map]. Early Medieval Period. Right Leg over Left.

On 11 Apr 1418 John Harrington 4th Baron Harington (age 34) died. He was buried in the Lady Chapel of St Dubricius Church, Porlock [Map]. His brother William Harrington 5th Baron Harington (age 28) succeeded 5th Baron Harington.

18 Oct 1471 Elizabeth Courtenay Baroness Bonville and Harington died. She was buried at St Dubricius Church, Porlock [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Portbury

Portbury Church, Somerset

On 05 Dec 1314 Eva Zouche (age 33) died. She was buried at Portbury Church, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Priddy

Ashen Hill Barrows

Priddy Circular Enclosures

Priddy Circular Enclosures is also in Mendips Bronze Age Round Barrows.

Priddy Circular Enclosure 1 [Map]

Priddy Circular Enclosure 1 is also in South England Circular Enclosures.

Priddy Circular Enclosure 1 [Map] is 194 m (636 ft) in diameter, with a surviving ditch up to 6 m (20 ft) wide and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) deep. It has several gaps, but the one to the north-north-east was a causewayed entrance feature.

Priddy Circular Enclosure 2 [Map]

Priddy Circular Enclosure 2 is also in South England Circular Enclosures.

Priddy Circular Enclosure 2 [Map] is 185 m (607 ft) in diameter, with a bank up to 6 m wide and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) high, and the ditch is up to 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) deep. There are three gaps present in this earthwork, and the one to the north-north-east is possibly an original feature. Within circle 2 is a possible ovoid barrow mound measuring 14 by 9 m (46 by 30 ft), and 0.4 m (1 ft 4 in) high.

Priddy Circular Enclosure 3 [Map]

Priddy Circular Enclosure 3 is also in South England Circular Enclosures.

Priddy Circular Enclosure 3 [Map] is up to 190 m (620 ft) across, with a bank up to 1 m high and 7 m (23 ft) wide, and ditch up to 1 m deep and 5 m (16 ft) wide. There are four gaps in this circle, the one to the south-south-west is considered an original entrance feature because it directly faces the north-north-west entrance of circle 2.

Priddy Circular Enclosure 3 [Map] has a diameter of up to 190 m but only two-thirds of the earthwork is present.

Priddy Nine Barrows

Archaeological Journal Volume 15 Pages 199-215. Stukeley, fresh from the Downs of Wiltshire, wondered that he observed no tumuli or barrows, the burying-places of the people about it, as in other cases, but supposed this owing to the goodness of the soil; for, as he goes on to say, " they wisely pitched upon barren ground to repose their ashes, where they could only hope to lie undisturbed: and on Mendip Hills, not far off, they are very numerous. This particularly I am told of seven that are remarkable." The group to which Stukeley alludes is most probably one of two on Priddy Hill, of which one is formed of nine [Priddy Nine Barrows], and the other of seven barrows [Ashen Hill Barrows]. Many others, however, are to be seen on the Mendip range. The Priddy barrows were examined by the late Rev. John Skinner, in 1815, and in all cases in which the interment was found, cremation appears to have prevailed. In some the ashes were found in urns, in others without urns in cists, or on flat stones without cists. The urns were rude and unbaked, with the zigzag ornament, and usually reversed. One of them was embossed with projecting knobs, like that which was dis interred by Sir R. C. Hoare from a tumulus on Beckhampton Down. The following articles were also discovered: amber beads and a small blue opaque glass bead with them, perforated; brazen (bronze) spear heads; flint and brazen (bronze) arrow-heads; and an ivory pin, upwards of 4 inches long. These barrows are of different sizes, the highest being 12 feet high, and 164 in circumference. The Men clip Mines were doubtless extensively worked by our British forefathers, and a considerable trade in metals must have been carried on by them with foreign nations.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Pylle

On 26 May 1709 Henry William Berkeley Portman was born to William Berkeley aka Portman (age 28) in Pylle, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Queen Camel

On 12 Oct 1772 Edith Phelips (age 78) died in Queen Camel, Somerset. She was buried in Church of St Barnabus, Queen Camel.

