Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Village news:
PITTARD'S LAWSUIT
1798 Mr Robt Pittard of East Lambrook paid Mr Richard Gifford of Lopen 218 Guineas for having
a Bastard by his Daughter Rhoda who afterward married John Gifford of Middle Lambrook - she
left 6 children - tis thought cost Pittard in all £500.
1811 Dec 28 Mr John Viles Wife of East Stoke the Daughter of Mr and Mrs Gifford of Lopen Died in Child
Bed 6 hours after Delivered. Left 6 children and the Infant. (John Vile Died May 1840 - left 9 Children.)
1811 Dec 30 Thomas Banbury of Yeabridge lived with Jas Quantock Esq of Lower Stratton at the Corner
house towards Over Stratton - he was a Batchelor Man he used his Mother Unity Banbury in a most Cruel
Manner - Mr Q's Horse very near killed him on the Spot in Stable he did not live but a few hours after.
1812 Nov15 Mr Robert Vile and Miss Ann Terrel of Stoke was married on Sunday morning (who died
1825).
1812 Nov 22 George Warr and one Dunstone of Stoke was married on Sunday morning. And Died Feb 7
1830.
1813 May 19 The Rev Richard Herdsman's Second Wife was buried in the Meeting House yard in Round well
Street in South Petherton, she was the first Corpse that ever was buried at that Place.
1814 Feb 16 A Fire Broked out at Merriott which consumed 3 or 4 dwellings.
1814 There was A Quarry of Stone opened about 1 mile beyond Chiselborough towards Odcombe Near
the same Nature as hamstone.
1814 Aug 27th On Account of the Return of Peace, and Because all Other Places had their Festivals (South
Petherton too) the two Tythings South Harp and Overstratton thought proper to shew their thankfulness (they
Different to all Others) Collected or Subscribed among themselves the sum of £29 11 0 and gave to all the
poor Except those that went to Mowing and Harvesting the sum of 2/6 Each Men Women and Children of all
Ages from 4 Days Old to four Schore and upwards the Number of the Poor at this time in the 2 Tything was 2
Hundred and thirty six and 10 that was Harvesting. This money was distributed by me Benjm Hebditch.
1816 July 5 John Eason Esq of Bridge Farm in the parish of South Petherton buried in that Field behind
the Dwelling House in the right hand corner according to his Will about half past three o'clock in the
morning there was only 7 people at the Funeral beside his Old and only Sister with 8 under Bearers People
Considered that he Dyed worth at least 80 Thousand Pounds - he never was Married and no Brother nor
Nephews nor Niece living. (Died 21 June last)
See the 13th of July 1830 N.B. Mr and Miss Eason were the best Friends to my Father and his Family we
ever had having Rented 9 Acres of land so cheap of them.
1817 June 24 Mr John Edmonds Junior was Married of South Petherton to a Young Lady of Bridgwater
one of great property.
1817 In the Month of June and part of July the principle part of the Poor Experienced such times
as it may be said that the Oldest Man Living at this time never knew nor heard of. It was so that the
Common poor lived almost entirely on Barley and Horse Beans. Many told me they had not Eaten
or tasted a single Morsel of Wheaten Bread for many Weeks except given them by some Benovelent
person, And what made it still worse Labor was very Scarce Trade Bad and wages low, Laboring
Men 7/0 and some 8/0 pr week, Women 4/0, Spinner not half Work so that Overseers allowed to me
and others 7/0 pr hundredwheight of Flax carried in to Kingsbury Parish. Meriott Parish allowed
Quarter Part.
1818 John Eason Esq of Bridge Farm died worth 80000 pounds and his sister in 1830 leaving no children as
they were never married who gave J W Peters nearly all for life and at his death if no son to Blake.
DEATHS Taken from the Sherborne Newspaper Thursday 21st February 1822 -
There has been but one Death in the parish of South Petherton since the 9th of August last to the
present time being more than 6 calendar months the parish containing upwards of two thousand
Inhabitants.
1822 Apr 7th FUNERAL SERMON
Mr Wright a Wesleyan Preached Old Mrs Edmonds Funeral Sermon from these words in the 55 Chapter of
Isaiah - Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return unto the
Lord etc. She was the Mother of Mr John Senior Esq, of Mrs Vaux and of Mrs Axe all of South Petherton she
was Buried on Good Fryday 1822 aged 85.
Saml Godden South Petherton charged for repairing one of the Iron screws Bought at Stoke before we used it
£5 5 0.
1822 Aug 23rd BURIAL OF MR CLARK SOUTH HARP
This Day I was at the Funeral of the Late John Clark (the Grand Father of John and Thos Clark of
Perins Hill), who died the 15th inst and was Buried in his own Garden in South Harp, the last
House going to Merriott, His Grave is about 3 feet from the Garden Wall and about 2 thirds up
towards Home Close Hedge and it was partly bricked up & about 10 feet deep.
DERANGEMENT
1822 Oct 5th Mr John Horsey South Petherton was Married to Sarah daughter of Mr Joseph Vaux
South Petherton as soon as they was out of Church they went to Bath and Bristol - about ten days
after returned on Thursday night when the Bells was Ringing Band of Music paying etc. that night
and all the next Day. On Thursday morning early he was seen in the Middle of the Town naked
save his Shirt, breaking the Windows of the House of Mr Vaux, and his own, Continued Raving Mad
for Six Days when they was obliged to send him to the Mad House. N.B. He was confined in the
Mad House about Eleven Months at about £3 3 0 pr week.
1825 Dec 25 Samuel Stuckey Junior of Stratton was Married to Martha Reader of Crewkerne
1826 Jan 13th Mrs King of South Petherton Died who was at Chapple Sunday and Monday Night and
Died Friday.
DEATHS
1826 Jan 16th Mrs Terrell of South Harp Died of the Typhis Feaver whose Character as a Christian
and Member of our Church was worthy of the immitation of all who knew her, left 4 children and her Eldest
Daughter died of the same Fever exactly 3 weeks after.
1826 Feb 27th Mary Munckton of Stratton and Job Scott of Lopen was Married.
1826 March 6th Mr Thos Templeman of Lopen was married to Miss Maria Whitmarsh of Yeovil.
1827 Nov 13th Mr Richard Hext was Married at Martock Church to Miss Ann Horsey of Bower Hinton
Daughter of Peter Horsey..
SINGULAR BIRTH
1828 Dec 1st At South Petherton Emma Wife of Saml Taylor was Delivered of a Son. This child has
living in South Petherton Mother, Mothers Mother and Grand Mother - Mothers Father (Sexton for
great many years James Baker) and her Grand Father also it had the Father Grand Father and
Great Grand Father who was Hayward in Petherton for a great number of years and who told me
lately he was 89 years of Age and able to walk about the Fields kicking Birds like many Men of 40
for this was his employment besides Cobling old shoes and he was always known and called Falsey
Taylor - so this Child had 2 Grandmothers and 4 Grandfathers besides its own Parents and 2
Grand Mother laws Fathers side.
1828 Dec 18th Mrs Hext of South Harp was Delivered of her first Child - being a Daughter.
AGE
1829 Feb 25th The following was taken from a Sherborne Newspaper - 15 persons in Petherton living
whose united ages amounts to 1274 years the youngest 81 years.
1829 Dec 16th Mr Joseph Vile of Overstratton Died being in his Eightieth year. He was the owner
of a good Estate at Stratton and occupied it for about 45 years - Mary Lawrence had a Bastard
Child by him when he had living a Wife and 6 or 7 Children several of them Married, He has left 4
Children, Thos, John, Robt and Martha who was never married
1829 and 1830 Mr Tupps New House in Churchpath Field was Built by Isaac Richards.
1830 Apr 22nd Samuel Goddens Wife of South Petherton told me she had ten children in 10 years and
that she has had 16 born and baptised and 4 miscarriages - in all 20.
1830 June 22nd MARRIAGE
Mr John Darby of Bower Hinton was Married to Miss Perratt of Middlezoy and the same day Miss Jane
Daniel of South Petherton was married to a Cousin of hers by the name of Petty of Dorset.
1830 July 13th Miss Eason Died at Bridge Farm near South Petherton and was burried at Barrington.
See July 5th 1816 Mr Easons Death
An Awfull Memorandum Robbery and Murder near Chard Somerset of on the body of Mr S Stuckey who
was a play mate of Mine when a Boy and who was born at Stratton.
1830 Aug 9th *Mr Simeon Stuckey of Chard Builder etc (who built the New House see May 10th
1830) Left our House about 10 O'Clock at Night for Chard but when he got about 20 Yards beyond
the second stream of Water or Bridge beyond Crinevids Knap and about 50 yards this side the little
Cottage on the Left Hand side of the Road he was met about 11 O'Clock by some Robbers who not
only Robbed Him but Murdered him and also took away his Boddy and for several days there was
many scores if not Hundreds in search for the Body but all in Vain. We have Reason to think he had
about 60 pounds with him in Cash a good Watch with Gold seals and a very good suit of Clothes,
the Horse with the Bridle and Saddle was found near Windwhistle Turnpike Gate the Stick,
Contents of his Stomach and about half pint of Blood was seen by me and hundreds of others on the
spot and his hat was about 100 yards this side on the Brow of the Hill.
* August 31st 1830 Farmer Harrisss Reapers of Dinington found the Body flat on the Back in the
Wheat furrows among the standing Corn on examination his money £13 12 6 watch, and all he had
with him when he left home was found in his Pockets safe. I saw him in the furrow but the smell was
beyond description. I think Ten Thousand people saw him before he was Removed.
