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Somerset History

Somerset's history is broad and varied. It has many sites of ancient interest including ancient buriel grounds; hill forts whose history is shrouded in the mists of time. It is said to be the County where King Alfred was walked and fought. It is the "home" of King Arthur with a Camelot and Isle of Avalon. It is claimed to be the birthplace of Christianity in England.

Somerset twice rose up in rebellion against the King. First during the English Civil War and despite King Charles losing his head the County was severly punished by his son Charles II in punishment for their part in the rebellion. The second time they following the Duke of Monmouth to a terrible end on the plains of Sedgemoor. The survivors being treated brutaly at the "bloody assizes" by the infamous Judge Jeffries.

The history of Somerset provides a rich variety of interest for those wishing to explore the history of Britain.

 

Somerset. First recorded use of the name and derivation was AD 1015, Sumaersaeton, the land of dwellers (Saete) dependant on Sumerton (a summer-only settlement).
There are many notable Roman remains in Somerset, including a large mosaic pavement near Langport, and many later Saxon stone carvings in the church at Milborne Port. Somerset was originally part of the kingdom of Wessex, and figured largely in King Alfred's struggle against the Danes. Somerset contains several abbeys, and castles, notably at Glastonbury and Dunster, and an important cathedral at Wells. A battle was fought at Allermoor in 1645 during the Civil War.

Visit the King Arthur Section here

 
Roger Evans, Bridgwater and Somerset's leading local historian, has contributed many of the articles for this site. They are listed below with RE after the title or you can go straight to Roger Evan's own local history section of this site by clicking here.
 
 
 

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