Crewkerne Genealogical Records

Crewkerne Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

St Bartholomew's, Crewkerne Baptisms (1743-1890)

Transcripts of registers recording children baptised in the parish church, including parents' names.

St Bartholomew, Crewkerne Baptism Records (1580-1859)

A searchable transcript of St Bartholomew, Crewkerne baptism registers. The transcriptions essentially record births in and around Crewkerne between 1580 and 1859. Details may include residence, father's occupation and more.

Crewkerne Baptism Records (1559-1786)

A searchable transcript of the baptism registers of Crewkerne. They list parents' names - their occupations, residence and sometimes other details.

Crewkerne Baptisms (1599-1637)

A searchable transcript of baptism registers, essentially recording births, but may include residence, father's occupation and more.

Crewkerne Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

St Bartholomew's, Crewkerne Marriages (1813-1859)

Transcripts of registers recording couples married in the parish church; latter records include parents' names.

Crewkerne Banns Records (1565-1658)

Banns registers list the names of people who intended to marry by the system of calling banns, in which the bride and groom's name were called for three weeks at church. At these callings objections could be made to a marriage. They record the bride and groom's parish of residence.

Crewkerne Marriage Records (1559-1813)

A searchable database containing a transcription of the marriage registers of Crewkerne. These records may help trace a family as far back as 1559.

Crewkerne Marriage Records (1559-1754)

A searchable transcript recording marriages solemnised at Somerset, Crewkerne between 1067 and 1754. Details may include residence, marital status and witnesses.

Crewkerne Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

St Bartholomew's, Crewkerne Burials (1785-1909)

Transcripts of registers recording people buried in the parish churchyard; latter records include the deceased's age.

Crewkerne Burial Records (1558-1837)

A searchable transcript of Somerset, Crewkerne burial registers. They may list the age of the deceased, their residence and name of relations.

Crewkerne Burials (1599-1637)

Transcriptions of records from burial registers. They may detail the deceased's name, residence and age. Some records may contain the names of relations, cause of death and more.

Crewkerne Memorial Inscriptions (1525-1999)

An index to vital details from monuments found at the church.

Crewkerne Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Hearth Tax for Somerset (1664-1665)

A transcription of records naming those who had taxes levied against them for the privilege of owning a hearth.

Somerset Electoral Registers (1832-1914)

Digital images of books the list people eligible to vote in Somerset. Includes addresses and nature of that address.

Somerset Certificates of Muster (1569)

An early census of men able to serve in the militia.

Newspapers Covering Crewkerne

Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser (1820-1950)

Fully text-searchable articles from a local newspaper covering the Taunton district. It includes family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more.

Sherborne Mercury (1770-1867)

Fully text-searchable articles from a local newspaper covering the Sherborne district. It includes family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more.

Western Morning News (1894-1950)

A politically independent newspaper, covering the affairs of Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. It includes family notices.

Weekly Mail (1879-1910)

A weekly newspaper that circulated through Wales and parts of Somerset and Gloucestershire. It published general news, literature, commentary, family notices, adverts etc. Each edition has been indexed and digitised.

Western Gazette (1863-1950)

A regional newspaper covering the counties of Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire Hampshire and Berkshire. It covers local and national news, family announcements, business news, legal proceedings and more.

Crewkerne Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

Devon Wills Index (1163-1999)

An index to 295,609 wills of people who lived in or were connected to Devon. The wills they reference can contain a great deal of genealogical information.

Somerset Medieval Will Abstracts (1385-1558)

Summaries of 1,616 wills that may detail family relationships, land ownership and other details.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Admon Index (1559-1660)

An index to estate administrations performed by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. The index covers the southern two thirds of England & Wales, but may also contain entries for northerners.

Archdeaconry of Taunton Wills & Administrations (1537-1799)

A calendar to wills and admons granted by the Archdeaconry of Leicester. Contains year of the grant, name and residence.

Crewkerne Immigration & Travel Records

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

17th Century British Emigrants to the U.S. (1600-1700)

Details on thousands of 17th century British immigrants to the U.S., detailing their origins and nature of their immigration.