Church of St Barnabus, Queen Camel

On 12 Oct 1772 Edith Phelips (age 78) died in Queen Camel, Somerset. She was buried in Church of St Barnabus, Queen Camel.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Redlynch

On 10 Apr 1635 Helena Snakenbourg Marchioness Northampton (age 86) died at Redlynch, Somerset.

In 1672 Stephen Fox (age 44) bought the manor of Redlynch, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Rode

In 1354 John Paulett was born at Rode, Somerset.

On 28 Nov 1391 John Paulett (age 37) died at Rode, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Rodney Stoke

Around 1416 Walter Rodney was born to John Rodney and Agnes St John at Rodney Stoke, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Seaborough

Around 1315 Isabel Zouche was born to William Zouche 1st Baron Zouche Harringworth (age 38) and Maud Lovell Baroness Zouche Harringworth (age 35) at Seaborough, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Shepton Montacute

Around 1213 William Montagu was born at Shepton Montacute, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Solsbury Hill [Map]

Solsbury Hill, Somerset is also in Iron Age Hill Forts Somerset.

300BC. Solsbury Hill, Somerset [Map] is a 191m hill overlooking Bath, Somerset [Map] on which an Iron Age Univallate Hill Fort, occupied between 300BC and 100BC, is located.

In 1977 musician Peter Gabriel (age 26) released Solsbury Hill, Somerset [Map] as his first solo single.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Somerton

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 733. This year Ethelbald took Somerton; the sun was eclipsed; and Acca (age 73) was driven from his bishopric.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, South Cadbury

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, South Petherton

In 1220 Ralph D'Aubigny (age 47) died at South Petherton, Somerset.

In 1424 William Daubeney was born to Giles Daubeney (age 31) at South Petherton, Somerset.

Before 1436 Joan Darcy (age 38) died at South Petherton, Somerset.

Calendars. 29 Apr 1461. Durham, County Durham [Map]. Grant to Cecilia, late wife of Thomas Kyriell, knight, and executrix of his will, during the minority of Giles (age 9) the son and heir of William Daubeney late of Southpederton, co Somerset, esquire, deceased, of all the possessions of the latter, with the custody and marriage of the heir, saving to Alice (age 29) the late wife of the said William her reaonsable dower. If the heir dire during the minority she hsall have the same during the minority of the next heir, and so on. By p.s.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Southmarsh [Map]

The River Cale rises around a kilometre north-west of Penselwood, Somerset [Map] from where it flows through Southmarsh, Somerset [Map], Wincanton, Somerset [Map] to Higher Nyland, Dorset [Map] where it is joined by Holton Bow Brook and Yenston Bow Brook after which the River Cale joins the Dorset River Stour.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Stawley [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Stogumber

In 1574 Samuel Dashwood was born at Stogumber, Somerset.

In 1638 Samuel Dashwood (age 64) died at Stogumber, Somerset.

In 1759 Robert Dashwood (age 94) died at Stogumber, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Stoke sub Hambdon

On 04 Oct 1306 John Beauchamp 2nd Baron Beauchamp Somerset was born to John Beauchamp 1st Baron Beauchamp Somerset (age 32) and Joan Cheduit Baroness Beauchamp Somerset at Stoke sub Hambdon, Somerset.

On 29 Jan 1330 John Beauchamp 3rd Baron Beauchamp Somerset was born to John Beauchamp 2nd Baron Beauchamp Somerset (age 23) and Margaret St John Baroness Beauchamp Somerset (age 26) at Stoke sub Hambdon, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Stoney Littleton

Stoney Littleton Long Barrow [Map]

Stoney Littleton Long Barrow is also in South England Neolithic Long Barrows.

3500BC. Stoney Littleton Long Barrow [Map] is a Long Barrow constructed around 3500BC ±500 years around 7.5km south of Bath on high unlevel ground above a bend in the River Wellow. It is a Severn Cotswolds type tomb. The stone structure is about 30 metres in length, 3m high, and contains a 12.8 metres long gallery with a roof of overlapping stones with three pairs of side chambers and an end chamber. The tomb was excavated by Richard Colt Hoare 2nd Baronet in 1816-1817.

