The Somerset Record Society exists to preserve, promote and make accessible the written heritage of Somerset. Our Society has published volumes on the history of Somerset since 1886 and has issued over 90 volumes. They are heavily used and widely cited by scholars, and sets are maintained in major libraries all over the world. Read more…
Society Publications
At the Society’s Annual Meeting on Saturday, 30th September, two new volumes were released.
The first of the new volumes is entitled ‘Records of agriculture, justice, religion and trade: A Centenary Collection’. Edited by Robert Dunning and Andrew Butcher, and with contribution from a wide selection of authors, this volume forms a key milestone in the Society’s history, as it is the 100th volume in our main series.
The second new volume, entitled ‘Clothiers & Merchants in Spanish Cloth, 1627-1665’, is edited by John Gaisford and is volume 101 in the main series. The volume discusses the Ashe family of Somerset, Wiltshire & London and their account books for that period. The editor gave a fascinating talk on the content of the volume at the annual meeting. A written version of his presentation can be found at here.
As is our practice, the volumes will also be available to non-members If you are interested in buying a copy, please go to the shop page.
Publications
To date the Somerset Record Society has published over 100 volumes. Subjects covered by the volumes are varied and include wills; cartularies of Glastonbury Abbey and Forde Abbey; medieval custumals; court proceedings including Assize courts, Quarter Sessions, probate court and the court of the Star Chamber; deeds; maps and charts; correspondence; diaries; family papers; chamberlains’ accounts; bishops’ registers, feet of fines, and many more. The body of volumes is a unique resource for the history of Somerset. Our most recent volume, Somerset wills from the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1548-1576 is available now to purchase via our online shop. This volume provides easy access to wills held at The National Archives.
Membership
A Map of Somerset with a decorative cartouche by Thomas Kitchin, 1786
Our Society holds an annual general meeting each year, often at a place or building of historical interest. As well as the Society’s business meeting, there is a talk or lecture by a notable speaker, relating either to a recent publication or the place where the meeting is held. Meetings are open to non-members but only members have the right to vote at the A.G.M.
For a list of volumes still in print please visit our online shop.