Crewkerne Military Records

Memorial Book of Somerset (1914-1919)

An index to almost 11,000 men connected with Somerset who died during WWI.

Somerset Certificates of Muster (1569)

An early census of men able to serve in the militia.

2nd Somersetshire Regiment History (1801-1815)

A history of the regiment in the run-up to and during the Napoleonic Wars.

Somerset WWI Memorials (1914-1918)

A list of names found on World War One monuments in Somerset, with some service details.

Somerset WWII Memorials (1914-1918)

A list of names found on World War Two monuments in Somerset, with some service details.

Manuscripts of the Dean & Chapter of Wells (1100-1799)

A collection of charters, writs, letters, conveyances and other records from the Dean & Chapter of Wells.

Somerset Inquests (1790-1825)

Transcripts of a large number of records detailing investigations into deaths.

Act Books of the Archbishops of Canterbury (1663-1859)

An index to names and places mentioned in act books of the Province of Canterbury. It records various licences and conferments, such as marriage and physician licences.

Home Office Prison Calendars (1868-1929)

Records of over 300,000 prisoners held by quarter sessions in England & Wales. Records may contain age, occupation, criminal history, offence and trial proceedings.

Central Criminal Court After-trial Calendars (1855-1931)

Over 175,000 records detailing prisoner's alleged offences and the outcome of their trial. Contains genealogical information.

Crewkerne Taxation Records

Hearth Tax for Somerset (1664-1665)

A transcription of records naming those who had taxes levied against them for the privilege of owning a hearth.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Duties Paid for Apprentices' Indentures (1710-1811)

An index linked to original images of registers recording apprenticeship indentures. Details are given on the trade and nature of apprenticeship. Many records list the parents of the apprentice.

Red Book of the Exchequer (1066-1230)

A compilation of records from the Court of the Exchequer primarily dealing with taxes and land. These records are in Latin.

Crewkerne Land & Property Records

Manuscripts of the Dean & Chapter of Wells (1100-1799)

A collection of charters, writs, letters, conveyances and other records from the Dean & Chapter of Wells.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

UK Poll Books and Electoral Rolls (1538-1893)

Poll books record the names of voters and the direction of their vote. Until 1872 only landholders could vote, so not everyone will be listed. Useful for discerning an ancestor's political leanings and landholdings. The collection is supplemented with other records relating to the vote.

Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem (1236-1291)

Abstracts of records detailing the estates and families of deceased tenants from the reigns of Henry III and Edward I.

Crewkerne Directories & Gazetteers

Kelly's Directory of Somerset (1939)

An exhaustive gazetteer, containing details of settlement's history, governance, churches, postal services, public institutions and more. Also contains lists of residents with their occupation and address.

Kelly's Directory of Somerset (1935)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Somerset (1923)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Somerset (1919)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Somerset (1914)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.

Crewkerne Cemeteries

Crewkerne Memorial Inscriptions (1525-1999)

An index to vital details from monuments found at the church.

Somerset Monumental Inscriptions (1600-2000)

An index to vital details engraved on over 100,000 monuments across the county of Somerset.

Somerset Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Somerset's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Crewkerne Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Crewkerne Histories & Books

Notes and Queries for Somerset and Dorset (1888-1906)

Selected issues of a periodical which contains many historical and genealogical tracts relating to the counties of Somerset and Dorset.

Catholic History in South West England (1517-1856)

A history of Catholicism in South West England with biographies of noted Catholics. Contains details of the Dominican, Benedictine, and Franciscan orders.

Victoria County History: Somerset (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Somerset Church Photographs (1890-Present)

Photographs and images of churches in Somerset.

Somerset Turnpikes (1707-Present)

A history of turnpikes and tollhouses in Somerset. Includes profiles of individual turnpikes.

Crewkerne School & Education Records

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge Alumni Database (1198-1910)

A searchable database containing over 90,000 note-form biographies for students of Cambridge University.

Crewkerne Occupation & Business Records

Somerset Parish Apprentice Indentures (1575-1800)

Abstracts of apprenticeship indentures initiated by parishes in Somerset. These records provide details on parents' names and occupations.

Smuggling on the West Coast (1690-1867)

An introduction to smuggling on the west coast of Britain & the Isle of Man, with details of the act in various regions.