Archaeologia Volume 19 Section IV. 1816. An Account of a Stone Barrow [Map], in the Parish of Wellow, at Stoney Littleton [Map] in the County of Somerset, which was opened and investigated in the Month of May 1816. Communicated by Sir Richard Colt Hoare (age 57), Bart. F.S.A. Read 22d May, 1817.

Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society Volume 8 Pages 35-62. Remarks on ancient chambered tumuli as illustrative still existing at Stoney Littleton [Map], near Wellow, in the county of Somerset. By The Rev. H. M. Scarth (age 44), M.A.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Stratton-on-the-Fosse [Map]

Fosse Way 5b Ilchester to Bath. From Lindinis [Map] aka Ilchester the Fosse Way crosses the River Yeo at Northover, Somerset [Map], then travels just west of the Podimore Roundabout, Somerset [Map], to Wraxall, Somerset [Map] where there is a slight deviation to climb Wraxall Hill, Somerset [Map], and then descend Pye Hill, Somerset [Map]. Then through Cannard's Grave, Somerset [Map] to Beacon's Hill, Somerset [Map] where the Fosse Way is crossed by the Sorviodunum [Map] aka Old Sarum to Charterhouse, Somerset [Map] Roman Road. Then through Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Somerset [Map], Midsomer Norton, Somerset [Map], Clandown, Somerset [Map], Peasdown, Somerset [Map], Dunkerton Bottom, Somerset [Map], Wellsway, Somerset [Map], Holloway [Map] to the Roman Bridge [Map] over the Gloucestershire River Avon into Aquae Sulis aka Bath.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Sydenham

Around 1200 William Sydenham was born at Sydenham, Somerset.

In 1846 Alexander Dalton Cockburn was born to Alexander Cockburn (age 43) at Sydenham, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Taunton [Map]

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 722. This year Queen Ethelburga (age 49) destroyed Taunton [Map], which Ina (age 52) had formerly built; Ealdbert wandered a wretched exile in Surrey and Sussex; and Ina (age 52) fought with the South-Saxons.

Polydore Vergil. Around 10 Sep 1497. Hearing the news, the king (age 40) was no slower in leading an army to Exeter, Devon [Map] than the situation required. He sent ahead a goodly number of light horse to let everyone know of his approach. For meanwhile, under the leadership of Edward Courteney Earl of Devonshire (age 38) and his son William (age 22), an excellent and very brave young man, every noble hastened to come to the aid of Exeter, Devon [Map] with a great company of soldiers. Among these were Thomas Trenchard, Edmund Carew, Thomas Fulford, William Courteney, John Halliwell, John Croker, Walter Courteney, Peter Edgercombe (age 28), and William St. Maurice. When these things came to Peter's (age 23) ears, he abandoned the siege and removed to Taunton, Somerset [Map], the nearest town. There he reviewed his army and drew it up for the coming battle, although it later came to light that he had no great trust in that army. A goodly part were armed only with swords, otherwise unarmed, and ignorant of how to fight.

Polydore Vergil. Around 20 Sep 1497. Learning of his enemies' departure, Henry (age 40) headed straight for Taunton, Somerset [Map]. Duke Edward of Buckingham (age 19) arrived there, a young man endowed with great spirit and virtue of character, and he was followed by a host of right noble knights with armor and all the other things requisite for warfare. In that number were Giles Briggs, Alexander Baynham, Maurice Berkeley, Robert Tames, John Guise, Robert Point, Henry Vernon, John Mortimer, Thomas Tremayle, Edward Sutton, Amyas Powlet (age 40), John Bicknell, John Sapcot, Hugh Luterell, John Wadham and his son Nicholas, John Speck, Richard Beauchamp of St. Amand, Francis Cheney, Rogerd Tokett, Thomas Long, Nicholas Lattimer, John d'Urbeville, William Storton, Roger Newberg, William Martin, Thomas Lind, Henry Rogers, Walter Hungerford, John Semery, Edward Carell, Maurice Borroughs, William Norris, John Langford, Richard Corbett, Thomas Blount, Richard Lacon, Thomas Cornwallis, and many other excellent soldiers. Meanwhile, when the king (age 40) had come up, either to avoid delaying the fight or fearing the fortune of war, he sent ahead Robert Lord Broke, Richard Thomas, and Giles Daubney (age 46) to begin the battle, while he followed after, so that, when he saw the battle begin, he could either come to the aid of his men or launch a simultaneous attack on the enemy rear. But the king's plan was unnecessary. For Peter (age 23) was so far from standing his ground, that after he learned the enemy were in arms, he furtively slipped away in the night and quickly fled to the asylum at Beaulieu Abbey [Map]. Whether he did this out of cowardice (with which he was well supplied), or because he suspected trickery, is not known, but it is well enough agreed that it was a good thing for the king that he was not compelled to come to blows with the Cornishmen, whose strength was so enhanced by despair that they had all determined on conquering or dying to the last man in that battle.