1831 June 26 Rebecca Mathews of Overstratton Died - she was a decidely pious young woman.
1831 Aug 11th Mr Joseph Vaux of South Petherton died in his 73rd year, on his return from Meriott
he was taken Ill not able to go home without a Carriage from Stratton and died within a week, left a Wife and
3 Daughters but no will. His wife Died in 1835.
1832 March Mr Robt Viles Black-Smiths shop was built this month opposite Saml Stuckeys in
Overstratton.
REPAIR OF 5 YARD LANE
1832 Sept Five Yard Lane leading to Westfield in Overstratton was Repaired with stone by the
Occupiers of Land in the said Field who lived at the Lower End of Stratton and South Harp at 1½ Putts pr
Acre - Wm And B Hebditch paid Farmer Saml Lang for the Carriage of 27 Putts at 15d £1 13 9
Also for the stone at Bridgway 27P at 9d £1 0 3
Wm and B Hebditch's Expense. £2 14 0
JOHN BAKER EDMONDS ESQ., SOUTH PETHERTON
1832 Sept 25th The Lord of the Manor of South Petherton J B Edmonds Esq who occupied 700
Acres of his own Land in the Town for many years had a Sale of his stock and house-hold goods
and was Obliged to leave the Neighbourhood for Guernsey not being able to pay his just Debts. The
causes of his failure was in the opinion of his friends 1st the Pride of his 3 Daughters the
extravicance of 2 Sons who had 5 or 6 Bastards and 2nd his purchasing so much land at from £100
to £150 pr Acre and Borrowing the greater part of the money to pay for it.
1832 Nov 18th Robt Hillard Esq at Wigborough House in the Parish of Sth Petherton Died and
was Buried within a Elm Lead and Oak Coffen the 27th of Nov 1832 in his Family Vault in our
Church - J W Peters and John Nicholletts Esquires Trustees for Thomas Roach now 10 years old -
who had the Farm and nearly all the Property left him by his Great Uncle who was his
Grandmothers Brother. My Son Wm Benjm and myself went to see the Funeral.
1833 Aug 28th This day Mr Thos Terrells Dwelling House Barn and out Houses was all Burnt
down at Yeabridge, Amos Baker the Tenant with his Wife and 5 Children was in Bed about one
o'cock when it broke out in the chimney when they was obliged to take the Children and run down
Naked save their changes - 1¼ acres of wheat unthrashed with 12 Geese and Empty Casks and a
great part of the Household goods was Burnt. The Buildings was insured in £100 but the Household
Goods was not.
DEATH OF ISAAC HOLT OF STRATTON
1833 [Aug?]21st Our Waggon and Horses went to West Moor after a Load of Dung John Fort and
Isaac Holt a Boy about 15 years old Eldest Son of Thos Holt of Stratton was with the waggon - the
Boy thoughtlessly jumped from the shafts on the Hinder Horse which sprang off and instantly he fell
off when the wheel took his Head and caused his Death in about half an Hour - the Carter being by
the Horses at the time was not found Guilty of neglect of Duty - the fine as a Dead and on the fore
Wheel to be paid by me (when called for was 5/- which I never paid (yet a long time afterwards I
paid 5/-).
1834 Feb 15 Mr Jas Griffen of South Harp Died in his 78th year He was considered an Honest
Liberal and good sort of a Man as any in the whole Parish of South Petherton. Left 3 Grand
children whose Parents Died when they were all quite young - Joseph Griffen Terell, Wm and Ann.
N.B. See the 2nd May 1834.
1834 Apr 15th At Ilminster Wm Hanning Esq Died who was the Principal Magistrate in our
District for many years.
1834 Apr 20th At Montacute House John Philps Esq Died who was the Principal Magistrate in
Yeovil District for years.
1834 Apr 20th Thos Richards of Pitway Died who was a Base Singer for many years in our Chapel
and a Manufacturer of Bricks and tiles in Petherton.
DEATHS
1834 May 2nd Mr Joseph Griffen Terrell of South Harp Died being about 22 years of age and who
courted Uncle Josiah Hebditch's second Daughter Elizabeth and as a token of his Love to her gave
her the Rents of 2 Fields for Life valued £25 pr Year but 3 days before his Death made a second
Will and gave her nothing. See the 15th Feb last the Death of his Grandfather Mr Jas Griffen.
1834 May 13th The new Organ in Sth Petherton Church was opened when the Best Singers and
Judges of Musick for many Miles around was present, and the Church quite full. Principally of the
most respectable part of the neighbourhood. Collection for the organ £45 14s 5d
1834 Dec 20th J W Peters Eldest Daughter was Married at Wells to Doctor Gale of Glastonbury. Her name
is Julia Susanah.
1836 Feb 8th Death By Drinking
Sold John Bagg of Norton a 6 year old horse for £10 0 0. Having a Bad Humour in his Legs I
called for the money the 16th when he paid me £6 0 0 and about 7 hours after I left him he Fell in
the Fire and was burnt so very bad that he died in a few hours after. Report says he was very
Drunk. This Horse was the first colt Violet had, when she was only 3 years old.
1836 July 22nd Death of Wm Mathews
Wm Mathews of Over Stratton, son of Thos Mathews was killed by playing with a young cat and
placing it on a large Broad Stone over the Front Door and when putting his hand to take it down
the stone fell on his stomach and lived but few hours after.
1835 Aug 7th William Guppy of South Petherton and Mary Warr of Over Stratton was Married at South
Petherton.
1835 Sep ... Rev Roach neighbours of the late Robert Hillard Esq of Wigborough and Father of Mr Thos
Roach owner of Wigborough Farm was married to Miss Saint, daughter of Edward Saint of Lopen near
South Petherton. (With no fortune).
1836 This year Mr Nichollets South Petherton sold E B Portman Esq a New House (lately built) for the sum
of £700 0 0 and the Report says cost Mr Nichollets £2700 = It stood between West Street and Crown
Lane.This extensive House Mr Portman took down and built it at New Cross. Isaac Richards and his Brother
John (who died this year) built it for Mr Nicholetts and Isaac rebuilt it for Mr Portman.
1836 July 22nd Mr Jos Humphry left New Cross and came to Stratton to live in our New House by Mr
Viles.
1836 July 22nd Death of Wm Mathews
Wm Mathews of Over Stratton, son of Thos Mathews was killed by playing with a young cat and placing it on
a large Broad Stone over the Front Door and when putting his hand to take it down the stone fell on his
stomach and lived but few hours after.
1836 July 28th South Petherton Work or Poor House with several other Parish Houses offered was sold by
Public Auction by Mr Hext. But all was bought in.
1836 Mr Peters house at Yeabridge was built being in Over Stratton Tithing.
1836 Mr Peters of Bridge House built a New House between Yeabridge and Bridge in a Close he bought of
Mr John Vile of Stoke called Footland. And also he built a Coach House Stable etc in Yeabridge.
1836 June 7th This day the King gave his Royal Assent to a Bill or Act of Parliament for Inclosing all the
Commons Fields in South Petherton Parish when I and my Brother Wm had in the Commons Fields in
Overstratton 13A 0R. Mr Easton of Taunton was the only Surveyor or Commissioner and Mr John Nicholetts
of South Petherton his Clerk.
1837 Jan Wm North of Stratton Baker had 2 children that died in the hooping cough and was
buried in one day at Kingstone and Isaac Davy of Pound had 2 children died in the measles and
was buried at Petherton both the same day.
1837 March 8th Mr Wm Beale of South Petherton Died who served the office of Perpetual
Overseer for the Parish for 13 years at £40 a year including the Clerks office.
1837 March 8th About the same hour Mary Holland died our old Servant for a Number of Years.
1837 March 8th Mrs Bull of Bower Hinton Died who was the Daughter of the late Richard
Gifford of Lopen and Sister Mr Jas. Gifford late of Lopen and wife of Samuel Bull that made the
New Hundred and many Xmas Tunes.
1837 May 17th Mr John Horsey of South Petherton was married to Mrs Ann Harding who was
near Mr Horsey's age, both about or very near 70 each. The late Mrs Horsey died about 5 months
since. Perhaps no man ever Buried a Wife made more ado or shed more tears than he. N.B. J
Horsey is her 3rd husband.
1838 Aug 6th Mr John Tupp who lived in the last house going to Merriott on the left hand in South Harp for
abut 55 years and occupied Mr Templemans Estate there for about 40 years died this day and died a
Batchelor man.
1838 Aug 27th At the above Mr Tupps Sale I bought
Iron Arm Waggon £10 17 6
One old Bard Axel waggon for £2 0 0
Putt for 30s with Broad Wheels £1 10 0
Cast Iron share sull £1 5 0
Set of Body Harness £1 0 0
Tub 3/- and a Pail 3/- 6 0
£16 18 6
Received two Bills 16/- and 7/4 £1 3 4
Paid Misses Garland and R G Hext £15 15 2
1838 Dec 18th. George Mathews of Yeabridge, our Thatcher for many years, died leaving a wife
and 7 children. His illness was only a fortnight. Age 48.
1838 Dec 23rd Mr Edward Saint of Lopen died after 2 days illness he considered 240lb weight at
least he married the 2nd time to Mr Thomas Roach's own Aunt of Wigborough. He left a wife and
4 children by her.
1839 March 27th Mr George Parsons of West Lambrook (Steward of Lord Portman) was married to Miss
Gale of Glastonbury.
1839 Oct 24th Mr John Daniel of Petherton was this day married at Castle Cary to Miss Sophia Reader
of Broadwinsor being his second wife - by his former Wife Miss Jane Blake he had 3 Children, James, Jane
and John.