Somerset Pub Histories (1820-Present)

Histories of Somerset pubs, with photographs and lists of owners or operators.

South England Mines Index (1896)

Profiles of coal and metal mines in the south of England.

West Country Police in Glamorgan (1839-1901)

An index of Glamorgan police officers who came from the West Country.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Crewkerne

The Visitation of the County of Somerset (1623)

Pedigrees of Somerset gentry families, including depictions of their arms. The book also contains some biographical information.

Victoria County History: Somerset (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Crewkerne Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

The Visitation of the County of Somerset (1623)

Pedigrees of Somerset gentry families, including depictions of their arms. The book also contains some biographical information.

Victoria County History: Somerset (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Somerset Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Somerset's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Crewkerne Church Records

St Bartholomew's, Crewkerne PRs (1743-1909)

Transcripts of registers recording the life events of parishioners.

Crewkerne Parish Registers (1559-1859)

The primary source of documentation for baptisms, marriages and burials before 1837, though extremely useful to the present. Their records can assist tracing a family as far back as 1067.

Manuscripts of the Dean & Chapter of Wells (1100-1799)

A collection of charters, writs, letters, conveyances and other records from the Dean & Chapter of Wells.

Crewkerne Parish Registers (1599)

Baptism, marriage & burial records transcribed from the registers of Crewkerne presented in the form of a printed book.

Somerset Parish Apprentice Indentures (1575-1800)

Abstracts of apprenticeship indentures initiated by parishes in Somerset. These records provide details on parents' names and occupations.

Biographical Directories Covering Crewkerne

Somerset Worthies, Unworthies & Villains (1500-1900)

Brief biographies of thousands of notable Somerset men.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

Crewkerne Maps

Maps of Somerset (1607-1902)

Digital images of maps covering the county.

UK Popular Edition Maps (1919-1926)

Detailed maps covering much of the UK. They depict forests, mountains, larger farms, roads, railroads, towns, and more.

Ordnance Survey 1:10 Maps (1840-1890)

Maps showing settlements, features and some buildings in mainland Britain.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Parish Maps of Britain (1832)

Maps of parishes in England, Scotland and Wales. They are useful in determining which parish records may be relevant to your research.

Crewkerne Reference Works

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

British Family Mottoes (1189-Present)

A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.

Historical Description

Crewkerne, in the hundred named after it. It is an inconsiderable town at present, but of great antiquity, situated in a rich and fertile vale, well wooded and watered, and surrounded by cultivated eminences, which command extensive and beautiful prospects.

The inhabitants are mostly employed in agriculture, which has prevented the extension of trade, a small quantity of dowlas and sail-cloth being the only articles until lately manufactured here: the girt-web and stocking manufactories, however, appear to be increasing, and promise great advantages to the town.

The market is held on Saturday, and there is a fair for cattle on the 4th of September.

The Church is an ancient and elegant Gothic structure, decorated with a great variety of hieroglyphic figures, well deserving the attention of the curious. —At the east end of the church is a relic of popery particularly deserving notice. On the outside of the church, behind the altar, is an open room, formerly used as a confessionary; it was entered by a door on the right side of the altar, and left by another on the left side; over the former door is a figure of a swine, hieroglyphically alluding to the filthy and polluted state of the penitents' minds before confession; over the other door are the figures of two doves, the absolved person being supposed to pass out as innocent and unpolluted as these emblems of innocence. This room is used now as a repository for the bones dug up in the church-yard.

There are two Alms-houses in this town, a Free Grammar School, and a Charity-School.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

CREWKERNE is a market town and parish, and head of a petty sessional division and county court district, with a station about 1 mile south from the town, in the adjoining parish of Misterton, and on the London and South Western railway, and is 9 miles south-west from Yeovil, 8 east from Chard, 28 south-east from Taunton, 30 east-south-east from Wellington and 132 from London, in the Southern division of the county, hundred of Crewkerne, Chard union, rural deanery of Crewkerne, archdeaconry of Taunton and diocese of Bath and Wells. Under the provisions of the “Local Government Act, 1894” (56 and 57 Vict. c. .73), the town is now governed by an Urban District Council of 12 members. The town is supplied with water by a company from springs at Wayford, and reservoir at “Maiden Beech Tree,” and is lighted with gas, also by a company established in 1837, the works are in South street, and a system of drainage has been completed.

