History - Discover Somerton

Somerton has a rich history once being the Royal Capital of Ancient Wessex.
In 658, the Saxons defeated the older Roman-Celtic people and captured eastern Somerset. The Saxons gave the name Summer tun (hamlet or farmstead) and it seems to have been quite an important village in Saxon times. In 949 the Witan, a kind of parliament met at Somerton. By 1086 the Domesday Book noted Somerton was still a village, but by the 13th century it had become a small market town – in 1255 it had been granted the right to hold weekly markets. In the 1270s the county courts and the county jail moved here.

For a short time, Somerton was the county town of Somerset but in 1366 the courts and the jail were moved to Ilchester. The parish church of St Michael and All Angels was built in the mid-13th century although a church existed on the site much earlier. Somerton had a market cross by the 14th century, which was rebuilt in 1673 as the Buttercross. The Old Town Hall also dates from the late 17th century and Edward Hext built almshouses in Somerton in 1626.

The 19th and 20th centuries brought some changes. In 1866 Sophia Scott Gould built homes for 6 older women. The Lady Smith Memorial Hall was built in 1901. From 1858 Somerton had gaslight and in 1894 it gained a parish council. The railway arrived in 1906 but the station closed in 1962. From 1930 the streets of Somerton were lit by electricity. Today Somerton remains an attractive small town with a population of about 6,000.

21st Century

Somerton remains a vibrant yet peaceful town in the heart of Somerset, known for its historical significance, charming architecture, and beautiful countryside, attracting visitors and residents alike.

20th Century

Somerton undergoes modest expansion, with new housing developments and the growth of local services yet retains much of its historical character.

18th-19th Century

Glove making, rope, and twine production are major industries in Somerton. The Somerton Brewery, owned by Thomas Templeman, is first recorded in 1841 and remains a significant producer in Somerset until its closure around 1935

17th Century

The Market Cross (known locally as the Buttercross) is thought to date back to the 17th century, constructed by the noble Stawell family during the reign of King Charles II. If you examine it closely, you’ll notice several water-spouting gargoyles, each featuring a distinct and characterful face.

Late 13th - Early 14th Century

Late 13th – Early 14th Century

Somerton is considered the county town of Somerset. Around 1280, “Somerset Castle” is believed to have been built as a county gaol, though its existence is uncertain. Sir Ralph Cromwell owned it between 1423 and 1433.

13th Century

Several key buildings in the town, such as the White Hart Inn, are constructed, reflecting Somerton’s continued role as a market town.

12th Century

The Church of St. Michael and All Angels is established, becoming a central place of worship in Somerton.

1086

Somerton is recorded in the Domesday Book as “Sumertone,” noted as a significant settlement with agricultural land and a mill.

871-901

According to local tradition, Somerton was the capital of the Kingdom of Wessex. In 949, it was the site of a Witenagemot meeting, an Anglo-Saxon parliament.

688-728

King Ine of Wessex, who reigned from 688 to 726, was a powerful yet lesser-known ruler who significantly shaped the early history of Wessex. He expanded and solidified his kingdom’s boundaries, drove the Britons from the River Parrett, and established key sites such as a temporary palace at South Petherton and a fort at Somerton.

733

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that King Æthelheard of Wessex loses control of Somerton to Æthelbald, King of Mercia.

Prehistoric Era

Evidence of human activity in the Somerton area dates back to the Neolithic period, with nearby archaeological finds suggesting early settlements.

7th Century

Somerton begins to emerge as a significant settlement in the Kingdom of Wessex. The name “Somerton” likely derives from “summer town,” indicating its use as a seasonal residence.

Roman Period

(43 AD – 410 AD)

Roman Period

The Romans established a presence in the region, with the nearby Fosse Way, a major Roman road, running close to Somerton.

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