On 04 Oct 1497 King Henry VII of England and Ireland (age 40) received the surrender of the Cornish Army at Taunton, Somerset [Map].

After 04 Oct 1497 Perkin Warbreck (age 23) was imprisoned at Taunton, Somerset [Map].

Castle House, Taunton

1911. Census. Harold St George Gray (age 38), Florence Harriet Young (age 35) and Lionel St George Gray (age 9) at Castle House, Taunton.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Templecombe [Map]

Time Team Series 3 Episode 3: Village of the Templars was filmed between 26 May 1995 and 28 May 1995. It was originally shown on 21 Jan 1996.

Location: Templecombe, Somerset [Map].

Holton Bow Brook rises near Holton, Somerset [Map] from where it flows through Lattiford, Somerset [Map], Horsington Marsh, Somerset [Map] to Higher Nyland, Dorset [Map], between which it is joined by an unamed body of water from Templecombe, Somerset [Map], where it joins the River Cale.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Thorne St Margaret [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Three Shires Stone [Map]

Three Shires Stone [Map] is three blocks of limestone, each dated 1736 and with the initial of one of the three counties, with a large cap, mark where the historical counties of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset meet. Each stone is approximately 9-12 feet in height and weighs four to five tons, with the cap being of a similar size and weight.

Fosse Way. After Batheaston the Fosse Way continues along Bannerdown Road [Map] where it curves around Solsbury Hill, Somerset [Map] to reach the high ground where the road straightens out passing Three Shires Stone [Map], Fosse Gate, Wiltshire [Map], crossing the Gloucestershire River Avon 1.2km south-west of Easton Grey [Map] before reaching the Cotswold Airport, Gloucestershire [Map] after which it travels to Corinium Dobunnorum [Map] aka Cirencester.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Tonedale [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Tytherinton [Map]

The River Frome, Somerset rises 3km south-west of Witham Friary, Somerset [Map] after which it flows past Tytherinton, Somerset [Map] then through Frome, Somerset [Map], past Farleigh Hungerford Castle [Map] before joining the Gloucestershire River Avon at Freshford, Somerset [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Watchet

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 917. This year came a great naval armament over hither south from the Lidwiccians;40 and two earls with it, Ohter and Rhoald. They went then west about, till they entered the mouth of the Severn; and plundered in North-Wales everywhere by the sea, where it then suited them; and took Camlac the bishop in Archenfield, and led him with them to their ships; whom King Edward (age 43) afterwards released for forty pounds. After this went the army all up; and would proceed yet on plunder against Archenfield [Note. South and west Herefordshire]; but the men of Hertford [Note. Probably a mistake for Hereforshire] met them, and of Glocester, and of the nighest towns; and fought with them, and put them to flight; and they slew the Earl Rhoald, and the brother of Ohter the other earl, and many of the army. And they drove them into a park; and beset them there without, until they gave them hostages, that they would depart from the realm of King Edward (age 43). And the king had contrived that a guard should be set against them on the south side of Severnmouth; west from Wales, eastward to the mouth of the Avon; so that they durst nowhere seek that land on that side. Nevertheless, they eluded them at night, by stealing up twice; at one time to the east of Watchet, Somerset, and at another time at Porlock, Somerset. There was a great slaughter each time; so that few of them came away, except those only who swam out to the ships. Then sat they outward on an island, called the Flat-holms; till they were very short of meat, and many men died of hunger, because they could not reach any meat. Thence went they to Dimmet [Note. Possibly Braunton, Devon], and then out to Ireland. This was in harvest. After this, in the same year, before Martinmas, went King Edward (age 43) to Buckingham [Map] with his army, and sat there four weeks, during which he built the two forts on either side of the water, ere he departed thence. And Earl Thurkytel sought him for his lord; and all the captains, and almost all the first men that belonged to Bedford; and also many of those that belonged to Northampton. This year Ethelfleda, lady of the Mercians (age 47), with the help of God, before Laminas, conquered the town called Derby [Map], with all that thereto belonged; and there were also slain four of her thanes, that were most dear to her, within the gates.