1840 March 25th This day Mr Charles Parsons of Wigborough Farm was Married to Miss Parminton of
Yeabridge. (died 1860)
1840 May . 16th Mr John Vile of East Stoke Died against whom I had a Bond (as Trustee) for £750 for the
benefit of his first Family.
1840 July 9th Paid Cousin Simeon for a pair of Hand Cuffs for the Constables of our Town and he
being Constable used them for the First Time on a Man whole stole Wheat from Mr Thos Shepperd.
1840 New Survey & Rate & Tithe made by Mr Eason of Taunton Rate at 5d in the pound
No. Names called Quantity Annual Rateable Vicar Rector
A R P value value Tithe Tithe
1059 House & Barn 33 5-10-0 4-2-6
[1851 Jan 31st The following was taken this day from the Tithe Book by B.H.
Vicar Tithe & the Rector do
£ s d £ s d
All Slade Close 9 11 1 10 8
& Aisend Close is 9 1 & 1 8 3
Willy & Robt Calloes 28P 1 0 0 0 0
All this was late Mr Peters 1 0 0 2 18 11
Joyler's Witch 1 0 Rectors 3 0
Gore field late Wm Vauxes 3 1 do 9 0
The following is what I let Mr P have
Vicar Rector
Southfield Long Furlong 0 16 11 1 16 6
Lower Netherway Orchard 19 11
1 16 10 1 2 5
Brought down 1 0 0
16 10
The Vicar's Tithe on what I let Mr P have as stated above is £1 16 10
and what I had of him is £1 0 0
Mine is now less by 16 10
But my Rector's Tithe is more by £1 2 5
Brought down 16 10
More than before by 5 7
A R P
Stratton and South Harp Measures 1165 0 3
Compton Tithing measures 499 1 32
and the Town Tithing measures 1646 1 26
3310 3 21
The Vicars Tithe on the above is
on Stratton and South Harp £200 17 8
on Compton Tithing £80 17 1
and on the Town Tithing £268 7 3
Total £550 2 0
The Rectors Tithe is
On Stratton and South Harp £217 0 0
on Compton Tithing £155 0 0
and on the Town Tithing £381 11 8)
Also from Strattons £24 10 4) £406 2 0
£778 2 0
Brought down the Vicars £550 2 0
Total £1328 4 0
Proprietors of the above Vicars Rev H Bond
The 2 Strattons Rectors J W Peters Esq
The Town & part of Strattons M Quantock Esq
and Compton the Dean & Chapter
of Bristol or B Peren of Compton the lessee
A R P
My Estate at Stratton Measures 34 2 10
and the New House etc 3 0 10
37 2 20
A R P
& at Petherton St Street 1 0 9)
Gore Close 1 1 36) 7 1 22
& Joyler's Witch 2 3 32)
In Lopen Rydon say 1 2 25)
45 0 2
N.B. The Tithe of Wigborough Farm is Mr Quantock's of Norton, which is pr Annum £30 0 0]
1841 Feb 21st Miss Martha Vile of Stratton Died aged 56 years - see May 16th last year when her Brother
John died.
1841 Feb 27th Was Buried when beside 2 horses in the Hearse was before it 8
and behind the hearse was 8
together 18 horses
with 6 under Bearers 6
24
and the Carpenter and undertaker 2
26 in all
and 26 Hat Bands and I suppose about 30 pairs of Gloves.
It is supposed she Died worth £600.
1841 Before the year 1800 I recollect almost all my neighbours called Bridport "Burport" - Chard
"Chead" and Yeovil "Evil". B.H.
The Cuckoo I heard the first day it was heard at Stratton the 23rd day of April being St Georges
Day and being unusually late in the season.
1841 April 27th Mr Joseph Lang of Lower Stratton and Miss Mary Bull was married by the Rev
Edward Paltridge South Petherton.
N.B. A curious fact that there were 3 Bulls and 2 Horseys present -viz Josiah Horsey, Horsey
Nicholls, Richd Bull Harriott and Mary Bull
1841 The Census taken in 1841
The population of Poole is 6,388
The population of Yeovil is 7,042
Males 3254 Females 3788 and 1251 houses and 146 unoccupied and 16 new houses
building.
Taken from the new Reference Book 1841 - The Statute Acrs of land of JW P Esq in Stratton Tithings 376
Acres
in Town tithings 44 Acres
420 Acres
and at Middle Lambrook etc etc
of JB Edmonds Sen Town Tithing 550 Acres
of Mr Burchall Peren Compton Tithing 58 Acres
of Mr Sealy Bridge, Town Tithing 210 Acres
of Mr Josiah Hebditch town tithing 14 Acres
MEMORANDUM Brought over
1841 July 2nd Owners of Statute Acres of and in Petherton Parish taken from the Reference Book
Mr John Horsey has 14 Acres
Miss Eliz Prowse 35 "
Mr John Vaux Town Tithing 20 "
Misses Vaux & Horsey 50 "
Mr Wm Hebditch 24 "
Mr Jas Hebditch 10 "
Vincent Stuckey, Moor Farm 80 "
Rev A Templeman 25 "
Mr Wm Heyler Little Field47 "
Rydon Farm, Heyliar Esq 47 "
Vincent Stuckey Compton
occupied by B Perren 105 "
by Mrs Hayward 79 "
Thos Clark South Harp 38 "
John Clark South Harp 23 "
Jas Daniel 44 "
Wm Darby Senior 22 "
Josiah Hebditch 22 "
Benjm Hebditch 37 "
Thos Roach Esq 206 "
JWP Esq his own 40 "
Misses Pittard now Peters, Little Lopen 12 "
Quantock now JWP 60 "
Mr Staples Estate (now Thos Templemans) 22 3 - 23
Mr Templemans 101 "
Mr Wm Terrell (now JW Peters) 34 "
Mr Robert Vile 48 "
Now JW Peters Esq late ) 6
Quantocks ) 420
N.B. 520 Acres
Bought over Mr Peters 420
his own 40
Late Quantocks his own 60
520
STATUTE ACRES
A R P
In Town Tithing 1641 2 32
Compton Tithing 504 0 24
Stratton & South Harp 1165 0 24
Total Acres 3310
The Tithe Owners Rateable Value
Rev H Bond, Vicar £374 0 0
Peters, John Weston £156 5 0
Peren, Burchall £111 12 0
Quantock of Norton £292 6 0
£934 3 0
Town Tithing 3890 11 6
Compton Tithing 949 15 6
Stratton and South Harp 2324 4 6
8097 14 6
Rate at 5d in the pound is Poor Rate £168 12 8
1841 Aug 17th Lee Hanning Esq of Dillington near Ilminster was Married to Lady Bridport.
1842 Jan 6th Thos Hutchings of Seavington Died after 10 days illness being more than 80 years of age and a
Deacon of our Church for about 30 years.
1842 Aug 21 MEMORANDUM
Miss Ann Butler of Severals Farm who boarded with my Sister Humphry in my House at Stratton was
married at Taunton Church to Joseph Leaves of Kingstone being a poor man about 21 and she was about 47
years of age.
1842 Sep 6 JW Peters Esq of Bridge House Lost his Eldest Daughter by Death after one weeks illness. The
disorder was unknown to the public. His youngest daughter a few years after he came to Bridge died about 9
years old called Elizabeth - the Eldest as above Jane -and the Middle one who married Doctor Gale of
Glastonbury while her Father was Electioneering is Julia.
The above Miss Jane was about 28 years of age and bore a very good character for her liberality etc.
Mr Peters married Miss Mead in April 1846
1843 July 2nd Paid Mr Drew's Man of Stoke 14/- for Cleaning and Cutting the Inscription on our Head
Stone in the Church Yard for Brother Wm 18d per dozen for the letters and Cleaning.
1843 July 6th This day I saw our New Market House at Petherton which was opened for the first time for
meat yesterday and the Market was bought of Mrs Horsey and Misses Vaux, (all sisters) by the Trustees of
the Charity School for 200 pounds.
1843 Aug 18 Lord Pouletts Eldest Son Died in London of Inflamation of the Bowles after 14 days illness.
His next Eldest Son, Vere Poulett will become Heir to his immence property at Hinton, Lopen, etc. etc, and
was Burried at Hinton St George the 24th day of August 1843 aged 23 years.
1843Aug 15 At Crewkerne Died Miss Taylor my Brother Johns Land-Lady for about 20 years, for her
land at Furridons near Severals. Her Age was 87 and she gave the 3 Mr Higgans and their 2 sisters 15
thousand pounds each being altogether 75 thousand pounds. And her Executor and Nephew Mr Abrahams
of Bath had more than all the above. Perhaps Miss Taylor and Lord Hinton on the left-hand page were the
Riches Pair that have ever died in or near Crewkerne.
1844 Oct 14th. This day I went to Sherborne Pack Monday Fair and Bought a Pair of Pebble
Spectacles for 10s 0d and on my return through Montacute every Window were Illuminated with
Gas or Candle Light, Canons and Guns Roaring and the Bells at Yeovil, Odcombe and Montacute
Ringing all in consequence of young Mr Phelps being 21 years of Age.
1844 Nov 26th Rebecca only Daughter of our much respected Pastor the Rev Ed Paltridge was Married
by her Father at our Chapel to Mr Robert Pittard of Rodwell Farm in the parish of Kingsbury Episcopi.
1845 Jan 5th Mr Robert Vile Died having been kept by our Parish about 9 months - Mr Peters having
just bought his estate (being under several Mortgages) for about £5,000 leaving 2 Children Samuel and
Ann.
