Tony Scrase charts the changing fortunes of about 30 towns in Somerset over
thousand years and explores the reasons why, right up to the eighteenth century,
it remained a county of small towns. The author draws his evidence (much of it
based on his own research) from tax returns, descriptions by travellers such as
Leland and Defoe and archaeological excavation and survey.
He also examines evidence from outside the county, such as the traffic
through the ports of Bristol, Exeter and Southampton. His discussion of the
different types of evidence and on the division between small towns and market
villages is important for all local historians.
The work is illustrated with many tables, maps, diagrams and photographs.
Contents:
Acknowledgements and Abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. The Fourteenth Century
3. The Sixteenth Century
4. The Seventeenth Century and After
5. Micro-towns or Service Villages
6. Conclusions
Bibliography
Index
