Brent, East (St. Mary)
BRENT, EAST (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Axbridge, hundred of Brent with Wrington, E. division of Somerset, 4¾ miles (W. S. W.) from Axbridge; containing, with the hamlets of Edingworth and Rooksbridge, 849 inhabitants. This place appears to have been the scene of various military transactions at an early period; and on the summit of a lofty conical hill termed Brent Knoll, are vestiges of a large double intrenchment, within which, and at the base of the hill, numerous Roman relics have been found. The West Saxons are also supposed to have occupied this position, in their contests with the Mercians; and it is related that Alfred defended himself here against the Danes. A plot of ground to the south retains the name Battleborough, probably from some battle having been fought upon it. The parish is situated on the road from Bridgwater to Bristol, and near the Bristol and Exeter railway; and comprises by computation 3000 acres. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king's books at £30. 11. 3.; patron and appropriator, the Bishop of Bath and Wells: the great tithes have been commuted for £90, and the vicarial for £690; the glebe comprises about 70 acres. The church is a very ancient structure, with a tower and spire together 130 feet high; at the east end of the north aisle is a handsome painted window. There is a place of worship for Wesleyans; and a national school is supported by subscription. Cornua ammonis and other fossils have been found. Here was a cell to the abbey of Glastonbury.
Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.