1845 Jan .. 10th Mr John Horsey Died having served the office of Clerk at our Chapel for about 15 years
and a Perpetual Overseer for 3 years at 25 pounds a year. He had been a very Respectable Tradesman and
then occupied Mr Bridges Estate beside his own and yet at last could not pay 20/- in the pound. He was very
high in his Doctrine as a professor.
1845 Jan 22nd Mr Jas Palmer Jnr, Martock, who married Miss Vaux had a son and heir being 8
months after Marriage.
1845 March 27 The Rev James Stratton Cobs, the Magistrate of Shepton Beauchamp who Married the only
Daughter of Vincent Stuckey Esq of Langport had his first born son.
1845 May 20th. This day I went with Benjamin to Somerton Fair and sold Mr Hopkins of Shores
Mills 120 bushels of very prime wheat at 5/9 per Bushel.
Fire at Petherton The same day a Fire took place at Petherton in Mr Joseph Langs Bakehouse and
destroyed the whole House which belonged to J W Peters Esq adjoining the Bell Inn - had not the
Fire Engines been in complete order many houses must have been burnt - it happend about one
o'clock mid-day consequently hundreds of hands were on the spot. No Fire has happened in the
Town since Mr Bridges house was burnt in Palmer Street in the year 1800 being 45 years since.
1846 Jan 23rd The Rev. David Richards died (Mrs Jas Daniels Father) having been the Pastor of the Old
Meeting for 60 years.
1845May 21MEMORANDUM
At a Sale of Land at the Crown Inn, South Petherton, the Property of the Late Mr Saml Vaux in West Street.
Mr Aaron Tutchen bought an arable close in Little Petherton 2A 2R 14P for the sum of £250 and Mr Jas
Daniel Senior bought 1A 2R 0P in Whitefield for £160.
The Rev H Bond bought a Little Orchard and The House and Orchard bought in at £450. (now Brother
Simeons)
1845 May . 22ND MEMORANDUM
Since Mr Peters has bought Mr Viles and Mr Quantocks estates he has leveled Viles East Lane Close with Mr
Vauxes do by harp-way - Viles Foot-lane Close where the New Cottage Barn is built with East Lane
Common Field - 3 Watergore Closes now all in one. Viles Sull-hay and Breach Church lease with do by Mr
Staples Farm, 2 Hillards Little Lopens in one, 2 Hebditch's do do in one, Quantocks Yorks Field and do,
Little Lopens into Bishops, Little do - Great Little Lopens with Great and Little Rag fields.
This year he Bot Joseph Edmonds South Field Close and the House at Yeabridge
N.B. Mrs Peters died at Bridge House the 21st of May 1845 and on the 9th April 1846 J W Peters was
married to Miss Mead of North Broom, not being 11 months after the death of Mrs P.
P.S. Mr Peters Letts about 150 roods of land in separate Roods at 20/- each to the Poor of the Parish.
1845 June 25 At Martock Died suddenly Mr Jos Palmer, Wool Stapler, leaving 3 married and 1
unmarried Children.
1845 June 28th Mrs Jones, the sister of Samuel Axe Esq of Petherton died. I had a Hat Band and Gloves,
my Wife and Daughters had Gloves also.
1845 Sept 23rd George Willy of Watergore who has worked for me 7 years was married at Lopen to Fanny =
a servant of the late Mrs Templeman for the last 16 years. and the son born the 30th July 1846.
1846 Oct 4th - On Sunday when my Brother and wife was at Crewkerne Chapel Two Men as
Beggars called at the House when Sarah Stuckey the servant only was at home they were very
abusive and wanted for to enter the house. When she took a Pick and said if either of them forced
themselves in she would stab them so they left and no doubt within 5 minutes set fire to some straw
in the Waggon House and within one hour, for the wind was very rough, destroyed Mr Butler's Barn
and Stalls with about 80 Bushels of Wheat and 20 bushels of vitches and also my Brother's dwelling
house, Milk House, Stable, Barn and Stalls with all Harness etc etc but having so many Friends the
main of the household goods were saved.
Mr Butler's as well as my Brother's and the dwelling house etc were insured.
N.B. Two men were taken up but were freed.
1847 Apr 9th .. Joseph Leaves and his Wife lived in my New House at Stratton and occupied the 3
Grounds adjoining for several years he was a poor Young Man and she Miss Ann Butler of Severals
Farm, Crewkerne about 43 years old when Married about a Month since they parted and then lived
together again till now when he had a Sale and sold all his Household Goods and left his Wife and
went off with one of the worst women in Petherton, Susan Hillard.
MEMORANDUM
1847 June 8th Doctor Thomas Coke of South Petherton 1776
This day as I was Reading of the Life of Doctor Thos. Coke and his Mother in a Publication Entitled
"The Mothers of the Wise and Good" I found that Mr Coke was a Curate at South Petherton in the
Year 1776 and Erected the East Gallery in our Church at his own expense and the next year he was
reprimanded by the Bishop of Bath and Wells and dismissed by the Rector of the Parish for his
Pious concern to promote the welfare of his Parishioners, He being accused of being a Methodist.
Being banished from the Church he began Preaching in the Open Air and Joined himself with Mr
John Wesley who valued him for his Zeal and Piety and who was one of his most useful and devoted
Ministers but on his Passage to the West Indies he died the first day of January 1814.
MEMORANDUM
1847 Nov 9th John Staple Esq, Captain of the 2nd Somerset Militia Died in his House in the
Orchard near ours in South Harp Tithing. He lived there about 30 years a Batchelor, having Mary
Ann Brown of Haselbury as House Keeper & who he gave his Property to, he having no near
Relation. His Death was Occasioned by his Cow Stall being set Fire to on the 5th of November
which fright or excitement brought on a apoplectick fit in his right side.
His Estate being 21 Acres was mortgaged to Lawyer Clark of Chard in about £1000 and Old Mr
Edmonds of Petherton owed him about £500 but this was never recovered.
1847 Nov 20th Mary, Eldest Daughter of John Nicholetts Esq of South Petherton was married to
Sir Arthur Chisester of Youlston near Barnstable. About 1000 people were about the Town to see
the Procession to Church, Carpeting being placed from the Church Door to the Gates and 9
Carriages, with 11 Clergyman, and 58 of the most Respectable Magistrates and Esquires in the
Neighbourhood to Breakfast After The Wedding -and at 7 o Clock a Dancing Party met of the
Principal Young People of the Town - All the Expenses Valued at about £300 for the Ceremony.
1847 Nov 25th Young Mr John Chaffey of Stoke (of Fever) died being the Eldest Son, large
Farmer, Steward of the Quarry on Ham Hill and highly Respected and beloved by all Parties, Rich
and Poor, 36 years of age. Ill about 5 days.
N.B. He was one of the most Robust, Strong, Healthy looking Men in Stoke.
N.B. Since his Death we know that he stabbed himself with a sword in the absence of his Nurse
which caused his Death very soon after.
1848 Jan 1st Mr Joseph Leaves (our tenant for many years) died in bed from bursting a blood vessel
suddenly.
1848 Jan 8th Mr Jesse Hopkins Miller of Bow Mills for 30 years died, the Principal supporter of
the Bower Hinton chappel. He had 3 wives but no child - left about 7 or 8 thousand pounds to his
family and friends, and I hope died a Pious Xtian.
The sale of stock etc took place on Thursday, the 30th of January1848.
1848 John Edmonds Esq died being Lord of the Manor all his Family gone.
1848 Jan 23rd J B Edmonds Esq of South Petherton died at Stone House, Plymouth and was
brought to Petherton and Buried on Thursday, the 3rd day of February 1848. Report says the lead
coffin, corpse etc weighed together 9 cwt.
1848 Apr 3rd This day I went to see Wm at Taunton School and the Assizes while there, Samuel
Reyland Junr of Watergore a Workman was cutting Potatoes in Weaving Shop Chamber who took a
Peck of White Pease and put them in our Bag and hide them in the Privy behind a Lyme Bag where
Wm Benjm found them who watched Reyland to Breakfast followed him took the pease from him,
sent for the Constable had him to the Magistrates from there to Gaol the same day, next day to the
Court before the Grand Jury and the next he was tried and convicted for 2 months hard labour in
Prison. The pease was shown with a sample.
1848 May 18 At a Meeting of the Subscribers towards playing the Organ at our Church held this day in the
School Room it was Unanimously agreed that Mr Joseph Billing Junior of Petherton should be appointed for
6 months. . Also this day for the first time I went on the Tower and Returning I counted all the steps being
137.
1848 June 28th Mr Thos Roach of Wigborough House was married to Miss Stuckey of Lopen, Somerset.
1848 J Nicholetts Esq his wife died.
1848 Paid Mr Nicholetts for getting South Street House and Orchard £34 Josiah allowed me £10 0 0.
1848Mr Nicholetts eldest daughter married.
