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    • Main contributor: James L. Tanner
    Bath, Somerset Panorama - April 2011

    Somerset, a captivating county nestled in the South West of England, offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes and experiences. Bordering Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the southeast, and Devon to the southwest, it covers an area of approximately 4,171 square kilometers.[1]

    The population of Somerset is 576,852 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the Office for National Statistics or ONS. Somerset's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was 0.7% per year. Somerset covers an area of 2,263 square kilometers (874 square miles) and has a population density of 255 people per square kilometer (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.[2]

    According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Somerset is predominantly white (96%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 4% of the population.[2]

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    Somerset landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractionsSomerset landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions

    The Somerset County landscape is known for its rolling hills, particularly in areas like the Mendip Hills and the Quantock Hills. These offer stunning views and opportunities for walking and cycling.[3] The flat, low-lying land is unique to the county. It's characterized by wetlands, rivers, and grazing marshes. The county is also home to numerous wooded valleys,[4]

    Somerset has a rich industrial history, though it has evolved significantly over time. For centuries, Somerset was a major center for cloth production, particularly wool. This involved a cottage industry with many people working from home, spinning and weaving.[5] With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, Somerset experienced significant transformations. From the thriving textile mills of towns like Shepton Mallet to the ironworks of Radstock, industry reshaped the landscape. The county’s waterways, including the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, played a crucial role in facilitating trade and transportation.[5] In 2020, service industries accounted for just over 72% of all employment in 2020. This is notably lower than the national average of just over 80%, largely attributable to the relative significance of manufacturing in Somerset, which in 2020 accounted for 12.7% of all employment (28,528 FTEs) compared to the national average of 10%.[6]

    Dairy farming and stock raising are important in Somerset, and there is some market gardening. The county is traditionally associated with cider production, and the village of Cheddar, in the Mendip Hills, has given its name to the cheese that was first made there.[7]

    Somerton National Park was created in December 2005. This park is surrounded by private property and is not accessible to the public.[8] Exmoor National Park has a rich history and a landscape that tells the story of how people have lived and worked here from the Mesolithic to today. Cheddar Gorge and Caves is one of Britain's most spectacular natural landmarks and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of the newly formed Mendip Hills National Landscape. Dunster Castle and Watermill is an ancient castle and comfortable country home with dramatic vistas and subtropical gardens. Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times. The waters are still a big draw today, both at the ancient Roman Baths and the thoroughly modern Thermae Bath Spa, which houses the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain you can bathe in.[9]

    Somerset historySomerset history

    Long before recorded history, Somerset was inhabited. Evidence of human activity dates back to the Paleolithic era, with the discovery of hand axes and flint tools.[10] Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements flourished, leaving behind impressive monuments like the megalithic sites at Stanton Drew.[11]

    The Romans arrived in the 1st century AD, establishing the town of Aquae Sulis (Bath), now a World Heritage Site,[12] around the natural hot springs. They built roads, villas, and forts, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape and infrastructure. While Somerset was Romanized, it did not reach the same level of development as other Roman provinces.[13]

    Following the Roman withdrawal, Anglo-Saxon tribes (5th-11th Centuries AD) primarily the West Saxons (Somersaete), settled in Somerset.[14] This period saw the rise of powerful kingdoms and the establishment of key settlements.[15]

    The Norman Conquest in 1066 brought significant changes. Castles were built, including Dunster and Taunton, to assert Norman authority. The medieval period witnessed the growth of towns and the development of the wool trade.[16]

    in the 16th Century, The Reformation brought religious and social upheaval. Somerset saw the dissolution of monasteries, including the influential Glastonbury Abbey.[7]

    The English Civil Wars, in the 17th Century (1642-1651); deeply impacted Somerset. The county experienced significant conflict, with key battles and sieges fought including the Battle of Lansdowne Hill, the Battle of Langport, and the Battle of Marshall's Elm.[17]

    During the 18th Century, Bath experienced a golden age, becoming a fashionable spa town. Georgian architecture flourished, transforming the city's landscape.[18]

    During the progress of the Industrial Revolutionin the 19th century, Somerset County's economy experienced significant changes due to the development of transportation infrastructure like canals and railways, leading to population growth in towns like Taunton while Bath continued to thrive as a fashionable spa destination; the county also saw the expansion of industries like coal mining in the north and the development of seaside tourism in areas like Exmoor and Weston-super-Mare.[19]

    The 20th century saw significant social and economic changes in Somerset County. World Wars I and II had a profound impact on the county. Today, Somerset has evolved into a modern county, embracing tourism, agriculture, and a growing service sector.[20]

    Somerset parishes and unparished areasSomerset parishes and unparished areas

    The ceremonial county of Somerset, England is divided into 329 civil parishes. These parishes are the lowest unit of local government in England.[21]

