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Somerton in Somerset County England History and GeographySOMERTON, a market town and parish, in the hundred of SOMERTON, county of SOMERSET, 5 miles (N.N.W.) from Ilchester, and 123 (W.S.W.) from London, containing 1643 inhabitants. This was anciently the chief town in the county. During the Saxon era, a castle was erected here which became a royal residence; it was subsequently converted into a state prison, and was the place of custody of many distinguished persons, among whom was John, King of France, who was removed hither from Hertford castle by Edward III.: its site is now occupied by the gaol, in the erection of which the materials of the ancient edifice were used. Thetown is situated near the river Cary, over which is a stone bridge, and consists of several narrow streets. The market is on Tuesday: fairs are on the Tuesday in Passion week, and the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth Tuesdays following, for cattle; and September 30th and November 8th, for cattle, sheep, hogs, and pedlary. The town is governed by a bailiff and constables, annually chosen by the inhabitants; and the county magistrates hold petty sessions in the town hall, which stands in the centre of the market-place. The living is a vicarage, in the archdeaconry of Wells, and diocese of Bath and Wells, rated in the king's books at £16. 0. 7½., and in the patronage of the Earl of Ilchester. The church, which is dedicated to St. Michael, is an ancient structure, with an octagonal embattled tower on the south side. There is a place of worship for Independents. The free school was founded, in the 27th of Charles II., by Thomas Glover, who endowed it with an estate producing £10. 10. per annum, in addition to which is a rent-charge of £5, given by Alice Yates, for the education of twelve poor boys of Hurcot and Easter, in this parish. On the eastern side of the hill above the village of Hurcot are considerable quantities of fine white alabaster. From Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of England 1831, courtesy of Databases 4 Sale |
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