Note 40. The pirates of Armorica, now Bretagne; so called, because they abode day and night in their ships; from lid, a ship, and wiccian, to watch or abide day and night.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 987. This year was the port of Watchet, Somerset plundered.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 997. This year went the army about Devonshire into Severn-mouth, and equally plundered the people of Cornwall, North-Wales50, and Devon. Then went they up at Watchet, Somerset, and there much evil wrought in burning and manslaughter. Afterwards they coasted back about Penwithstert on the south side, and, turning into the mouth of the Tamer, went up till they came to Liddyford, burning and slaying everything that they met. Moreover, Ordulf's minster at Tavistock they burned to the ground, and brought to their ships incalculable plunder. This year Archbishop Elfric went to Rome after his staff.

Note 50. Not the present district so-called, but all that north of the Sea of Severn, as opposed to West-Wales, another name for Cornwall.

Orchard Wyndham, Watchet

In 1558 John Wyndham of Orchard was born to John Wyndham (age 42) and Florence Wadham (age 20) at Orchard Wyndham, Watchet.

In 1602 Hugh Wyndham Baron of the Exchequer was born to John Wyndham of Orchard (age 44) and Joan Portman in Orchard Wyndham, Watchet.

On 29 Oct 1609 Wadham Wyndham was born to John Wyndham of Orchard (age 51) and Joan Portman in Orchard Wyndham, Watchet.

St Decumans Church, Watchet

In 1572 John Wyndham (age 56) died at St Decumans Church, Watchet.

In 1611 Robert Strode (age 52) and Margaret Wyndham (age 51) were married at St Decumans Church, Watchet.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Waterow [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Wedmore [Map]

Assers Life of Alfred 878. 878. 56. Battle of Edington, and Treaty with Guthrum.127 The next morning at dawn he moved his standards to Edington128, and there fought bravely and perseveringly by means of a close shield-wall against the whole army of the heathen, whom at length, with the divine help, he defeated with great slaughter, and pursued them flying to their stronghold. Immediately he slew all the men and carried off all the horses and cattle that he could find without the fortress, and thereupon pitched his camp, with all his army, before the gates of the heathen stronghold. And when he had remained there fourteen days, the heathen, terrified by hunger, cold, fear, and last of all by despair, begged for peace, engaging to give the king as many designated hostages as he pleased, and to receive none from him in return - in which manner they had never before made peace with any one. The king, hearing this embassage, of his own motion took pity upon them, and received from them the designated hostages, as many as he would. Thereupon the heathen swore, besides, that they would straightway leave his kingdom; and their king, Guthrum, promised to embrace Christianity, and receive baptism at King Alfred's (age 29) hands - all of which articles he and his men fulfilled as they had promised. For after [three]129 weeks Guthrum, king of the heathen, with thirty130 men chosen from his army, came to Alfred (age 29) at a place called Aller, near Athelney, and there King Alfred (age 29), receiving him as a son by adoption, raised him up from the holy font of baptism. On the eighth day, at a royal vill named Wedmore [Map], his chrism-loosing131 took place. After his baptism he remained twelve days with the king, who, together with all his companions, gave him many rich gifts.132

Note 127. Based upon the Chronicle.

Note 128. In Wiltshire.

Note 129. Supplied by Stevenson from the Chronicle.

Note 130. Properly, as one of thirty, according to the Chronicle.

