Ilminster Genealogical Records

Ilminster 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.

Early Somerset Baptism Transcripts (1597-1700)

Transcriptions of 255 parish baptism registers. They list children, their parents' names, residences, occupations and sometimes other details.

Wells Diocese Bishop's Transcripts (1594-1695)

Transcriptions of copies of parish registers that were compiled for the Bishop of Wells.

British Birth and Baptism Records (1400-2010)

A collection of indexes and transcripts of birth and baptism records that cover over 250 million people. Includes digital images of many records.

FreeBMD Births (1837-1957)

An index to births registered at the central authority for England & Wales. The index provides the area where the birth was registered, mother's maiden name from September 1911 and a reference to order a birth certificate.

Ilminster 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.

Ilminster Marriage Registers (1662-1837)

Brief notes on marriages occurring in Ilminster from 1662 to 1837.

Ilminster Marriage Records (1644-1812)

A searchable transcript of the marriage registers of Ilminster. Church marriage registers are the primary source for pre-1837 marriages. They may record the bride and groom's residence, the groom's occupation, parents' names, marital status and witnesses.

Ilminster Marriage Index (1760)

An index to marriages recorded by the church, listing the date of marriage and the names of the bride and groom.

Ilminster Marriages (1705-1837)

Marriage records from people who married at the church between 1705 and 1837.

Ilminster 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.

Horton Monumental Inscriptions (1873-1999)

Details extracted from tombs, monuments and plaques.

Ilminster Memorial Inscriptions (1734-1924)

Details extracted from tombs, monuments and plaques.

Ilminster Monumental Inscriptions (1580-2000)

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

Chapel, Ilminster Burial Records (1828-1892)

An index of burials recorded at Chapel, Ilminster_. The index includes the name of the deceased, the date of burial, age (where available) and occasionally other notes.

Ilminster 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 Ilminster

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.

Ilminster 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.

Ilminster 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.

Ilminster 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.

Ilminster 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.

Ilminster 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.

Ilminster 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.

Ilminster Cemeteries

Horton Monumental Inscriptions (1873-1999)

Details extracted from tombs, monuments and plaques.

Ilminster Memorial Inscriptions (1734-1924)

Details extracted from tombs, monuments and plaques.

Ilminster Monumental Inscriptions (1580-2000)

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

Cemetery, Ilminster Cemetery Records (1760-1982)

An index to burials at Cemetery, Ilminster. The index includes the name of the deceased, the date of their death or burial and their age.

Somerset Monumental Inscriptions (1600-2000)

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

Ilminster 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.

Ilminster 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.

Ilminster 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.

Ilminster 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 Ilminster

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.

Ilminster 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.

Ilminster Church 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.

Somerset Parish Apprentice Indentures (1575-1800)

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

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.

Somerset Parish Register Transcripts (1538-1956)

Transcriptions of registers that record baptisms, which typically occur shortly after birth; marriages and burials. They can help establish links between individuals back to the 16th century.

Somerset Monumental Inscriptions (1582-2005)

An index to vital details engraved on over 25,000 monuments across the county of Somerset.

Biographical Directories Covering Ilminster

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.

Ilminster 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.

Ilminster 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

Ilminster is situated in a low, but agreeable part of the hundred of Abdick, on the turnpike-road from Somerton to Chard, and from Taunton to Crewkerne. It is a very inconsiderable place, consisting principally of two irregular streets. It was formerly much larger than at present, and has been diminished by several severe fires, particularly in the year 1491.

The market, which is on Saturday, has been established from a very early period, prior to the Norman Conquest; and the cloth manufacture, which formerly flourished here to a very great degree, still affords employment to a great part of the poor.

