Brewham-Lodge

BREWHAM-LODGE, an extra-parochial liberty, in the hundred of Norton-Ferris, E. division of Somerset, 5 miles (E. by N.) from Bruton; containing 8 inhabitants. This place consists of one estate, comprising nearly 800 acres; and acquired its extra-parochial privileges from having been one of King John's hunting-seats: a wood in the vicinity retains the name of King's Wood. Alfred's Tower, here, was erected by Henry Hoare, Esq., in commemoration of a victory obtained in the vicinity by that prince over the Danes: it is a triangular brick building, 155 feet in height, surmounted at each angle by a turret; and over the entrance is an inscription, recording the good qualities and noble exploits of Alfred. About half a mile towards the north-east is a small oval encampment, called Jack's Castle, which is thought to be of Danish construction; and human bones, spears' heads, and urns containing the ashes of burnt bones, have been dug up in the neighbourhood, which was the scene of various conflicts between the Saxons and the Danes.