The church of St. Bartholomew is a handsome cruciform building of stone in the Decorated style, consisting of chancel, clerestoried nave of four bays, aisles, transepts, south porch and a lofty embattled central tower with angle turrets containing a clock with chimes and 6 bells, re-cast and re-hung, and two new ones added in 1894, at a cost of £600, of which amount Messrs. W. Sparks, C. W. Haslock and the late G. Joliff have contributed £400: this church is believed to stand on the site of a church mentioned in “Domesday,” and dedicated to St. Stephen; all traces of the Saxon church, and of any Norman building which may have succeeded it, are entirely gone, but evidences appear of a church of the 13th century, and from certain peculiarities of the place and arrangements it would seem probable that the present church has portions of that church incorporated with it: there are remains of ancient stained glass in some of the windows: a memorial window was erected in 1884 to the Wills family, and in the north or archdeacon’s aisle is another erected in 1880 to the Rev. W. Breay, late vicar: the church was generally restored, with the exception, of the chancel, in 1887—9, at a cost of £3,357, which sum Major Sparks, of Crewkerne, contributed £700: in 1893, two readers’ stalls and 24 bench ends, all of carved oak, were erected: the church will seat 800 persons. The register dates from the year 1585. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £140, with residence, in the gift of the Dean and Chapter of Winchester, and held since 1897 by the Rev. Herbert Charles Gaye, who is also sinecure rector of Eastham. Christ Church, in South street, erected in 1854 as a chapel of ease, is a building of stone in the Perpendicular style, consisting of chancel, nave of four bays, north aisle, north porch and a turret containing one bell: the stained window was erected in 1886 by Major Sparks, in memory of his wife: the church was renovated in 1893, and affords 500 sittings. The Baptist chapel, North street, founded in 1820, will seat 500 persons. The Bible Christian chapel, Hermitage street, erected in 1890, will hold 250 persons. The Unitarian chapel, Hermitage street, erected in 1733 and restored in 1811, has 150 sittings. The Wesleyan chapel. South street, built in 1872, has 400 sittings. The Brethren have a meeting room in East street, built in 1863, and seating 120 persons. A public cemetery, four acres in extent, with an additional four acres adjoining in reserve, is at the top of Mount Pleasant, about half a mile from the centre of the town, and was opened in 1874: it contains a superintendent’s house and two mortuary chapels, connected by an arch supporting a bell turret and spire: it is under the control of a Joint Burial Committee of 10 members. The Parret and Axe Lodge of Freemasons, No. 814, meets at the Town hall on the Tuesday before full moon in each month. The manufacture of sail cloth, webbing, twine and shirts, gives employment to a considerable number of hands, and there is also a brewery. The police station is in East street. The market is held on Wednesday and on Saturday; an annual fair on the 4th September, and a monthly sale of cattle and sheep is held on Tuesday and frequently at shorter intervals on market days. The head quarters of G Company of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Prince Albert’s Somersetshire Light Infantry are here. The charities are of the yearly value of £120, and there are several almshouses. The Old Almshouse, in West street, was founded in 1644 by Mathew Chubb and Margaret his wife, and associated therewith are the following subsidiary charities, viz.: Jane Hawksley’s (1844), Anna Maria Susanna Donne Donisthorpe’s (1856), Mary Ann Gapper’s (1870), Anna Wheadon’s (1877), the 1887 Jubilee Fund, Sarah Woodcocks (1892) and George Slade Jolliffe’s (1894). Under the scheme of the Charity Commissioners, dated 21 Jan. 1896, it was also ordered that the full number of alms-people should be eight, being poor persons of either sex, seven from the ancient parish of Crewkerne and one from the parish of Misterton, who shall not have been in receipt of parish relief or shall be unable to maintain themselves by their own exertions, each almsperson to receive not less than 3s. a week. The trustees appointed by the scheme were William Sparks, George Hilborne Jolliffe and Edward Jarman Blake esqrs. co-optative; Messrs. John Adams, George Slade and Fred Stoodley, representing the Urban District Council of Crewkerne; Augustus Henry Hussey esq. appointed by the Parish Council of West Crewkerne, and Robert Maurice Peters Parsons esq. representing the parish of Misterton. The property of the charities now (1901) produces a yearly income of £123 9s. 6d. In 1897, under a scheme approved by the Charity Commissioners, the old almshouses have been converted into habitations for four men, and new almshouses built for four women. Miss Mary Davis, in 1707, founded and endowed an almshouse in West street for six poor old men and six poor old women, being decayed housekeepers past their labors, belonging to the town of Crewkerne and the village of Woolminstone; the trustees are Obadiah W. Catford, the vicar of Crewkerne, Augustus H. Hussey, Thomas Pile, George Slade and John Sparks; the inmates, in addition to their rooms, receive 2s. each weekly. There are also six cottage almshouses in South street, founded and endowed by the late Mr. Robert Bird in 1876 for aged weavers; the inmates, in addition to a house, receive 3s. each per week. The Hospital, founded by Mr. Robert Bird in 1866, is supported by public subscriptions and donations, and contains 13 beds; patients pay from 2s. to 8s. weekly, but indigent persons are not debarred from admission. The bequests to the hospital include one by the founder of £205, and others by the late Mrs. Woodcock, of West Chinnock, £500; the late Miss Hoskins, of North Perrott, who left by will £300; the late Mrs. Green, of Wincanton, by will £179 9s. 5d.; the late Mrs. Elizabeth Robberds, by will in 1892, £150; William Blake esq. J.P. of South Petherton, £100 (donation), 1897, besides several smaller bequests, and in addition, the medical staff kindly give their services gratuitously. The trustees of the late Earl Poulett (d. 1899), who are lords of the manor. Lord Portman, Augustus H. Hussey esq. of Merriott, Capt. Draper, Col. McIntosh, B. J. M. Donne and P. P. Phelps esqrs. are the chief landowners. The soil is sand, with a subsoil of rock. The newly formed parish of Crewkerne contains 1,220 acres; rateable value, £15,002; the population in 1901 was 4,226.

