The County of Somerset
OS Map Grid Ref: ST721015
Following the Norman conquest, Somerset was divided into about seven hundred fiefdoms held almost exclusively in
Norman hands. In the latter part of the 11th century, the Normans embarked on their regime of castle building here,
as elsewhere in their newly-won domain. Many castles were built and some still survive such as those at Dunster
and Taunton. The Conqueror held extensive and
important lands in the country and the powerful Bishop of Winchester also held vast estates, centered about
Taunton, in the county.
Chief amongst the families of medieval Somerset were the Beauchamps, Beauforts, De Courcis, De Mohuns,
Malets
and Montacutes. The Beauforts bore the titles of earls or dukes of Somerset from 1397 until 1472. Somerset was
too distant from the centres of power and too isolated to take part in either the barionial rebellions of
the Middle Ages or the Wars of the Roses which would bring in the Tudor dynasty.
Examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture Bath Abbey, Wells Cathedral and the ruins of Glastonbury
Abbey. Its greatest treasure, however, lies in its many parish churches, some of which have retained their
Norman and Early English features (there are even some remnants of Saxon work such as the chancel of
St John's at Milborne Port).
Those of the Purpendicular style are most interesting, particularly on account of their lofty and graceful
towers. Examples include Glastonbury, Huish Episcopi, Kinsbury, Leigh upon mendip and Taunton.
Dunster Castle, dating from 1070, has been in the possession of the Luttrell family since 1376. Another
Norman castle stands at Taunton.
Fine examples of medieval and Tudor architecture stand at Barrington, Brympton, Lytes Cary, Martock,
Meare and Montacute.
Recommend a Book for this Page
CORNWALL
DEVON
DORSET
HAMPSHIRE
ISLE OF WIGHT
SOMERSET
WILTSHIRE
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