Note 131. Chrism is the term employed for the mixture of oil and balsam employed in the rite of confirmation, and sometimes for the ceremony of confirmation itself. In the early church, this ceremony immediately followed baptism, and was performed by the laying on of hands. In the Roman church it is obligatory on all Catholics, and no baptism is theoretically complete without it. It is performed by a bishop (only exceptionally by a priest). The ceremony begins with the bishop's rising and facing the person or persons to be confirmed, his pastoral staff in his hand, and saying: 'May the Holy Ghost come upon you, and the power of the Holy Ghost keep you from sins' (Handbook to Christian and Ecclesiastical Rome: Liturgy in Rome, London, 1897, pp. 169–171). The rite is described in Egbert's Pontifical, which may be taken as representing the custom in the church of Alfred's time. Lingard says (Anglo-Saxon Church, London, 1858, 1. 297): 'According to that pontifical, the bishop prayed thus: "Almighty and Everlasting God, who hast granted to this thy servant to be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given to him remission of his sins, send down upon him thy sevenfold Holy Spirit, the Paraclete from heaven, Amen. Give to him the spirit of wisdom and understanding, Amen - the spirit of counsel and fortitude, Amen - the spirit of knowledge and piety, Amen. Fill him with the spirit of the fear of God and our Lord Jesus Christ, and mercifully sign him with the sign of the holy cross for life eternal." The bishop then marked his forehead with chrism, and proceeded thus: "Receive this sign of the holy cross with the chrism of salvation in Christ Jesus unto life eternal." The head was then bound with a fillet of new linen to be worn seven days, and the bishop resumed: "O God, who didst give thy Holy Spirit to thine apostles, that by them and their successors he might be given to the rest of the faithful, look down on the ministry of our lowliness, and grant that into the heart of him whose forehead we have this day anointed, and confirmed with the sign of the cross, thy Holy Spirit may descend; and that, dwelling therein, he may make it the temple of his glory, through Christ our Lord." The confirmed then received the episcopal blessing, and communicated during the mass.'

The chrism-loosing was the ceremony of unbinding the fillet, apparently.

Note 132. MS. ædificia; Stevenson, beneficia.

George Inn, Wedmore [Map]

Time Team Series 1 Episode 1: The Guerrilla Base of the King was filmed between 16 Apr 1993 and 18 Apr 1993. It was originally shown on 16 Jan 1994.

Location: Athelney Abbey [Map].

Category: Time Team Early Medieval.

Time Team:

Tony Robinson (age 47), Presenter

Mick Aston (age 47), Bristol University Landscape Archaeologist

Gerry Barber, Bristol University Environmental Archaeologist

Phil Harding (age 43), Wessex Archaeological Trust Field Archaeologist

Carenza Lewis (age 30), Royal Commission on Historic Monuments

Robin Bush (age 50), Archivist

Victor Ambrus (age 58), Historical Illustrator

John Gator, Chris Gaffney, Geophysics

Gerry McDonnell, Archeaological Scientist.

Base: George Hotel [Map] in Wedmore.

Techniques: Field Walking, Excavations, Magnetometry, Resistivity, Soil Coring

Sources: Life of Alfred by Asser, Assers Life of Alfred 878.

Historical Figures: King Alfred "The Great" of Wessex, Guthrum Viking.

Events: Battle of Edington.

Outcomes: Plan of Athelney Abbey [Map], possible site of original Saxon church, Anglo-Saxon iron slag indicating iron working; the furthest west found at the time.

Channel 4 Episode

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Wellow

Hinton Charterhouse, Somerset

Hinton Priory, Somerset [Map]

Hinton Priory [Map] was a Carthusian monastery from 1232 until 1539.

Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society Volume 3 Pages 114-124. No. 5. Mrs. Shaa. — An altar tomb in the N.W. corner of the small chapel, standing north and south. Mrs. Shaa was sister to Sir Edward Hungerford, (No. 4.) and lived at Hinton Abbey [Map], of which she had a lease from her brother. She died 1613. On a brass tablet against the wall, above the monument, is an inscription in verse, relating to her.