The church is a fine Gothic structure, built in the form of a cross, consisting of a nave, chancel, transepts, and north and south aisles. In the centre stands a handsome tower, crowned with twelve pinnacles. —In the north transept is an ancient monument, to the memory of the founder of Wadham College, Oxford.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

ILMINSTER now comprises the parishes of Ilminster and Ilminster Without, formed by an Order made 1st March, 1899, under the provisions of the “Local Government Act, 1894” (56 and 57 Vict. c. 73); the former is now governed by an Urban District Council of 12 members and the latter by a Parish Council; it is the head of a petty sessional division, in the Bridgwater division of the County, hundred of Abdick and Bulstone, Chard union and county court district, rural deanery of Ilminster, archdeaconry of Taunton and diocese of Bath and Wells. The small market town is on the river Isle, and at the junction of the roads from London, Bristol and Bath to Exeter, Plymouth and Falmouth, with a station three-quarters of a mile west on the Chard branch of the Great Western railway, and is 12 miles south-east from Taunton, 5 north from Chard and 138 from London. The town comprises two long streets, running one from east to west, and the other from north to south: it is lighted with gas by a company, is well paved and partially supplied with excellent water derived from springs at Chink Kingstone, and in the centre of the town. A system of main drainage has been carried out, and the sewage is now disposed of by irrigation. The church of St. Mary is a noble cruciform building of stone in the Early English and Perpendicular styles, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles, transept, north and south porches and a western tower, with pinnacles, containing a clock and 6 bells: the church is surrounded on three sides with a gallery: in the north transept is an altar tomb with brasses to Sir William Wadham and his mother (or wife in widow’s attire), c. 1440; these include effigies of both under a triple canopy, with embattled entablature, marginal inscription, now mutilated, and eight Latin verses: here also is another altar tomb with brasses to Nicholas Wadham, of Merefield, Somerset, ob. 1609, with effigy in armour, and his widow Dorothy, ob. 1618, also with effigy; these were the founders in 1610 of Wadham College, Oxford: the chancel was restored in 1883 at the expense of the late V. H. Vaughan-Lee esq.: the church was restored in the years 1887—89, at a total cost of £2,388, and affords sittings for 700 persons. The register dates from the year 1660. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £280, including 4 acres of glebe, with residence, in the gift of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, and held since 1898 by the Rev. James Street M.A. of Oxford University. The living is a Royal Peculiar, and until lately the vicar held his own visitations, and was not under the jurisdiction of the bishop. The church of S. Peter at Horton, consecrated in 1900, is a building of stone with Bath stone dressings, and seating 150 persons; it is served by the clergy of the parish church, and has an attached burial ground. The Congregational chapel is a building of stone, seating 350 persons. The. Wesleyan Methodist chapel in West street is a building of stone, erected in 1887 at a cost of £3,000, and has 450 sittings: in 1897 school premises were added at a cost of £1,700: and there is another Wesleyan Methodist chapel at Broadway Hill, erected in 1838, and enlarged in 1858, with about 300 sittings. The Unitarian chapel, founded in 1670, was rebuilt in 1718, and restored and reseated in 1894, and will seat 250 persons. The Union Mission church, erected in 1900 in Ditton street, is an iron building seating 100 persons. A Cemetery of two acres was formed in 1859, about 1 mile from the town, and is now under the control of the Urban District Council and the Parish Council of Ilminster Without: there are two mortuary chapels. The Reading Room in Ditton street, erected 1889 at the sole cost of J. W. Shepherd esq. J.P. is a building of local stone, with Doulting stone facings, and comprises reading and recreation rooms and a billiard room, with a library of about 1,100 volumes, and is supplied with daily and weekly papers and magazines for the use of subscribers: there are about 150 members. The town has a small brewery, large flax and tow works, lace manufactory, rope, brick and tile and shirt and collar factories. The market days are Wednesday and Saturday. The fair is held the last Wednesday in August for cattle. There are charities of £17 yearly, distributed to the poor. Dillington House, standing in a beautiful park of about 47 acres, is the seat of Major Arthur Vaughan Hanning Vaughan-Lee J.P. who is lord of the manor and chief landowner. The Shrubbery is a substantial building of Ham Hill stone, standing on an eminence in grounds of about 25 acres, and is the residence of Herbert Hutchings Shepherd esq. J.P. The soil is partly sandy loam and gravelly clay, very fruitful, and comprises arable, meadow, pasture and orchard land.