By Local Government Board Order 16,420, March 25, 1885, a detached part of Crewkerne, near Greenham, was amalgamated with Wayford.

Petty Sessions are held at the Town hall monthly, on Saturday, at 11 am. The following places are included in the petty sessional division:-Crewkerne, Haselbury Plucknett, Hinton St. George, Lopen, Merriott, Misterton, North Perrott, Wayford, West Chinnock & West Crewkerne.

PLACES OF WORSHIP, with times of Services

St. Bartholomew’s Church, Church street. Rev. Herbert Charles Gaye, vicar; Rev. David Lloyd, curate; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 11 am. & 7.30 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. & on saints’ days.

Christ Church; 11 am. & 3 & 6.30 p.m.

Baptist, North street, Rev. James Cruickshank; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Mon. & Wed. 7.45 p.m.

Brethren, East street; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.

Bible Christian, Hermitage street, Rev. Thomas Spillett; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.

Unitarian, Hermitage street, Rev. A. Sutcliffe B.A.; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.

Wesleyan, South street, Rev. William/ R. Griffin; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.

SCHOOLS

Crewkerne Free Grammar, Mount Pleasant, founded in 1499 by John de Combe, treasurer of Exeter Cathedral, was reconstituted by a royal charter of Queen Elizabeth in 1560; in 1876 it was reorganised by the Charity Commissioners & new buildings were erected in 1880 on a healthy site in the outskirts of the town, commanding a very extensive view: the schoolroom is adorned with stained windows to the memory of the founder (John de Combe) & to the late Charles Penny D.D. some time headmaster; the former was presented by Major Sparks & the latter by the children of the late Dr. Penny; the school is available for 70 boarders & has an endowment of £230 per annum, of which about £126 is expended yearly in exhibitions & scholarships; these include two of £100 each & two of £80 each, tenable for four years at any institution providing education of a superior grade or instruction in scientific, professional, or technical subjects; there are two scholarships of £16 each for boys under 14 years of age, tenable at this school for two years; four of £9 each & two of £8 each, tenable at this school for one year. A gymnasium was erected in 1884, & a swimming bath provided in 1888, & adjoining are grounds which, including the site, cover about g acres.

