People have lived in the Frome area since prehistoric times and the
present town dates back as far as the Saxon era. In the early days it
was famous for the quality of its cloth, but the industry and trade
declined in the eighteenth century. Over the centuries it has had its
fair share of rioting and crime, as well as some notable personalities
and eccentrics such as Thomas Bunn, an eighteenth-century
philanthropist. It was also the birthplace of Benjamin Baker, builder of
the Forth Bridge, and, more recently, Jenson Button, the racing driver.
Today it has over 370 listed buildings - more than any other Somerset
town - fourteen pubs and two thriving bookshops, as well as an
increasing creative and artistic community. In this book, local authors
Mick Davis and David Lassman take a journey through Frome to discover
some significant and little-known aspects of its rich and varied past.
From buildings and streets to people and events, A-Z of Frome highlights
fascinating aspects of the town's history. Here are stories of UFO
sightings, a world-famous Roman coin hoard, local inns, the search for
underground tunnels and much more. Illustrated throughout, this book
will appeal to local residents, visitors and anyone interested in the
town's fascinating and illustrious history.