Wellow Roman Villa [Map]

Wellow Roman Villa [Map]. The site of the villa has long been known and excavations have been conducted over a number of centuries, all of which are documented in the Victoria County History of Somerset; the initial dig conducted in 1685 uncovered a mosaic floor and several wall foundations, excavations in 1737 were published in the Vetusta Monumenta of 1747, and further digs conducted in 1787 and 1807 were documented in the Gentleman’s Magazine for the appropriate year; the latest dig was conducted by Skinner and Weddell in 1822 and the results published privately in 1823.

Vesta Monumenta. 1738. Plates 50 to 52. Three mid fourth-century CE Roman mosaic pavements at Wellow, Somerset [Map] the first of which was found by John Aubrey c. 1685. Further investigations of the site were carried out in 1737 by Edmund Prideaux (age 44) and James West, who found the second and third pavements, respectively. Engravings by George Vertue (age 54) after James Vertue (age 78) and James West.

James Vertue: In 1660 he was born.

Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine 1885 V22 Pages 234-238. "Saturday, 3 October, 1809. Hot sultry day. Drove to Frome, and rode from thence to Chatley, where I breakfasted with my friend Mr. Meade. Accompanied him to Wellow [Map], where on the opposite side of the river, in a large common field, of arable land called the Hayes, Colonel Leigh, of Combe Hay, is now uncovering the pavements and foundations of a Roman villa. A prior discovery had been made of it in 1737, and three engravings made, of three different pavements, by the Antiquarian Society, and published in their "Vetusta Monumenta" Of these two are at present uncovered. The large one is sadly mutilated, but sufficient both of the centre and border is left to show that the drawing made in 1737 is notoriously incorrect. So much so, that were it not for the peacock's tail in the centre, remaining, we might almost suppose it was not the pavement originally engraven. The second sized floor is much more correct. The third (a narrow oblong) has not been yet discovered— unless it should prove to be the slip, adjoining the peacock apartment— but I can hardly suppose that the artist eould have carried his incorrectness so far, when he made the design of it, though, if only the centre pattern of this slip was uncovered, it is possible such an error might have been made. Accurate tracings are now making of the different pavements by the Rev. Mr. Skinner, of Camerton.

"A coin of Alectus, lately found, throws some light on the date of this villa.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Wells [Map]

On 14 Jan 1465 Bishop Thomas Beckington (age 75) died at Wells, Somerset [Map].

Around Apr 1497 Cornish rose in rebellion against taxes being raised by King Henry VII of England and Ireland (age 40) to support his wars against Scotland and against changes to the operation and privileges of the Cornish tin mining industry. The rebel army of 15,000 sought to replace Henry's ministers who they saw as responsible for the taxation: Cardinal John Morton (age 77) and Reginald Bray (age 57), the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. The army travelled from Cornwall through Devon and Somerset attempting, unsuccessfully, to recruit more men. At Wells, Somerset [Map] they were joined by James Tuchet 7th Baron Audley, 4th Baron Tuchet (age 34) who took on command. The rebel army then travelled through Salisbury and Winchester, Hampshire [Map].

When Henry became aware of the rebel army he diverted his main army led by Giles Daubeney 1st Baron Daubeney (age 45) to meet the rebels. Daubeny's army camped at Hounslow Heath [Map] on 13 Jun 1497.

Around 1590 John Hoskins was born in Wells, Somerset [Map].

On 17 Feb 1734 Robert Crichton (age 95) died at Wells, Somerset [Map].

On 15 Jan 1744 Admiral John Holloway was born at Wells, Somerset [Map].

Bishop's Palace, Wells

In 1703 Bishop Richard Kidder (age 70) was killed accidentally when a chimney from the Bishop's Palace, Wells fell on him and his wife whilst they were in bed during the 1703 Great Storm.

