Porlock (St. Dubritius)

PORLOCK (St. Dubritius), a parish and small port, and formerly a market-town, in the union of Williton, hundred of Carhampton, W. division of Somerset, 6 miles (W.) from Minehead; containing, with the tythings of Bossington and Yearnor, 892 inhabitants, of whom 106 are in the hamlet of Weir-Porlock, and 100 in that of West Porlock. This place, which derives its name from the Saxon Portlocan, "an inclosed harbour," is of considerable antiquity, having been a residence of the West Saxon kings, who had an extensive chase here. About the year 918, a band of pirates entered the harbour; but the greater number were slain by the inhabitants, and the rest escaping to the island of Steepholmes, died of hunger. In 1052, Harold, son of Earl Godwin, having sailed from Ireland with nine ships, entered Porlock bay, and, being unsuccessfully opposed by the inhabitants, slew great numbers, set fire to the town, and carried off much booty. The village is romantically situated near the Bristol Channel, and surrounded on all sides, except in the direction of the sea, by lofty hills, winding valleys, and deep glens: it comprises two streets, composed of straggling houses of a mean order. The trade consists in the importation of coal and lime from Wales; fairs are held on the Thursdays before September 13th, October 11th, and November 12th, for cattle, and a small breed of sheep called Porlocks. A manorial court occurs annually. The parish contains 5075 acres, of which 2850 are common or waste land. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £18. 11. 8.; and in the patronage of the Crown; net income, £339. The church is a fine structure in the ancient English style, and contains some monumental effigies, supposed to represent the early feudal lords. In an adjacent wood are the remains of an imperfect oval encampment, thought to have been constructed at the time of Harold's invasion, and within the area of which swords and other warlike implements have been dug up. John Bridgewater, a controversial divine, and Matthew Hales, D.D., the intimate friend of Dr. Stukeley, and author of Vegetable Statics, were rectors of the parish.