    In Somerset, there are 327 LSOAs and 71 MSOAs.[21] Lower Super Output Areas (LSOA) and Middle Super Output Areas (MSOA): Parish, Electoral Ward, District and County boundaries change over time. In 2001 following the Census, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) created its own boundary system so areas could be compared consistently over time. The smallest geographic areas are known as Output Areas (OA). OAs fit into Lower Super Output Areas (LSOA), which in turn fit into larger geographic areas Middle Layer Super Output Areas (MSOA). In 2001 throughout the UK each of the LSOAs contained around 1,500 people and the MSOAs around 7,500 people.  Following the 2011 Census, LSOAs and MSOAs were revised to take account of population changes.  In Somerset this resulted in some LSOAs being split into 2 and others being merged together, the overall number of LSOAs did not change however and MSOA were untouched. 

    Somerset geographySomerset geography

    Somerset boasts a diverse landscape. The Mendip Hills are composed of limestone and are best known for caves, and Cheddar Gorge. The Quantock Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with rolling hills, woodlands, and picturesque villages. Exmoor National Park is shared with Devon and features moorland, woodland, and dramatic cliffs. Blackdown Hills is another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), characterized by rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and diverse wildlife. The lowlands include the Somerset Levels, a vast area of flat, low-lying land prone to flooding, including peat bogs, reedbeds, and grazing marshes. Somerset's coastline borders the Bristol Channel, with sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and tidal estuaries. Several rivers crisscross the county, including the River Parrett, River Axe, and River Brue, which flow through the Somerset Levels.[21]

    Researching family history in SomersetResearching family history in Somerset

    The Somerset Archives and Local Studies holds the major written evidence for the history of Somerset and Devon. The Archive and Local Studies Services has centers in Taunton, Exeter and Barnstaple where they care for 10 million archived records dating from the 8th century to the present day.[22] Operation of the Somerset Archives and Local Studies is directed by the South West Heritage Trust. The Trust operates five additional venues: the Museum of Somerset, the Somerset Rural Life Museum, the Devon Archives and Local Studies, Avalon Archaeology, and the Archaeology and Built Heritage.[22] The Somerset and Dorset Family History Society has extensive records from both counties.

    Ethnicities in SomersetEthnicities in Somerset

    The demographic distribution of the Somerset population is as follows:[2]

    According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Somerset is predominantly white (96.4%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 3.6% of the population. Asian people were the largest minority group in Somerset accounting for 1.5% of the population. 2,435 or 0% of the Somerset population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.

    Population by race in Somerset, 2021 census

    • White - 550,848 people or 96.4%
    • Asian - 8,658 people or 1.5%
    • Mixed - 7,139 people or 1.2%
    • Other - 2,467 people or 0.4%
    • Black - 2,435 people or 0.4%

    Surnames in SomersetSurnames in Somerset

    The demographic distribution of Somerset surnames is as follows:[23]

    Surname Incidence Frequency
    Smith 8,194 1:124
    Jones 6,296 1:162
    Williams 5,359 1:190
    Brown 4,143 1:246
    Taylor 4,074 1:250
    White 3,801 1:268
    Davies 3,224 1:316
    Baker 3,202 1:318
    Harris 3,197 1:318
    Thomas 3,088 1:330

    Explore more about English CountiesExplore more about English Counties

    MyHeritage has 351 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a huge variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.

    See alsoSee also

    References

    1. ↑ All you need to know about Somerset - Stay In Somerset
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Somerset Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing
    3. ↑ Mendip Hills | Mendip Hills | Nature Reserve, Caves, Wildlife | Britannica
    4. ↑ Land Designations - Somerset Intelligence - The home of information and insight on and for Somerset - Run by a partnership of public sector organisations
    5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Local History
    6. ↑ Employment by Industry - Somerset Trends
    7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Somerset | England, Map, History, & Facts | Britannica
    8. ↑ Location of Somerton National Park
    9. ↑ Welcome to Bath - The Original Wellbeing Destination
    10. ↑ Prehistoric Britain
    11. ↑ History of Stanton Drew Circles and Cove
    12. ↑ City of Bath
    13. ↑ Romano-British Somerset: Part 1, Roman Britain | British History Online
    14. ↑ Kingdoms of the Anglo-Saxons - Dornsaete & Somersaete
    15. ↑ Anglo-Saxon Remains | British History Online
    16. ↑ The West Somerset Woolen Trade, 1500-1714
    17. ↑ The English Civil Wars: Origins, Events and Legacy
    18. ↑ City of Bath
    19. ↑ A History of the County of Somerset
    20. ↑ The Twentieth Century – Wilcuma
    21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Somerset Geographies - Somerset Intelligence - The home of information and insight on and for Somerset - Run by a partnership of public sector organizations
    22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 About the Trust
    23. ↑ Most Common Surnames in Somerset, With Meanings
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