The area of Ilminster is 497 acres; rateable value, £8,363; the population in 1901 was 2,287.

The area of Ilminster Without is 3,432 acres; rateable value, £7,331; the population in 1901 was 848.

Petty Sessions are held at the Court house the last Wed. in each month except Aug. then Fri. following if in Aug. but if in Sept. last Wed. but one in Aug. at 11 o’clock am. The following places are included in the petty sessional division:-Ashill, Barrington, Beercrocombe, Broadway, Buckland St. Mary, Chard, Chaffcombe, Chillington, Combe St. Nicholas, Cudworth, Cricket St. Thomas, Cricket Malherbie, Curry Mallett, Donyatt, Dowlish Wake, Dinnington, Ilminster, Ilminster (Without), Ilton, Ile Abbotts, Ile Brewers, Kingstone, Knowle St. Giles, Puckington, Stocklinch, Shepton Beauchamp, South Petherton, Seavington SS. Mary & Michael, West Dowlish, Wambrook, Whitelackington, Whitestaunton & Winsham.

PLACES OF WORSHIP, with times of services

St. Mary’s Church, Rev. James Street M.A. vicar; Rev. Harold George Symonds Atchley M.A. curate; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; daily 8 am.; Fri. 7.30 p.m.

St. Peter’s, Horton, served by the clergy of the Parish Church; 3 & 6.30 p.m. alternately; monthly 11 am.

Congregational, Rev. George Henry Clothier; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 8 p.m.

Unitarian, Rev, Edward Parry B.A.; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.

Wesleyan Methodist; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m. Thur. 7.30 p.m.

Broadway Hill.

Union Mission, Rev. Wm. David Dunning, pastor; 11 am. & 6.30 p.m.; Mon. & Fri. 8 p.m.

SCHOOLS

The Endowed Schools, comprising the Grammar School & the Girls’ Grammar School, have an income unitedly of about £700 per annum & are both approved by the Technical Education Committee of the County Council as giving efficient technical education.

Ilminster Grammar School, founded in 1549 in the reign of Edward VI. was re-organised in 1873 by the Endowed Schools Commissioners & the present buildings, erected in 1878, & adapted for 60 boys, were enlarged in 1894, by the addition of a large class room, a theatre for scientific demonstration & a laboratory for practical chemistry & physics. Hanning’s charity of about £42 yearly is applied to the provision of leaving exhibitions. Headmaster, R. J. W. Davison B.A. Downing College, Cambridge; assistant master, F. P. Wilde B.A. Lond.; Thos. Lee Hutchins B.A., B.Sc. science master.

The Girls’ Grammar School was established in 1879 in the old School House, built in 1586, with rooms for teaching practical cookery & modern additions for school purposes. The headmistress’s house will hold about 20 boarders. Headmistress, Miss Edith M. Henley B.A.; assistant mistresses, Miss Hester Williams B.A. Miss Elsie Glaisyer, Miss J, A. Young LL.A.; technical mistress, Miss Katherine Ford.

A School Board of 5 members was formed October 3, 1874; Richard Tertius Walter B.A. clerk to the board; F. Taylor, East street, attendance officer.

Board, Ditton street (boys), built in 1877, for 200 children; average attendance, 145.

Board, Horton (mixed), erected in 1877, for 80 children; average attendance, 73.

National (girls & infants), built in 1853 & enlarged in 1900, for 400 children; average attendance, 130 girls & 152 infants.