A School Board of 7 members was formed December 2, 1875, for the united district of Crewkerne, Wayford & West Crewkerne; Frederick Eustace Swabey, Market square.

Board (mixed & infants), North street erected in 1877 & enlarged in 1897, for 240 children; average attendance, 240 boys & girls & 60 infants.

National, West street (boys, girls & infants), erected in 1847 & enlarged in 1871, for 252 boys, 205 girls & 213 infants; average attendance, 202 boys, 189 girls & 200 infants.

Kelly's Directory of Somerset (1902)

Most Common Surnames in Crewkerne

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Crewkerne Hundred
1Taylor1041:484.24%7
2Churchill841:5929.89%315
3Holman741:6846.84%574
4Bishop701:715.56%35
5Lacey631:7933.51%487
5Dodge631:7927.75%400
7Slade581:868.19%96
8Larcombe511:9816.45%284
9Lawrence501:1006.99%92
10Perry471:1063.11%19
10Hooper471:1064.09%40
10Prince471:10629.38%570
10Paull471:10621.76%420
14Hutchings461:1096.10%84
14Sweet461:1097.77%120
14Harp461:10992.00%1,593
17England451:11110.47%189
18Bargery421:11963.64%1,301
19Russell391:1285.47%94
19Barrett391:12811.85%269
19Stoodley391:12830.00%703
22Bull381:1317.51%156
23Turner371:1353.74%57
23Pearce371:1352.89%32
25Eason361:13927.48%697
25Tett361:13966.67%1,498
27Osborne351:1437.40%169
27Hallett351:1435.84%118
27Spearing351:14328.23%740
30Webber331:1512.40%26
30Foot331:15112.94%354
32Pattemore321:15626.02%744
33Edwards301:1672.03%21
33Bartlett301:1672.93%55
33Gosney301:16753.57%1,465
33Wallbridge301:16763.83%1,681
37Brown291:1721.25%9
37Abbott291:1728.24%243
37Tuck291:17219.21%602
40Marsh281:1783.57%74
40Nicholls281:1787.98%245
40Coombs281:1783.39%71
43Parker271:1852.25%36
43Genge271:18526.47%895
45Stroud261:19226.26%927
46Clarke251:2002.38%52
46Wills251:2004.08%113
48Clark241:2081.48%16
48Frost241:2086.40%226
48Pitman241:2083.06%75
48Munford241:20860.00%1,901
52Elliott231:2175.61%199
52Sibley231:21710.41%413
52Lye231:21710.31%408
55Way221:22710.68%446
55Budge221:22722.22%927
57Baker211:2380.61%2
57Hodges211:2382.94%92
57Joy211:23856.76%2,008
57Stagg211:2388.02%340
57Chant211:2385.33%209
62Bennett201:2501.78%42
62Morton201:25046.51%1,805
62Penny201:2503.50%126
62Symonds201:25040.00%1,593
62Warry201:25015.50%707
67James191:2631.22%17
67Saint191:26321.59%1,028
69Smith181:2780.41%1
69Cooper181:2782.48%87
69Young181:2781.32%27
69Fowler181:2784.12%184
69Nichols181:2788.70%444
69Jeffery181:2786.95%347
69Scriven181:2789.47%479
69Fone181:278100.00%3,173
77Cook171:2941.20%24
77Stembridge171:29445.95%2,008
79Adams161:3121.22%30
79Hunt161:3121.12%23
79Watts161:3121.20%29
79Parsons161:3120.76%11
79Pike161:3122.31%99
79Male161:3123.05%143
79Rendall161:3128.42%479
79Tytherleigh161:31253.33%2,313
87Shepherd151:3333.42%183
87Holt151:33313.16%798
87Hewlett151:3337.08%431
87Rendell151:3334.29%248
87Gange151:33331.25%1,653
87Lumbard151:33350.00%2,313
87Beament151:33393.75%3,399
94White141:3570.48%3
