Many of the sources listed here are out of print. They may be found in local libraries or in the Local Studies collection at the Somerset Heritage Centre. Where they are available online, links are given.
Further reading about the history of Langport
The definitive history of Langport can be found in the Victoria County History volume called A history of the county of Somerset, vol.3,
p16-38. It was edited by RW Dunning et al. and published in 1974. It’s available online here.
Walter Bagehot’s sister-in-law published a collection of his writings which included a biography of him and information about Langport. The Works and life of Walter Bagehot, edited by Mrs. Russell Barrington. The Works in Nine Volumes. The Life in One Volume. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1915). Vol. 10. Chapter 2. Langport and its surroundings. It’s available online here.
David Melville Ross, then vicar of All Saints’ Church, wrote a detailed history of Langport called Langport and its church: the story of the ancient borough. It was published locally by the Herald Press, in 1911.
More recently, Heather Ridgway’s book, Langport: the heart of Somerset (Wessex House Press, 1994) brings the story more up to date.
There are two compilations of old photographs. Somerton, Ilchester and Langport in old photographs, collected by Gerald Gosling and Frank Huddy, was published in 1993 by Alan Sutton Publishing. More recently Langport & District History Society produced Langport & Huish Episcopi through time, by Janet Seaton. Amberley Publishing, 2013. This is still available to purchase directly from us. The details are here.
Further reading about the history of the surrounding villages
ALLER
Victoria County History of Somerset: Volume 3, ed. R W Dunning (London, 1974), p61-71. British History Online.
CURRY RIVEL
A social history of Curry Rivel in the nineteenth century. Arthur O Mounter, 1987.
Curry Rivel: a century in photographs. Curry Rivel News Group, 2000.
Curry Rivel past and present. Curry Rivel News Group, 2014. A collection of old and new comparison photographs.
History of Curry Rivel. Arthur O Mounter, 2020. Covers the period up to 1927.
DRAYTON
A short history of Drayton and its environs. Beryl Phillips, 2001. A variety of subjects, illustrated by drawings.
FIVEHEAD
Beyond the map of Fivehead and Swell: a history and description of the area. Compiled by members of the Fivehead Parish Map Committee. Fivehead and Swell Parish Map Press, 1999. It’s available online here.
HIGH HAM & LOW HAM
Victoria County History of Somerset: Volume 8, ed. R W Dunning (London, 2004), p70-91. British History Online.
Eight circular walks in the parish of High Ham. Members of the Footpath Group, SSDC, 2005.
A Somerset Parish 1895-1965: memories of village life in High Ham, Low Ham and Henley. High Ham Parish Community Project, 2014.
HUISH EPISCOPI
The book of Huish: the story of a Somerset village from 200 BC to 1933 AD. Isabel Wyatt. (Western Gazette, c.1933)
Victoria County History of Somerset: Volume 3, ed. R W Dunning (London, 1974), p1-13. British History Online.
LONG LOAD
Long Load and Knole, Long Sutton: their houses, cottages, farms, settlement and people. Somerset & South Avon Vernacular Building Research Group, 1982. Includes maps, plans and drawings of individual buildings.
La Lade to Long Load (the commercial end of Martock) : a collection of history, facts and stories. Brian Hook, 2012.
LONG SUTTON
The story of Long Sutton. Edith A Smith. Long Sutton Women’s Institute, 1953. Sections on prominent buildings and local customs.
Victoria County History of Somerset: Volume 3, ed. R W Dunning (London, 1974), p154-166. British History Online.
The story of Long Sutton 1493-1993. Antony Jay. Antony Jay Productions, 1993. A record in words and pictures of the pageant held on the village green of Long Sutton on 5th June 1993 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the dedication of the tower of Holy Trinity Church.
Long Sutton as t’were. Redvers Burt, 1997. Personal and family reminiscences of Long Sutton.
Around the village green : some research findings from the village of Long Sutton, Somerset. Long Sutton WEA, 2017. A comparison of tithe map properties with their modern appearance.
MUCHELNEY
Local legends and fragments of history; relating to Langport, Somerton, Pitney and Muchelney. G H Hemmel, 1894.
Victoria County History of Somerset: Volume 3, ed. R W Dunning (London, 1974), p38-49. British History Online.
OTHERY
Victoria County History of Somerset: Volume 8, ed. R W Dunning (London, 2004), p134-146. British History Online.
PITNEY
Local legends and fragments of history; relating to Langport, Somerton, Pitney and Muchelney. G H Hemmel, 1894.
Victoria County History of Somerset: Volume 3, ed. R W Dunning (London, 1974), p50-56. British History Online.