Kelly's Directory of Somerset (1902)

Most Common Surnames in Ilminster

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Abdick and Bulstone Hundred
1Baker571:581.65%2
2Clarke481:684.57%52
3Trott411:808.06%152
4Grabham401:8227.78%630
5Chick361:919.52%222
6Taylor341:971.39%7
6Hallett341:975.68%118
8Adams331:1002.51%30
9White321:1031.10%3
9Paul321:1039.09%243
11Hopkins291:1136.87%192
12Welch281:1179.12%290
13Brown271:1221.16%9
13Bishop271:1222.14%35
15Harris261:1261.23%12
15Barber261:1266.27%198
15Dinham261:12618.98%669
18Perry251:1311.66%19
18Hutchings251:1313.32%84
20Clapp241:1379.68%364
21Coombes231:1437.10%274
21Sibley231:14310.41%413
23Poole221:1493.07%90
23Best221:1496.18%237
23Legg221:14915.38%638
23Paule221:149100.00%2,826
27Hunt211:1561.48%23
27Sparks211:1565.47%215
27Marshalsea211:15663.64%2,166
30Collins201:1642.08%59
30Bond201:1642.16%61
32Thorne191:1732.10%67
32Bagwell191:17346.34%1,863
32Bonning191:17340.43%1,681
35Stephens181:1833.58%159
35Coleman181:1834.72%219
35Manning181:1834.60%212
35Mead181:1834.18%188
35Coombs181:1832.18%71
35Crabb181:18315.65%792
35Male181:1833.43%143
35Paull181:1838.33%420
35Bick181:18354.55%2,166
44Davis171:1930.67%5
44Batten171:1936.34%331
44Merchant171:19312.14%657
44Pavey171:1936.54%345
48Tucker161:2050.85%13
48Bridge161:20513.01%744
48Mattravers161:20576.19%2,915
51Bailey151:2191.39%45
51Matthews151:2192.62%124
51Lawrence151:2192.10%92
51Bartlett151:2191.46%55
51Hellier151:2198.57%516
51Cape151:21928.85%1,540
57Smith141:2350.32%1
57Turner141:2351.41%57
57Bryant141:2351.21%38
57Honeybun141:23560.87%2,758
61Jacobs131:2535.35%371
61Rawlings131:2534.05%277
61Hendy131:25319.40%1,286
61Dare131:2535.86%410
61Newberry131:25314.44%1,008
61Cranfield131:25392.86%3,674
61Munden131:25350.00%2,545
68Wyatt121:2741.86%105
68Salter121:2742.76%186
68Crocker121:2742.65%175
68Warman121:27411.32%858
72Shepherd111:2992.51%183
72Myers111:29964.71%3,277
72Goodall111:29918.33%1,396
72Ferris111:2994.85%400
72Phelps111:2995.50%457
72Parkhouse111:29911.70%966
72Eastment111:2997.86%657
72Keitch111:29926.83%1,863
72Gabe111:29937.93%2,369
81Chapman101:3291.26%73
81Stone101:3290.67%20
81Coles101:3290.57%14
81Marks101:3291.97%153
81Eames101:3296.94%630
81Longman101:3296.85%621
81Kerslake101:3298.85%804
88Wood91:3651.15%75
88Morgan91:3651.06%69
88Lee91:3651.26%90
88Hart91:3652.51%235
88Love91:3654.64%469
88Down91:3652.92%288
88Mullins91:3654.07%413
88Derrick91:3651.84%164
88Seward91:3657.03%711
88Budge91:3659.09%927
88Pring91:3652.92%288
88Buttle91:36510.34%1,041
88Caines91:36513.24%1,275
88Yard91:3655.77%584
88Warry91:3656.98%707
88Wheadon91:3658.65%881
88Hayball91:36511.84%1,172
88Ottery91:36524.32%2,008
88Toucher91:36581.82%4,240
107Palmer81:4110.48%15
107Horton81:41110.67%1,185
107North81:4114.17%473
107Hodges81:4111.12%92
107Small81:4112.15%229
107Lang81:4113.79%434
107Hull81:4114.23%483
107Cave81:4115.84%669
