The Parish Registers Of Bruton Somerset 1554-1812

The Parish Registers of Bruton, Somerset 1554-1812 In 2 Volumes

Unlock the gateway to your ancestral past with this meticulously compiled collection of parish records from the historic market town of Bruton, nestled in the heart of Somerset. Spanning over 250 years of English history, these registers capture the vital moments of life in one of England's most charming communities.

What You'll Discover
This comprehensive volume contains faithful transcriptions of:

Baptisms (1554-1812)
Marriages (1554-1812)
Burials (1554-1812)
Special notations by parish priests throughout the centuries
Each entry has been carefully preserved and presented in chronological order, with a full index to help you locate your ancestors quickly. The original spelling and formatting have been maintained to preserve the historical authenticity of these precious documents.

Historical Significance
These registers begin just after the reign of Henry VIII and continue through the Elizabethan era, the English Civil War, the Restoration, and into the Regency period. They offer a unique window into how ordinary people in Bruton experienced these transformative historical events.

The period covered includes:

The aftermath of the Dissolution of the Monasteries (Bruton Abbey was surrendered in 1539)
The religious turmoil of the 16th and 17th centuries
The English Civil War (1642-1651) and its impact on this Somerset community
The rise of Bruton's textile industry
The agricultural changes that swept through Somerset in the 18th century
Local Myths and Legends
Bruton is steeped in fascinating local lore, and these registers contain hints of some of the town's most enduring legends:

The Ghost of Bruton Abbey
Local legend tells of a spectral monk who still roams the grounds of the former Bruton Abbey on moonlit nights. According to folklore, this is the spirit of the last Abbott, who supposedly hid the Abbey's greatest treasures before its surrender to Henry VIII's commissioners. Some genealogists have noted unusual burial entries in the registers from the 16th century that may correspond to this legend.

The Witch of Redford
The registers from the 1650s contain a fascinating entry regarding the trial and execution of a woman locally known as "the Redford Witch." According to village legend, she was accused of casting spells on the town's sheep and causing a mysterious illness that swept through Bruton in 1653. Her story has been passed down through generations of Somerset families.

The Hidden Treasure of the River Brue
During the Civil War, it is said that Royalist supporters fleeing Cromwell's forces threw a chest of silver coins into the River Brue near Bruton. The registers from 1645 contain a curious entry about the sudden drowning of three men under suspicious circumstances, which local storytellers have connected to this lost treasure.

Why This Collection Is Essential for Your Research
Unbroken Record Chain: Unlike many parish registers that have gaps due to war, neglect, or damage, Bruton's records are remarkably complete for this period.
Unique Entries: The Bruton parish priests were known for their detailed notations, often recording occupations, relationships, and circumstances of death that aren't found in typical parish registers.
Historical Context: This edition includes a detailed introduction to Bruton's history, helping you understand the world your ancestors inhabited.

Expert Transcription: All entries have been transcribed by professional genealogists with expertise in 16th-18th century handwriting.
Perfect For
Family historians with Somerset roots
Academic researchers studying English parish life
Local history enthusiasts
Anyone interested in the social history of Southwest England

Includes: Full index, historical introduction, and maps of Bruton parish through the centuries
Don't miss this opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of life in historic Bruton. Whether you're tracing your family tree or researching local history, these parish registers provide an invaluable resource that connects the present to a fascinating past.

Order your copy today and step back in time to discover the stories of those who lived, loved, and left their mark on this remarkable Somerset town.