[Illustration: A MAP OF THE RAILWAYS OF SOMERSET] [Illustration: THE PINNACLES, CHEDDAR] SOMERSET By G.W. WADE, D.D. and J.H. WADE, M.A. _With Thirty-two Illustrations and Two Maps_ "Upon smooth Quantock's airy ridge we roved." London Methuen & Co 36 Essex St. Strand [Illustration: Hand drawn Routes of the Somerset & Dorset Railway] PREFACE The general scheme of this Guide is determined by that of the series of which it forms part. But a number of volumes by different writers are never likely to be quite uniform in character, even though planned on the same lines; and it seems desirable to explain shortly the aim we have had in view in writing our own little book. In our accounts of places of interest we have subordinated the historical to the descriptive element; and whilst we have related pretty fully in the Introduction the events of national importance which have taken place within the county, we have not devoted much space to family histories. We have made it our chief purpose to help our readers to see for themselves what is best worth seeing. If, in carrying out our design, we appear to have treated inadequately many interesting country seats, our excuse must be that such are naturally not very accessible to the ordinary tourist, whose needs we have sought to supply. And if churches and church architecture seem to receive undue attention, it may be pleaded that Somerset is particularly rich in ecclesiastical buildings, and affords excellent opportunities for the pursuit of a fascinating study. In the production of our book we have used freely such sources of information as circumstances have enabled us to consult; and in this connection we wish to make specific acknowledgment of our indebtedness to C.R.B. Barrett's "Somersetshire," the Rev. W.H.P. Greswell's "Land of Quantock," and the "Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society." We have likewise profited by the kindness of several friends and correspondents, amongst whom we desire to mention the late R.P. Brereton, Dr F.H. Allen, Mr F.R. Heath, the Rev. C.W. Whistler, the Rev. E.H. Bates, and the Rev. J.S. Hill, B.D. (the last especially in regard to the origin of certain place-names). But our descriptions are, for the most part, based upon notes taken on the spot. Almost all the localities that are included in the alphabetical list have been visited by one or other of us: those of any interest, which from various causes we have failed to reach, can (we believe) be counted upon the fingers. We cannot expect our work to be wholly free from errors and omissions, but we have done our best to make it accurate and to render it as complete as the size of the volume allows. G.W.W. J.H.W. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION:-- I. SITUATION AND EXTENT II. CLIMATE III. COMMUNICATIONS IV. PHYSICAL FEATURES AND GEOLOGY V. FAUNA AND FLORA VI. HISTORY VII. ANTIQUITIES VIII. INDUSTRIES IX. CELEBRITIES