107Vine81:41128.57%2,419
107Rendall81:4114.21%479
107Purnell81:4113.17%357
107Denman81:4115.71%657
107Old81:4118.51%966
107Southwood81:4116.40%734
107Doble81:4113.90%449
107Holcombe81:4116.50%744
107Marshallsay81:41188.89%4,797
107Leaves81:41122.22%2,049
107Arlidge81:41188.89%4,797
107Standerwick81:41144.44%3,173
107Reyland81:41117.02%1,681
107Bandfield81:41188.89%4,797
107Wembridge81:41129.63%2,481
107Furnham81:411100.00%5,187
131Williams71:4690.26%4
131Cooper71:4690.97%87
131Webb71:4690.64%44
131Stevens71:4690.65%46
131Brooks71:4690.76%64
131Sharp71:4694.32%563
131Johnston71:46915.22%1,716
131Long71:4690.97%89
131Jennings71:4691.36%146
131Hooper71:4690.61%40
131Lock71:4690.76%62
131Pike71:4691.01%99
131Major71:4696.93%903
131Hearn71:46920.00%2,081
131Radford71:4692.01%252
131Way71:4693.40%446
131Hine71:4696.60%858
131Chapple71:4693.74%491
131Back71:46921.21%2,166
131Crockett71:46953.85%3,842
131Swaine71:46920.59%2,119
131Mortimore71:46921.21%2,166
131Gear71:4697.00%918
131Sandy71:4696.93%903
131Herrin71:46922.58%2,265
131Hardwell71:46910.29%1,275
131Gerity71:469100.00%5,654
131Cannicott71:46929.17%2,687
159Richards61:5480.47%33
159Harvey61:5480.62%58
159Day61:5480.51%37
159Saunders61:5480.79%81
159Pearce61:5480.47%32
159Porter61:5480.88%101
159Parsons61:5480.28%11
159Vincent61:5481.02%121
159Jeffery61:5482.32%347
159Beer61:5483.66%555
159Duke61:5486.06%927
159Quick61:5481.87%277
159Hussey61:5484.00%606
159Hawker61:5482.49%377
159Holbrook61:5482.60%390
159Briscoe61:54831.58%3,072
159Mayne61:54817.14%2,081
159Kirkby61:54850.00%4,036
159Spiller61:5481.76%257
159Woodland61:5481.82%266
159Legge61:54846.15%3,842
159Winters61:54846.15%3,842
159Cornelius61:5486.67%1,008
159Mattock61:5486.67%1,008
159Weight61:54830.00%2,987
159Parrett61:54842.86%3,674
159Salway61:5483.08%463
159Chaffey61:5486.98%1,057
159Wakley61:54825.00%2,687
159Pilton61:54819.35%2,265
159Elswood61:54812.00%1,593
190Hill51:6570.20%6
190Campbell51:6575.88%1,064
190Marshall51:6570.87%123
190Barker51:6574.07%744
190Murray51:6576.67%1,185
190Preston51:6578.20%1,376
190Norris51:6570.76%103
190Brook51:6573.50%638
190Gould51:6570.54%60
190Humphrey51:65710.00%1,593
190Guy51:6574.59%832
190Charles51:6576.85%1,214
190Broughton51:6577.81%1,331
190Thorn51:6571.79%319
190Painter51:6575.15%943
190Farley51:65713.16%1,965
190Boon51:6573.29%597
190Burridge51:6572.59%471
190Chase51:65726.32%3,072
190Rayment51:65738.46%3,842
190Board51:6571.60%282
190Redwood51:6573.31%602
190Amor51:65710.42%1,653
190Wootten51:65720.00%2,616
190Cassell51:65727.78%3,173
190Rockett51:65711.90%1,837
190Genge51:6574.90%895
190Tolly51:65741.67%4,036
190Haddrell51:65755.56%4,797
190Gready51:65723.81%2,915
190Bowls51:657100.00%6,987
190Helliar51:6576.76%1,199
190Tuffen51:657100.00%6,987
190Grimster51:65712.50%1,901
190Minson51:65729.41%3,277
190Channel51:657100.00%6,987
190Warlock51:657100.00%6,987