1848 When Tail Mills was burnt Mr Hayward Recd of the Insurance office 2,800 0 0 pound
1849 Recd of Mr Peters mortgage on Laurence House £152
1849 The New Market House, Yeovil was opened
1849 Mr John Nicholetts bought Hayes End Farm
1849 Mr Peters bought Mr Terrell estate South Harp
1850 Rev. Henry Bond was married.
1850 Mr Quantock was married (Norton)
1850 Mrs Terrells estate at Witcombe let £260 being 121 statute acres
1850 Dec. 7th - Mr George Moody married
1851 Mr Henry Parsons, Hazalbury, married
1851March 30th - Government required every Congregation in England to number, ours was approx 434
1851 March 30th - The Census was taken. My son Wm B and Cousin Josiah did it. South Harp 176 and in
Over Stratton 265 = 441 Ten years since it was 400
1851Mr Cuff was married 2nd wife
1851Mr J Templeman bought Staples Estate being 21 3 4 ) for the sum of £1620 0 0
House 1 0 19 ) same ? I offered £1610 0 0
22 3 23
With all expenses cash £76 per acre
1851 Aug 13th Mr Charles Harding, Montacute married
1851 Dec. Mr Henry Parsons eldest son was born.
1852 Feb 29th - being Leap Year Mrs Moody's eldest son born.
1851 June 1st Mr Hugh Norriss was married.
1852 June 15th South Petherton Parish This day being at the Board of Guardians, I took from the Book
there Produced the Population - Acres Rateable Value, and Rate Collected for the year ending 25th of
March
Population Acres Rateable Rate Collected Average pr
Value for the year Quarter
A R P
2605 3311 0 17 £7726 5 8 £1046 7 5 2s 8d per the Pound
The Land in South Petherton Parish and the Proprietors Names taken from the New Reference Book made in
1851 by Mr Wm Wadman of Martock
A R P
William Hellier 46 2 32
Chas & Jno Helliar 47 1 26
Chas Loveday & Co 47 3 38
J C Langdon 107 1 24
do do 78 2 31
Burchale Peren 70 0 19
John Clark Perrins Hill 23 1 13
Thomas Clark 38 1 32
James Daniel 43 3 31
Jno Darby 14 0 26
Josiah Hebditch 10 2 21
Richard do *12A 3R 1P Peth 10 3 13
Benjamin do 36 3 31
J H Peters 336 0 5
do do 199 0 9
do (Harrison) 53 2 36
Thomas Roach 207 3 31
Thomas Templeman 22 3 23
J Weare Templeman JH 54 0 32)
)
do do RH 47 0 36)
Sealy Bridges 25A 0R 4P )
46A 3R 20P ) 212 1 35
69A 2R 13P )
70A 3R 38P )
John Daniel 20 1 6
J B Edmonds (late) 178 3 38
Geo Gould (Lopen) 50 0 0
William Harding 23 1 9
Jno Hebditch (Moor) 19 1 38
do do (London) 23 2 6
Richard Hebditch (Petherton) 12 3 31
Langdon (Moore Farm) 77 3 27
John Naish 26 2 25
John Toller Nicholetts 105 1 36)
)
do do do 42 0 11)
A R P
Burchale Peren 34 1 29
Charles Poole 13 3 35 )
)
do do 14 2 0 )
Aaron Tutchen 14 2 38
Susan Vaux 20 2 24
Mr Peters with his Tenants 700 0 0
The Whole Parish
Compton 499 1 24
Stratton 1165 1 0
Town 1646 1 33
Total 3311 0 17
1852 May 27 - Rev. Mr Bonds, Vicar, eldest son was born.
Aug 31 1852 - the foundation stone of the new church at Crewkerne was laid by J Hoskins.
1852 Apr 28 Mr Wm Terrell (Stoke) was married.
1852 July 13th Mr Peters bought Barrington Court Farm
1854 Nov 5th Memorandum
For all my children to think of & guard against which has taken place in South Petherton Parish
within 60 years from Now as to the Truth of that Scripture - Riches make to themselves ? & flee
away -
John Eason Esq of Bridge Farm who left no child, his name extinct.
John Edmonds Esq Lord of the Manor of Aisend Farm who left 2 sons & both gone and all their
father's estates mortgaged & sold.
Robert Hillard Esq of Wigborough Farm & his brother Thos Esq both died bachelors. The farm
mortgaged & now called Thos Roach, their sister's grandson who letts it to Geo Moody.
Jas. Quantock Esq of South Harp who died a Bachelor, all his estate sold to Peters.
Saml Anstice Esq, a lawyer of Sth Harp whose son went to sea, the estate sold to Peters.
Jas. Griffen of South Harp Gent whose only son died young man. Estate sold to Peters.
Joseph Vile of Stratton Gent gave his estate to his 2 sons who sold it to Peters.
John Weare of South Harp, Gent left no son but gave his estates to his grandson of Lopen, Revd
Templeman's son, Wearn.
John Staples of South Harp, a Captain of the Militia gave his estate to his Housekeeper (being a
batchelor) who sold it to T Templeman.
John Prowse Esq of South Petherton left one son George, now very poor, estate mortgaged.
Wm Harding, South Street, Gent, left no son, estate given & divided but his Name lost.
Wm Harding, Palmer Street, Linsman & Farmer of his own estate, Gent, who left 4 sons but the
Estate all sold and but 1 son living at Petherton & he poor.
Richd Toller Esq of Petherton, Lawyer, left no child but his Name lost.
The Revd Robins, Vicar of the Parish for 36 years Dead, his only son was poor.
The Revd Richd Herdsman, Independent Preacher at the Roundwell Chapel when it was Built &
for 40 years after, Name lost, no son, whose only daughter married Jas. Gifford. Estate sold.
John Anstice, malster & farmer, Gent whose estate is nearly all sold, his sons gone.
Saml Axe Esq gave what little he had left to wife's Nieces who sold all to Mr McMillan, he Mr Axe
had no child.
Wm Gifford, malster & farmer at the Palace had but 1 son who spent all his.
Joseph Vaux Esq, South Street, Linsman & Farmer had 1 son died quite a young man, the Estate
mortgaged & sold nearly all of it & the Name all but lost.
Wm Vaux, malster,Gent, died a batchelor, gave his property to his Brother's sons who have spent
nearly all of it.
But strange to say after all the foregoing disasters of the Great Men of our Town & Parish, yet my
GreatGrandfather Wm Hebditch descendants at least 5 of us have good property altho he was only
a Blacksmith at Watergore & came from Devonshire.
The above 5 Hebditch as above are my brother Simeon, linman & farmer in West Street, John
Hebditch of Moor Farm, Josiah Hebditch in South Harp, Richard his brother in Overstratton &
myself Benjamin Hebditch, youngest brother of the above Simeon Hebditch - I verily believe the
success to the Hebditch Family is in answer to the Fervent Prayers & example of my forefathers &
their wives who with their husbands were Noted for their Piety.
NB I have omitted Robt Hearn of Compton who was a very large farmer & who had but one son
who spent his all.
John Farnham in North Street who was a Principal Tradesman in the Town as a linsman, he left 2
sons, a Flat & the other a proper Scamp in the Union.
Robt Rose at Hele, also a linman who had 1 son. The Name & Property gone.
Wm Beale of Petherton, a linman & Farmer, no child & his Name gone.
Thos Whiby, shopkeeper for 40 years a Batchelor, gave his property to his Housekeeper, Sarah
Lang, the Name gone.
John Tupp of South Harp, Farmer, Batchelor gave his Keeper part of his Property, the other part
to his Nephew, London.
Charles Cox, Gent of Petherton, a Batchelor died Insane. Name gone all but his Nephew of Norton
C Cox.
Thos & John Lavor, farmers & whose property nearly all gone. The Name extinct, leaving no son
nor grandson.
1857 Sept 27th The following lines I hear was written by Mr Henry Anstice of Petherton on hearing John
Holland of Stratton relate to his Uncle Ben his journey to Bristol the first time ever travelled on Rail from
Bridgwater to Bristol to see the Queen Victoria & her Husband about Ten years since when these lines was
put in the Sherborne News Paper.
John's trip to Bristol and his relating the wonders of the way over a Pot of Beer to his Uncle Ben (reprinted
1857)
[incomplete]
Nunck, did I ever tell thee o' my Bristol trip
Da zee Prince Albert in Great Iron Ship
How Mary went wi' me (their. know Mary my wife)
En how I got Vriden marsh out o' my Life
Of us never did, which tell thee of now
On be aras
var Maister an Miss weer along
arry one
We did'n goo aroo-et
There war
Un there
Za long as all Petherton in za big as the hous in
There war
Wie rud
En all 0-em Number
War markd in
Us war nation afeard when they
To the
Eh had two
The lockd up the doors, and there in war vass
Us hadden bin there moore na minit or zoo
vore zumbody wissled and off we did goo
My eyes ow us veeld wot a way var da ride
I drdd in mr breath en us thought I'd a died
Avore us
En
The
But us did
When vush
I thot Iwar the
Var narry a
En be hang'd wa war
The cows in the veels did cock up their tails
an run var their lives round the hedges an hills
The osses did showie an the sheep grlowied too
En the jackasses blard out ooh-eh-ooh
About a mile off us zeed a church steeple
En in less in a minit we zeed all the people
I war looking straight atem ta see who us could vind
But avore I coud look they war a Mile behind
Thee ben to a Fair where the conjerers ply
"Pristo Jack en begen" en the things ulee awy
Dash my wig if it war den the same wie the people
wie waggons en osses, the Church en the steeple
Swain ouver a Bridge ashurt a gurt river
They dreyved
Eh
All da pieces
Oh dear my would ed!
How us ever got auver it, I canet tell thee ow
My ed a did wurdelley all rown-en roun
Ur coundn stan up, nor us cou-dn zit down
When
Var us see thee art
How us zeed the
ow the Prince on the Ship
Uch
var us
un
Zoo gee as thy an in good night Uncle Ben
The above was taken off for the amusement of the young folks who may happen to see it in future years when
they may form some idea of the brogue of Stratton people about the year 1847.
Failure of Two Attorneys
1857 Oct 16th Messrs Slade and Viney of Yeovil failed for 80 thousand pounds as the report goes being the
principal Lawyers in the Neighbourhood, being Auditors of Unions
1857 Nov 19th - Mr Thos Clark of Bower Hinton was married to Miss Floid of the place, she being a neice of
the Rev. George Cofriss wife. Perhaps she had 100 or 200 pounds to her fortune. Mr Clark is about 45
years of age.
