COUNTY BOUNDARIES19th century boundary changes
In 1844, the parish of Holwell, an island of Somerset territory surrounded by Dorset, was transferred to Dorset.
In 1896, the parishes of Goathill, Poyntington, Sandford Orcas, Seaborough, and Trent were transferred to Dorset. Wambrook was transferred from Dorset to Somerset.
In 1897, Kilmington was transferred to Wiltshire, and Churchstanton was transferred from Devon to Somerset.
The total area lost to Somerset by these changes was about 5,000 acres. 19th-20th century administrative changes
Under the Local Government Act 1888, Somerset County Council was created in 1889 and took over the administrative functions exercised by Quarter Sessions since the Middle Ages.
Under the Local Government Act 1888, Bath became a County Borough in 1889, administratively (though not geographically) separate from Somerset.
By Royal Charter, 28 June 1937, Weston super Mare became a Municipal Borough, administratively (though not geographically) separate from Somerset. 20th century boundary and administrative changes
Under the Local Government 1972, the county of Avon came into existence on 1 April 1974, and took over the northern part of ancient Somerset. Avon County Council came into being at the same date.
Ancient parishes physically divided by the new county boundary were Loxton, Burrington, Blagdon, Ubley, Compton Martin, West Harptree, East Harptree and Midsomer Norton. The area of ancient Somerset in 1901 was 1630 square miles; the area of new Somerset is 1332 square miles. The area lost to Avon in 1974 was 298 square miles, or 18% of the ancient county.
Opposition to the changes was widespread, and a vote taken at Weston-super-Mare was overwhelmingly in favour of remaining part of Somerset. On 1 April 1996 two new unitary authorities took over the government of the northern part of historic Somerset:
For a more detailed look at these boundary changes, see English Heritage's Vision of Britain website. |