94Wheadon141:35713.46%881
94Silley141:35756.00%2,616
97Mills131:3842.90%178
97Brooks131:3841.41%64
97Payne131:3841.23%49
97Holland131:3844.94%337
97Burridge131:3846.74%471
97Collard131:3843.70%245
97Bowditch131:38410.66%754
97Trenchard131:38411.82%825
97Wey131:384100.00%3,842
106Crocker121:4162.65%175
106Dennett121:41618.18%1,301
106Newberry121:41613.33%1,008
106Old121:41612.77%966
106Gear121:41612.00%918
106Meech121:41621.05%1,451
106Cridge121:4168.39%638
106Rousell121:41618.75%1,331
106Embery121:416100.00%4,036
106Pavord121:41636.36%2,166
116Singleton111:45410.19%845
116Wootton111:45444.00%2,616
116Gillingham111:4549.17%764
116Colmer111:45419.30%1,451
116Oxenbury111:454100.00%4,240
116Spurdle111:45436.67%2,313
116Patridge111:45450.00%2,826
123Davis101:5000.40%5
123Mitchell101:5001.08%63
123Dunn101:5003.14%280
123Long101:5001.39%89
123Tucker101:5000.53%13
123Gibbs101:5001.22%72
123Park101:50015.63%1,331
123Harwood101:5006.13%559
123Ireland101:5008.85%804
123Wheatley101:50050.00%2,987
123Patten101:5004.67%426
123Chard101:5002.67%226
123Chick101:5002.65%222
123Denning101:5003.68%329
123Hannam101:5005.03%459
123Dunster101:50010.87%984
123Stringfellow101:50047.62%2,915
123Tompsett101:500100.00%4,470
123Cleal101:50012.99%1,159
123Willmot101:50027.78%2,049
123Pinney101:50012.50%1,126
123Farwell101:50058.82%3,277
123Hardey101:50076.92%3,842
123Bendill101:500100.00%4,470
147Saunders91:5551.18%81
147Stone91:5550.60%20
147Arnold91:5554.00%405
147Griffin91:5551.84%164
147Giles91:5551.76%150
147Paul91:5552.56%243
147Stanton91:55524.32%2,008
147Edmonds91:5555.00%504
147Hickman91:55517.31%1,540
147Cummings91:55518.37%1,627
147Sparks91:5552.34%215
147March91:5552.84%281
147Gillard91:5551.81%162
147Hockey91:5552.94%294
147Voizey91:55545.00%2,987
162Lewis81:6240.53%18
162Webb81:6240.73%44
162Day81:6240.69%37
162Hawkins81:6240.61%31
162Gill81:6242.01%206
162Cross81:6241.28%111
162Blake81:6242.15%229
162Leach81:6245.19%591
162North81:6244.17%473
162Vincent81:6241.36%121
162Haines81:6242.61%290
162Garrett81:6242.37%260
162Hoare81:6243.15%355
162Clack81:62425.81%2,265
162Caddy81:62415.69%1,568
162Sprague81:62430.77%2,545
162Rapson81:62418.60%1,805
162Loveless81:62411.27%1,241
162Rugg81:6247.55%858
162Munden81:62430.77%2,545
162Mitcham81:62412.70%1,348
162Raison81:6247.77%890
162Homan81:62457.14%3,674
162Hardin81:62444.44%3,173
162Furzer81:62420.51%1,932
162Pall81:62488.89%4,797
188Foster71:7142.10%262
188Palmer71:7140.42%15
188Gale71:7142.30%295
188Bowden71:7141.99%245
188Hodge71:7142.46%308
188Croft71:71416.67%1,837
188Draper71:71417.50%1,901
188Lang71:7143.32%434
188Marks71:7141.38%153
188Searle71:7145.07%665
188Masters71:7141.29%135
188Squire71:7143.47%455
188Pitts71:7147.61%984
188Walden71:71416.28%1,805
188Warman71:7146.60%858
188Bagg71:7145.88%769
188Sprake71:71426.92%2,545
188Powlesland71:71458.33%4,036
188Doutch71:71443.75%3,399
188Steinbridge71:714100.00%5,654