1857 Dec 4rd - Mr Saml Tatchik of Bower Hinton was Married to Sarah, 3rd Daughter of Mr Wm Darby of
Stoke and took a small farm near Yeovil.
1857 Dec 24th Mr George Moody's Sister Grace was Married to his Wife's Uncle, a Widower, who is about
12 or 15 years older than her and Also the same day his Wife was confined for her 4th Daughter, they have
no son.
1857 Dec 24th - Jas Munk of Stratton, Jas Reyland of Watergore, Thos Elliott, Pound, and John Fort of
Petherton called on me for something against Xmas and their united ages were about 113 years.
1858 NB Weights and Measures are adjusted at the Bell Inn, South Petherton the last Thursday & Friday in
May & Nov in every year from the Year 1858
1858 Feb 20th - Mr J P Turner of Merriott was presented with a Book Published by Doctor Livingstone a
Missionary whose Travels were written there in South Africa. The book cost £1 1 0
The Money was collected by me
from Self and 2 sons 2/6 each 7s 6d
Miss Ford and Father 2/6 each 5s 0d
Mrs Southcombe and Aunt 2/6 each 5s 0d
Mr J P Daniel 2s 6d
and Mrs John Daniel (Bot of) 1s 0d
£1 1 0
This was done out of Respect to Mr Turner for his usefulness as a Clerk -Singer-Sabbath School Teacher
and a Member of the Church at Merriott.
1858 Eclipse March 15th about 1 O'Clock the Eclipse took place but the Weather was so cloudy that we
could see no appearance of it, yet it was so very dark that in the middle of our Hall I could scarcely see to
Read, and the Servant said Mrs is so dark I cannot see if the Pot Boils or not - I never saw the like.
1858 Mar 15th - Mr George of Chinnock told me that he had seen a very large Map made by Mr
Wadman of Martock for J W Peters Esq at his House where Bridge state and is own Land was all Marked out
the one Marked Blue and the other Yellow.
1858 Apr 15th - Mr Thos Terrell of Stoke was Married to Jane the Eldest Daughter of Mr Roberts late of
Preston and she is a Niece of the late George Hart. Wm B H was at the Wedding and I went to Severals for 2
or 3 days in his absence.
Something Extraordinary
1858 Apr 23rd - Last September Lord Pouletts only Son Died when all the Hinton Parks etc fell into another
Family at the Death of the present owner - But the Heir was about to be Married to a Lady Escott when he
Died and was Buried at Hinton St George Crewkerne Fair Day in 1857. And now 7 months after this Lady
has a Child by the late Poulett, yet being not Born under Wedlock it will become the Heir - yet I hope he will
have all the Personal Property.
1858 In Apr. and May Mr Rodger Parker of Merriott Built his New House on the Right hand of the
Road from Merriott Church to the 3 Cross Road leading to Lopen
1858 May 26th Mr Richard Hebditch Bot the House and Orchard in Middle of Stratton late Mr
Joseph Clarks for _______ 110 0 0
say repairs & furnishings? full 50 0 0
The tithe Land & other Tax 30/ a year
Mr Thos Terrell of Stoke was married to Miss Roberts & gone in Dorset
1858 May28th Mr Saml Howe was chosen a Perpetual Overseer for the Parish of Crewkerne Salary 40 0 0
a year. Wm B H proposed him at the vestry and obtained the majority of Hands when a Poll was demanded
by his opponent Mr Cornelius the auctioneer, the Polling lasted 2 days yet Mr Howe got a majority of votes
by 28.
1858 June 28 George Gould Esq of Lopen was Buried & lived in the Brick House for about 12 years the
West of the Church that his 2 Brothers were my Sunday School Schollars for years at Petherton. He was
never married & all his Property was given him by a distant Relation.
1858 July 3 The Gentleman who had the Building of Mr Cuffs House of Merriott told me this day that the
cost was over Five Thousand Pounds!!!
Death Extraordinary !!!
1858 July 27 J W Peters Died without a son but left 2 Grandsons & yet gave his House calld The
Cottage at Yeabridge with about 200 acres of land besides all his Houses & cottages to his Nephew,
Wm Parsons, on condition he Bought his Name Peters which he did which cost £200.
1858 July 27th Death Extraordinary !!!
J.W. Peters Esq Died at Stratton Cottage worth Perhaps One Hundd Thousands Pounds - leaving a
Wife, Daughters, 2 Grandsons & say 5 Grand Daughters - nearly all his Property was given him by
Mr Eason see 106 page being 42 years since but he did not until Miss Eason Died See 106 Page
being 28 years since And since her Death He has Bot. more Land - exchangd more, and Built more
no doubt than all the men in Petherton Parish by more than half. He it was that proposd that the
Common Fields should be enclosd, which was a great Blessing to us all.
He was an extraordinary Man & a good Neighbour & Master. But, But made no profession of
Religion never enterd a meeting & scarce ever a church nor allow a Minister to see him when ill.
He has left 4 sisters, 2 Mrs Moodys & Mrs Parsons & one in London.
1858 Aug 3rd Mr Peters was Buried at Cherriton near Castle Cary. Mr Ryal of Yeovil had the
Funeral being 3 mourning coaches & the Hearse with 4 Horses.
Peters & Peters
On the Newspaper I see that the late J W Peters Esq ordered on his will that Wm Parsons should purchase
his surname Peters. Report says it cost him 200 0 0
1858 Aug 2nd Mr John Stevens of Hurcott, Shepton Beauchamp Died leaving no Family & his Brother Wm
Died in 1852 being a Batchelor.
1858 September Comet This month a comet was seen at Stratton by me and by others in different parts of this
County and the Heat was very unusual for indeed for this month or even for July.
Comet again
from the Standard Paper. The Comet in 1811 was 600 000 000 times larger than the earth and the one this
year is Four Hundred Millions times larger. The Comets do not affect the Weather.
1858 Nov 4th Death at Petherton
Mr George Sherrin by Round-well Died about 25 years since being a Shoe Maker, he bot. the
Crown Inn at Petherton and began purchasing & taking nearly all he could come at so now he one
of our great men in the Town as a Farmer & Malster among other things he Rented all my Brother
in law's Houses & Orchards & Land in Palmer Street - Mr Wm Harding's.
Nov 4th John Gould & Thos Jeanes put up our Brick Hall Chimney Tun
Nov 28th Mr George Garland, carpenter & of South Petherton Died at 42. He was one of the
principal men in the Methodist connection.
1858 Dec 20th Mr George Perratt's wife died, Sarah late John Horsey Daughter.
1858 Dec 26th Farmer Saml Lang who Died livd at Lower Stratton for 68 years he was about the
oldest member of our Church at Petherton.
1859 Jan 20 George the Father of Benjm Harrison of Lower Stratton Died being 83 years of age.
1859 Jan 27th This day I was told by Mr Jas. Daniel that he gave John Parsons 1000 pounds and
his 5 Grand daughters 5000 each and Henry Parsons and Uriah his Brother & Mrs Peters were
Executors. I believe Mrs Peters has 1000 a year & Mrs Gale 500 a year but if either of the Miss
Gales marry one of the Gales they will forfeit their share.
It is thought Mr Peters Died worth more than a Hundd Thousand pounds. He gave the Poor of
Barrington, South Petherton & Cherrinton 460 pounds for to be laid out in Blankets & sheets.
NB Feb 20th 1859 John Nicholetts Esq of South Petherton had a Boy son Killed by the Roussians in his
Lodging or Friend's House in Roussia in the War with the English about 5 years since called Henry & this
day his next Brother being the youngest of 11 children called Edward & was about 16 years old Died at
school being Home at our Church the Sunday week before in his Vacation.
1859 Apr. Mr P. Peters had the long Cow Wall put up before Munktons House by Butlers Close &
the Oak Paling opposite before late Wm Folletts Bake House now occupied by Wm Collins,
Stratton.
NB The said Mr Wm P Peters has lately given Mr Joseph Terrell Notice to Quit the House at the
Top of Yeabridge with all the land now n his occupation viz Severs Lane Close & 2 Mowlands
arable, & also 4 Netherways in front of the House all Pasture - a great disappointment to Mr Wm
Terrill having livd there so many years.
P.S. Something very singular that no child was ever Born in this House as yet, For Mr Jas Daniel &
wife, Mr Edmond Stoott & wife and Mr Joseph Terrell all livd in it for many years each in the prime
of Life & neither of the women ever had a child there or elsewhere and those three coupes are the
only ones ever livd there.
1859 Apr. Some a/c of my Rich Neighbours at Norton The Quantock Family viz 3 sons & 1
Daughter who married Mr Donistrophe of Crewkerne. John was the Father of the only son at
Norton now living there the other 2 Died Batchelors. Lower Stratton Farm by the Pools was James,
at Wigborough the Family of the Hillards was 3 sons & 3 daughters one of them married the Revd
Wm Roach, the present Thomas Grandfather -the other 5 never married
At Bridge House The Family of the Easons livd 2 Daughters & 1 son neither of them ever married.
John gave JW Peters all his land for life & then to Wm Blake his Unitarian Minister's son who is
now Building his Mansion.
At Haysend, South Petherton, the Edmonds Family livd: 1 son & 2 Daughters, one married S Axe
Esq of London, left no child, the other married Mr Joseph Vaux of Petherton, Left no son. The
Prowse Family livd at Moons, Sth Petherton, John the Father of the present George was the only
one I ever knew & this George was calld the young Esquire but now where is the Property.
The Toller Family livd at the West corner of the Church Yard Sth Petherton & Richd left no child
but left his Property to his wife's eldest son John by a former Husband whose Practice as an
Attorney he took on & now John's son, John Toller Nicholetts is in Co. with him.
