History of Somerset - Definition and Overview

The name "Somerset" is thought by some to derive from Sumer following a migration from there. Others say it means the Summer land, because in pre-modern times the Somerset Levels became part of the ocean every winter. In the 5th century and 6th century, Somerset was part of the Kingdom of Dumnonia or Kernyw.

The oldest known human work in Britain is the Sweet Track, constructed acrosss the Somerset levels in wooden planks before 3000 BCE.

Key Dates in Somerset history

• 491 Battle of Mons Badonicus (may have been fought in Somerset) (uncertain date)
• 537 Battle of Camlann (sometimes located at Queen Camel) (uncertain date)
• 577 Battle of Deorham (Dyrham)
• 658 Battle of Peonna (? Penselwood)
• 710 Battle of Llongborth (Langport)
• 845 First documentary reference to "Somersæte"
• 878 Treaty of Wedmore
• c.900 Kings of Wessex hold court at Cheddar
• 1685 Battle of Sedgemoor
• 1685 Judge Jeffries holds the "Bloody Assizes" at Taunton
• 1875 Formation of Somerset County Cricket Club
• 1989 Somerset win cricket's Gillette Cup
• 1993 Bath rugby club are club champions of England
• 1994 Bath rugby club are club champions of England
• 1996 Bath rugby club are club champions of England
• 1996 Abolition of the County of Avon
• 2001 Someset win cricket's Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy
• 2003 Yeovil Town become first Somerset team to play in the Football League
• 2004 (8 May) Bath win rugby's Zurich Premiership