THE TUDOR MAP OF COMPTON MARTIN
There is a map of Compton Martin in Somerset Record Office, probably drawn before 1570, aiming to define the village boundary on Mendip, perhaps to determine mining rights. It is of general interest since parish maps at this time were very rare. For the Harptrees, Compton Martin and Ubley, it is of great value, since it shows, in remarkable (if fanciful) detail, paths, fields, woods, churches, larger houses and boundary markers, giving a rare insight into life in our area 440 years ago – 220 years before the next map available to us. It also describes the parish boundary with distances and bearings, but, intriguingly, does not entirely agree with a description of Ubley boundary dated 1553, or the claims of West Harptree in the 1570’s.
For three years, with the encouragement and guidance of archivist Mrs Frances Neale, Compton Martin History Society has been co-ordinating research into many aspects of the Tudor Map, including landscape features, buildings and people, and relevant local documents of the period.
The picture is a photograph of about a third of the Tudor Map looking south, with Moat Farm in the foreground, the Harptrees on the left, and Combe Wood on the top right. Compton Martin is represented by the Church, a house at High Hall, and one on the Batch. The field boundaries, woods and roads (including the Batch), are much easier to identify today.
We have several years more work to do! If you would like to join in, please phone David Hart on 01761 221145.
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www.comptonmartin.info
Since Aug 04
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