But above all, the above, the most extraordinary Family is Lord Pouletts of Hinton St George the
Present Lord had 3 sons & they are all Dead - so the whole extensive Property fell to a Relation.
Such is the fulfilment of the Scriptures that Riches make to themselves wings & fee away for much of
the above Property have been spent and lost.
1859 Apr 24th Died at Stratton Cottage Old Sally about 70, an Old Maid who lived a servant with Miss
Eason then with Mr J W Peters & with his widow. Her property is supposed be 15 Hund. Pounds.
1859 Apr This month in London Miss Rhoda Terrell of Stoke was married to Mr Watkins, her Aunt's
Husband's son.
1859 May 14 Jas. Churchill's wife put some Hot ashes in a Basket & put them in the pigs stie
where some straw was which took fire & burnt down my two cottages occupied by Jas. & his father
near the New House at the top of Stratton. If the 2 Fire Engines had not both have [sic] out of order
the loss would not been much but as that was the case it will be about 30 pounds.
Robt. Perren Esq. of Petherton was married to Miss Silvester who is th only Niece of Mr Ths.
Templeman of Lopen on Thursday the 12 of May 59 very strange that T. Templeman's father had 2
married Daughter & 2 do sons & 1 Batchelor son the Revd Alexander & yet there is no Heir to the
Land - as there is only the above Miss Silvester, Mr T's Daughter who married to a Mr Dadd & no
family.
1859 June 15th Mr Rodbord's Barn and Shepherd's House was burnt down, no doubt set on fire, it
was very near Bow Mills.
This day I walked to Severals and back within 6 Hours, when I heard the disease was in the Potatoe
Crop in many places in the Neighbourhood. This is much earlier than usual. I hope it will not be as
bad as heretofore. Old Potatoes are now selling at 2/6, Bread 6d, Wheat 5/9, Barley 4/-.
1859 Sep The fatal effects of Drunkenness Three middle aged men with several children each in
this Neighbourhood died no doubt by constant drinking, and all was from Respectable Families viz Mr Wm
Symes of Coat. Mr Abm Poole of Sevington & his Brother-in-law Mr Robt England of Lambrook within a
few weeks of each other - awful Deaths.
1859 Sep 21st Death
Mr George Perratt courier of Petherton Died of Fever after about three weeks Illness leaving 5 children. See
the 20th of Decm, when his wife Died only about 9 months apart
1859 Nov 9th The Revd. Alexander Templeman's Brother-in-law & Mr Robt Perren's Father-in-law, Doctor
Silvester was killed by the Train.
1859 Nov 12 NB. He was Brot & Buried at South Petherton this day.
1859 Nov 12 The late Aaron Tutchen's wife of South Petherton Died after 2 Days illness at Coles. House.
Mr Rich. Rensley's youngest Daughter Martha was married to Mr Wm W Dove, Rector of Sydney the 8th day
of Sept last, Australia. She visited us for several weeks.
1859 Nov 7th Mr Thos Clark of Bower Hinton whose wife was confined for the first child (a Daughter) see
the 19 Nov 57 when married.
Warning against Fever 1859 Nov 8th At the sale of the late Mr George Perratts of Petherton who of the
fever died about a month since, his Bed was Bot. of a Neighbour who slept on this Bed soon after almost
immediately, took the same Fever & Died, leaving her first child 3 months old.
1859 Nov 7th Remarks Continued
See the left hand page when page when Mr T Clark's first child was Born, his Father was Born in the last
House going to Merriott & married Miss Dwelly with very little property he had but one child & Died soon
after the 2nd Feb 1818 about 45 years of age of Fever. His widow married Mr Wm Darby, by him she had
Mrs Josiah Hebditch & 2 other sisters, also Joseph & Saml Darby.
1859 Nov 16 Deaths –Extraordinary At South Petherton Died Mrs Anstice (the widow of Captain John
Anstice a Slave Driver) aged 94 and only 3 days after their eldest son James who Died in London 72,
together 166. NB The above John Anstice was the uncle of Messrs James & John Daniel.
1860 Feb 3rd This day I saw the spot a corner of the field on Bridge Farm where the late John Eason Esq
was Buried in the year 1816, see particulars of him on the 107th page of this Book being 44 years since and
yet I have never seen it till now. Wm Blake Esq is the present owner of the Farm & began Building his House
in 1859. I paid him his first years Tithe on our Land yesterday being ____________________ 10 16 8
1860 Feb 4th Mr Robt Lyddon of Sth Petherton Died being a Batchelor of 64 years of age, a very singular
(sic) case, his parents lived close by Round Well & had 2 Daughters & 2 sons, Robt the youngest, all lived
over 60 and not one of them was ever married and all possessed good Property. Robt died in the House he
lately Bot. late Mr Vauxes at the top of Prig or Broad Lane in South Street. Strange to say his executrix who
had nearly all say 5000£. Gave neither cake nor wine at the funeral
1860 March 3rd Mr Saml Darby's wife of Bower Hinton was confined for a son. Strange to say she lived
with her first Husband for about 7 years & Mr Darby about 5 & never had a child till now.
Remarks Continued
1860 Apr 28 This day Robt. Wm was walking by the side of his Horse & a large Broad Wheel Putt when
Jas. Munks Boy ran under the Horse when the wheels passed over both wheels. The Mother & other women
screamed at the top of their voices when the Horse Galloped home & leaped with the Putt over a five Barred
Gate in our Straw Barton & very strange to say the child, Horse nor Putt was injured, how extraordinary!!
1860 July 6th Awful Death at Petherton Fair
My 2 sons' old School Master Mr Joseph Billing who I saw walking about the Fair about 12 o'clock
and by 3 he died suddenly in the Pot House Drunk - He was parted from his family a Tyrant, cruel
school master, and noted Drunkard for years.
1860 July 8th This day the Crewkerne Railway was opened when Thousands went to see it. I drove from
Severals Mrs H her 2 servants & 4 children. All the Poor Inhabitants of 60 and upwards Dined under cover
in center of the town nd over a Thousand schollers from the different schools had Tea etc in a large field near
Vincy? Bridge afterwards all kinds of sport took place such as Donkey racing etc etc etc
Since the Martock Station was built we had all kinds of carriages for coal etc etc passing through Stratton
albut every day & all day long but now we shall but very little, Crewkerne being very much nearer Merriott
and many other places - what wonderfull times we live in, what would our fore Fathers say nowadays.
1860 July Mrs Robt Peren's wife was confined for a Daughter in Sth Street.
Also this month Mr Charles Parsons of Martock Died being the eldest Brother of Mr Wm P Peters, Stratton
his age about 55 and no doubt the largest man in the Neighbourhood & who died from hard Drinking.
1860 July 27th The Potatoe disease made its appearance the beginning of June & within the last week it
spread so rapidly that it is now much worse than for many years past so that they are selling at 7/- Bag.
1860 Aug 2nd Extraordinary
At Bulbridge sheep-wash I saw about 300 people to see 3 females & 2 men Babizd(sic) by Mr Gribble the
Bretheren Pastor of Merriott he stood in the Water all the time & at last continued to sing Praise God from
all etc etc. Just as it was over, 2 cows came on & by some means one of them walked in & swimmed out.
1860 Aug 16th Another Baptising at the above place by Mr Gribble when 3 were Dipped.
NB If you wish to know the Right way of Baptising see the 28 of Matthew expounded by that Good man
Mathew Henry & the following Texts he Quotes in favor of Infant Baptising Isaiah 44 & 3 verse, also the 53
& 15 verse, Exekeh 36 & 25 do. Moreover in Titus the 3 & the 5 & the 6 verse.
Solomon's Temple was Built in the year of the World 2992 & before Christ 1008 and it was finished in the
year of the world 3000 and dedicated in 3001. It was 450 feet long & 105 feet Broad. Solomon was 7 years
in Building the Temple see the 6 & 38 verses of the 2nd of Kings.See the 3 & 8th verse of Ezra when the 2nd
Temple was built & see the 6 & 13 verses when this temple was finished Dedicated etc
1860 Sep 12th At Broadway Fair this day Mr Zecariah Chick (farmer) near Chard was killed by the kick of
a Horse. NB Mr Chick Recovered after all.
1860 Sep 15th Wm Hacket Richards Esq of Stapleton House Died aged 64 years he was a magistrate for
many years.
1860 Sep 17 Poor old Jim Muncton of Stratton Died aged 83 years being the oldest person in the
place. I believe he has left more children & Grandchildren than other has in the whole Parish. I
think he has Thrashed more Corn than other man in the Parish beside He was a good Farmer man
for all work.
1860 Sep 23 George Perry of Stratton Died he lived next door to me for 33 years his garden &
orchard was by the Little Path? which runs between his Garden & ours. I made his will & visited
him for many months in his Illness & believe him to be a good man. He was one of the Strongest
Men in Parish. He Drove a Road waggon from Exeter to London for years when young & when
married kept some good Stallions & lead them himself for years, was 73 years old.
1860 Oct 7th Mrs Southcombe of Stoke Died in her confinement and left one child only.
1860 Oct 8th Mr Delamont of Crewkerne Died aged 81 years. He, Mr John Horsey and my good Brother
John of Severals Farm were the 3 Principal Men that Raised the Baptist Chapel at Crewkerne and also the
Best supporters for many years.
1860 Death Nov 9th Mrs George Moody of Wigborough Farm Died at Weymouth and left her
Husband & 4 Daughters.
