Somerset

Somerset Towns & Parishes

Contents

Nearby places

Porlock

"PORLOCK, a parish, post town, and small seaport, in the hundred of Carhampton, county Somerset, 6 miles W. of Minehead, and 8 W. of Dunster. This place, which derives its name from the Saxon portlocan, "an enclosed harbour," is a decayed market town, situated among the cliffs of Porlock Bay, in the Bristol Channel. The parish contains the hamlets of Porlock Weir, West Porlock, Yearnor, and Bossington. It was once the seat of the West Saxon kings, and was invaded by Danish pirates in 918. In 1052 it was burnt by Harold, the son of Earl Godwin, who sailed here from Ireland with nine ships, and vestiges of whose camp are still remaining. The town comprises two streets, composed of straggling and small houses. A portion of the inhabitants are engaged in the fisheries, and others in the coasting trade. The soil is of a sandy nature upon a subsoil of hard stone. The surface is diversified by lofty hills, winding valleys, and deep glens. Coal and lime are largely imported from Wales." From The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) Transcribed by Colin Hinson © 2003

Archives and Libraries

• Postcards of Porlock

• Details of Somerset Heritage Centre holdings relating to this parish.

Bibliography

References in the British Library:

• A description of the monument and effigies in Porlock church, Somerset, ... with reasons ... for attributing the tomb to the memory of John, fourth Baron Harington, etc.. pp. 80. Torquay Directory Co.: Torquay, 1882.

• Index to The Book of Porlock by Dennis Corner.

Church Records

• Porlock Baptismal, Marriage and Burial Transcripts provided by Martin Southwood.

History

• Porlock Vale Riding School - History And Memoirs by Jacqueline Peck.

Gazetteers

• The section of The National Gazetteer (1868) relating to this parish - transcribed by Colin Hinson.

Maps

• The Ordnance Survey 1:10560 County Series 1st edition (c.1884-1887) map of the area provided by by Somerset Heritage Centre.

• The Ordnance Survey 1:10560 County Series 2nd edition (c.1900) map of the area provided by Somerset Heritage Centre.

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