Book review

                            Somerset: A Troubled Century 1600 - 1699 by Allan Bunyan (2021) 

                                  

Photo of Taunton Castle , by Chris Jeanes, 2007,  courtesy of Wikipedia Commons and the photographer. 

As I am hoping to visit Taunton and Bridgewater next month, thought that would start reading up about the history of Somerset during the 17th century, and this is the first book that I have chosen .

'Somerset A Troubled Century 1600-1699 ' is heartily recommended. The author has a great knowledge of the county,  has done some serious research, and the book is well footnoted. Some published local history work can be anecdote driven, even gossipy,  or just swamped with obscure details. This book demonstrates what can be achieved in the field, being both very informative, readable and  useful for anyone with an interest in 17th century history, whether from Somerset or elsewhere. 

The authors which seem to have inspired  this writer are Diane Purkiss ( particularly 'The English Civil War -A People's History')  and the works of David Underdown. So there is an emphasis on looking at every day local life and in trying to determine the mentality of the time, reaching beyond the power struggles of more elite groups. As the title suggests, the author writes about the upheaval of civil war, rebellion, religious division, breakdown in law and order. The focus of the book is on change rather than continuity. 

The so called 'Minaird ( Minehead)  Massacre  where fifteen 'Papists' fleeing Ireland in 1641 were meant to have clubbed five Protestants to death, shows how an incident which possibly never occurred, could  fuel suspicions and prejudice. The flood of 1607  which covered a large part of the country a due to the rise of the Bristol Channel , the witch trials of 1657, the extraordinary life of the pirate Peter Easton, are other highlights, being lesser known aspects of history, 

One of the book's strengths is that as well as recounting events, the author adds his own findings. For example, whilst giving a very unsentimental account of the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685- being quite unconvinced by the Duke himself- the author  also gives examples of possible fighting after Sedgemoor. Citing records which suggest that Royalist soldiers were killed after the battle took place. The account of the sieges of Taunton is well done. Also makes the point that the Royalists resources devoted to capturing the town tied up forces that if freed up, may have seen a different outcome to the Battle of Naseby. The author's observations on the rise of the Clubmen in Somerset, trying to save their possessions, livestock and crops from foraging soldiers during the Civil War, is worth reading. Events in Somerset are shown to have been of national importance during the 17th century. 

Ultimately there are so many more subjects covered within 'Somerset A Troubled Century', ranging from the Barbary Pirates raiding for slaves, through to the plight of  apprentices ill treated by their masters,  the reluctance of Quakers to join the Monmouth Rebellion, to recommend this book.  All presented in a clear thought provoking manner. 

'Somerset: A Troubled Century' is available in paperback from Troubadour Books £12.99 + £3.50 p+p. 

As ever, hope that all visitors to this blog can remain safe and well during these challenging times.

Thank you for your support. 

Michael Bully

Brighton 

26th July 2021 

Twitter  : A Burnt Ship @ShipBurnt

E Mail : MonmouthRebellion1685@Outlook.com 

Other Blogs by Michael Bully 

Monmouth Rebellion 1685   Latest blog launched in 2021 . Last updated with an interview with poet Malcolm Povey about his 52 poem collection titled Sedgemoor. 

World War 2 Poetry   No longer updated.

13th century history    No longer updated