Also Mr Thos. Clark of Sth Harp who left one Daughter by a married woman of Merriott who lived
with him for years while her Husband was living yet she told me just before his Death they were
married before & after her Husband's ?aunt but this I do not believe.
1860 Nov 17 I went to his Funeral in the mourning cars with John & Thos Naish. Present 2 do & 2
cars, The Wesleyan Chapel - 2 Naish - 2 Perens & 3 Hebditch all us were 2nd cousins but the
Perens whose Father was.
* It seems that Mr Clark gave his Wife (so Called) all his property for life then to his children
before the mother then Miss Elizabeth Street is to have the whole.
1860 Nov 28th This day Butcher Harriss's child was Burried about 2 years old - I am expecting
every day mine will be the next. This year 1860 24 Peers have died their ages averaged exactly 70
years the age of man. I believe that this year I have found as much of the decays of Nature as I did
from 40 to 55 being 15 years or from 55 to 65 being 10 years asthma is my complaint may I
consider my Calor and apply my etc etc
1860 Dec 27th Taylor Tuck's Daughter was confined for a son of some man unknown
1861 Jan 17 Olliver Reyland's wife of Stratton Died in Child Birth before the Child was Born she
having the Fitts in my cottage part of Forts House.
1861 Jan 24th Also Mrs Edwards of Stoke, Mr Richd Southcombe's aunt, a good Christian.
1861 Jan 19th See the 21st of August 1858 when I Bot. my wife a Donkey of Hallett for 2-0-0 &
this day it Died we think from a cold it ran in the straw Barton, livd well & little work. Poor mother
is now a great trouble for all her live stock Died in one Night.
1861 Jan 19th Mr George Templeman of Broadstone Farm, West Chinnock Died aged 62 leaving 2
sons and 1 Daughter all grown up by his first wife But very strange to say a few weeks before his
Death he confessd he had married his House Keeper 3 months ago who was in the Family way by
him therefore he left her 200 & if the child should live it should have equal fortune with the other
children. He was one of the talest (sic) and largest men in the Neighbourhood. I should think him
12 score weight his eldest son is living at Chiselbourh Farm.
Remarks Continued
1861 Jan 18 Mr John James of Crewkerne Died aged 75 who occupied Crofts Farm for many years
and who was a Land surveyor & a sort of head Bailiff for Wm Blake Esq of Bridge, also a principal
at Parish Meetings.
1861 Jan 25th Mr Benjm Vile of West Stoke Died being in Barn talking with his men when he said I
feel sleepy & went in, sat down in his chair & Died in a few Hours after.
1861 Feb 7th Mr Jas. Blake Daniel, Sth Petherton was married at Shepton Church by Mr Coles to
Miss Bridge of Shepton __ who is Neice of the Shephens of Hurcott
1861 Feb 12th George Willy laid the Ham Stone Path in the Higher House Garden & also Relaid
the one to the Priory.
1861 Feb 27th Thos Mathews of Stratton Died after about 4 or 5 weeks Illness no doubt hard &
constant Drinking hastend his Death.
I had made his last Will and my two sons he appointed Trustees - I believe he paid me Hundreds of
Pounds for Rent & Interest money on 130 pounds on his House.
He was an Honest man & one of the most hard working men in the Parrish.
His age about 68 and was a member of the Wesleyan Society for about 30 years when he was turnd
out as a Drunkard.
Isaac Richard's wife was his Daughter & Jas. Mathews of America his son who had, with his
children most of his property.
1861 Mar 1st Death Extraordinary At Norton the only son of__ Quantock Esq of Dyptheria being
only 7 years old - this child is the only one of this wife and the Daughter being about 17 is the only
child of the first wife.
I recalled James Quantock Esq of Lower Stratton Farm, Died a Batchelor. Mathew Quantock Esq
of Norton he also Died a Batchelor and his Brother John Esq who livd with his Brother John Esq
who livd with him being the Grandfather of this child so now this child was the last of all that Name
which was a very wealthy one for nearly all Norton was theirs.
So much for Names, for this Name, with Toller of Petherton, Edmonds of do, Peters of Bridge or
Yeabridge who orderd on will that Wm Parsons should purchase his Name, Hillard of Wigborough
& the 2 Templemans of Lopen, all Esqs and yet left no Heirs. over.
1861 Death again! Remarks continued
1861 Mar 5th The mother of the child who Died the 1st Inst as the a/c of the other side states, Died
this day at Norton of the same disease viz Diptheria & no doubt took it of her only son. Mr Norriss
& 2 phycians attended them from London every day. So youth - age - Rich & Poor must Die.
1861 Mar 11th Sudden Death
This Night as Wm Calloes Wife late Martha Lawrence of Stratton was just going into Bed she fell
down on the Bed and never spoke afterwards, her Husband being in Bed at the time. She has had
12 Children & left 10 - 4 in Australia.
1861 Apr 1st Being Easter Monday the Bible Christians laid the Foundation Stone at Stratton of their New
Chapel the Land Bot of Wm Guppy & formerly Saml Stuckeys at that time I had a mortgage of £80 on it. John
Parsons, Brother of Wm P Peters Preachd on the occasion Messrs Revell, Taylor, Perry, Cossens & others
Present.
1861 Apr 30th Mrs Hannah Griffen late Terrell Died at Coat at her Brother Johns. She livd at
Yeabridge many years the widow of Farmer Saml Griffen late of Seavington
1861 May 6th This day I attended her Funeral from Coat to the Old Meeting at Martock and Drove
George Nevill now 84 years old and the after tomorrow I shall be 70 our united ages 154
Joseph her Brother would not attend the Funeral as she gave her Brother John and his Children
nearly all she left In consequence of Josephs Ill treatment.
1861 July 8th The 6th being Saturday our Fair was held this day & through affliction I was not there, and
never expect to see another of our Fairs, after perhaps been there for the last 68 years, a humbling thought.
1861 July 12th The Revd Wm Revells first Born Son and Heir was Born in South Street in the House that
Mr McMillan Bot for 6 Hundd Pounds & let it to Mr Revel the 24 of June last at 20.0.0 a year and has 2
Houses by the Chapel lets at 10.0.0 each_________
1861 July 21st Stratton again see 1st Apr
This day the Chapel was opend by having 3 sermons preach
d in it Being Sunday, I think more People appear
d
at Stratton than ever before in one day, Not but half the People or there abouts could enter the Chapel either
of the Services ___________________
and Now again
the 23rd In Cousin Josiah Hebditch's home Barton a Bazaar was opend
Entrance 4d each at 1 O'clock at ½ past 2 a Sermon in the Chapel by Wm P Peters Brother John Parsons a
Local Preacher being a Wesleyan, and at ½ past 5 a Public Tea in the above Barton Tickets 1/- each -I gave
them 30/ towards Building the Chapel may much good be done by the Preaching of the Gospel there
1861 Remarks continued
1861 Aug 2 Mr J. P. Daniel told me this day that the Late J.W. Peters Esq gave by Will Benjm Harrison
£200 to Mrs Peters £500 a year for Life to his Daughter Mr Gale £500 a year for Life and her three
Daughters each Five Thousand Pounds when they arrive to the age of 25 years.
1861 Sep 10th Something New at Stratton
see 21st July The Sunday School Children of the Bible Christian School of this place was treated with Tea
for the first time and about 50 of them walk through the Street with arches of Flowers & may God Bless both
Teachs & Children.
Remarks Continued
1861 Sep 23rd The Infant son of our dear Pastor Mr Revill Died, see the 12th of July last when Born, and the
Mother is no doubt in consumption and her Friends think she will soon follow.
1861 Oct 18th At his House calld Haygrass House near Taunton Died Mr Thos Templeman who was Born at
Lopen & carried on the Sail Cloth Trade there for about 40 years aged 71 years. He had 2 sons that Died
about 7 years old and the other Daughter married an old Man old enough to be her Father, a Mr Batt - they
have no child.This Mrs Batt is the only descendant of her Father & his 2 Brothers Weare & the Revd
Alexander who was never married. Mrs Robt Perren of Petherton is a first Cousin of Mrs Batt so these Two
are the only Descendants of the Templeman Family at present - This Mr Templeman belongs to the late
Staples Estate at South Harp- Report says he Died worth 30 000 Pounds. He left Lopen about six month
since for Taunton quite against his wishes And was brought back to Lopen to Buried in the Family vault.
1861 Oct 31st Last week was married by Mr Bond - Pittard a Taylor to a young woman -Marsh who was
Born Blind she being a member of our Church.
1861 Nov 14th Folly and Fashion
This day the Dress Maker Mary Davy made my wife a Top Petticoat which I measurd all Round at the Bottom
and it was 126 Inches Round or 10f-6 Inches. Strange to say my Father told me that those large Hoops were
worne by the Ladies as they are now about the year 1700 so that it was with great difficulty the could enter
the set Doors at Church or Chapel such is the Case now and has been for the two or three years. All the
appearance of modesty is lost by the Ladies it is evident
Land A R P
Our South Field Close measures 3 2 16
and Mr Peters Hill Close do 3 2 11 5 over
If Mr P would give this in & the Pasture at the Bottom & which is above our Bottom I would exchange.
Markets
Chard Great Market 1st Monday in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr Dec, & Martock every 2nd Wednesday in every
month.
Cider
Chas Best of West Lambrook takes a pound of moist sugar and put it into a large saucepan or Boiler without
water, simmer & stirring it ½ hour until the color alters to Blue etc etc then put a small stick or what you stir
it with drop a drop or two on a plate or panshead when cold it will be very hard and Black then while stirring
take it off, pour gently one quart of warm water in with it which will be enough to make 2 Hogshead a good
color. It will take half an Hour at least to complete the thing.-