On 25 Apr 1870 Bishop Robert Eden 3rd Baron Auckland (age 70) died at the Bishop's Palace, Wells. His son William Eden 4th Baron Auckland (age 41) succeeded 4th Baron Auckland of West Auckland. Lucy Walbanke-Childers Baroness Auckland (age 34) by marriage Baroness Auckland of West Auckland albeit for seventeen days only since she died on 12 May 1870.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Wellsway [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, West Bradley

After 1594 Leonor Foix (age 47) died at West Bradley, Somerset.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, West Quantoxhead

St Audries House, West Quantoxhead

On 29 Apr 1892 Alexander Hood 3rd Baronet (age 73) died at his home St Audries House, West Quantoxhead. His son Alexander Fuller-Acland-Hood 1st Baron St Audries (age 38) succeeded 4th Baronet Hood of Tidlake in Surrey. Mildred Rose Evelyn Eveleigh-de-Moleyns Baroness St Audries by marriage Lady Hood of Tidlake in Surrey.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Williton

St Decumans, Williton

On 19 Nov 1696 Frances Hungerford (age 61) died at St Decumans, Williton.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Wincanton [Map]

On 31 Jan 1350 Isabel Zouche (age 35) died at Wincanton, Somerset [Map].

The River Cale rises around a kilometre north-west of Penselwood, Somerset [Map] from where it flows through Southmarsh, Somerset [Map], Wincanton, Somerset [Map] to Higher Nyland, Dorset [Map] where it is joined by Holton Bow Brook and Yenston Bow Brook after which the River Cale joins the Dorset River Stour.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Witham Friary [Map]

On 19 May 1400 John Stourton 1st Baron Stourton was born to William Stourton (age 27) at Witham Friary, Somerset [Map].

The River Frome, Somerset rises 3km south-west of Witham Friary, Somerset [Map] after which it flows past Tytherinton, Somerset [Map] then through Frome, Somerset [Map], past Farleigh Hungerford Castle [Map] before joining the Gloucestershire River Avon at Freshford, Somerset [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Wraxall [Map]

Around 1454 Edmund Gorges was born to Walter Gorges (age 32) in Wraxall, Somerset [Map].

In 1474 Anne Howard (age 28) died in Wraxall, Somerset [Map].

On 22 Apr 1512 Edmund Gorges (age 58) died in Wraxall, Somerset [Map].

In 1536 Thomas Gorges of Longford Castle was born to Edward Gorges (age 62) and Mary Poyntz (age 36) in Wraxall, Somerset [Map].

In 1537 Edward Gorges was born to Edmund Gorges at Wraxall, Somerset [Map].

In 1629 Ferdinando Gorges (age 64) and Elizabeth Gorges (age 51) were married at Wraxall, Somerset [Map]. She the daughter of Thomas Gorges of Longford Castle and Helena Snakenbourg Marchioness Northampton (age 80). They were first cousin once removed.

Wraxall Hill, Somerset [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Wrington

Around 1587 Robert Carr 1st Earl Somerset was born to Thomas Kerr of Ferniehirst at Wrington, Somerset.

All Saints Church, Wrington [Map]

There has been a church at All Saints Church, Wrington [Map] since the 13th century; much of the present building dates from the 15th century. It a Grade I listed building.

In 1871 Harry Mengden Scarth (age 56) was appointed Rector of All Saints Church, Wrington [Map].

In 1871 Harry Mengden Scarth (age 56) was presented to the Rectory of All Saints Church, Wrington [Map] by Harry George Powlett 4th Duke Cleveland (age 67) which office he held unti lhis death.

On 05 Apr 1890 Harry Mengden Scarth (age 75) died at Tangier. He was buried at All Saints Church, Wrington [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Yeabridge [Map]

Fosse Way 5a Axmouth to Ilchester. The Fosse Way starts in Seaton, Devon [Map] and/or Axmouth, Devon [Map] after which it travels north through Musbury, Devon [Map] to Axminster, Devon [Map] where crosses the Exeter, Devon [Map] to Dorchester, Dorset [Map] Roman Road. From Axminster, Devon [Map] the Fosse Way continues through Chard, Somerset [Map], Dinnington, Somerset [Map], Yeabridge, Somerset [Map] to Lindinis [Map] aka Ilchester.

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Yenston [Map]

Yenston Bow Brook is a river that rises at Yenston [Map] from where it flows to join the River Cale near Henstridge Marsh, Dorset [Map].

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Yeovil [Map]

Europe, British Isles, South-West England, Somerset, Yeovilton