Marston Biggott, Somerset

Description
Marston Bigott, a village and a parish in Somerset. The village stands 2 1/2 miles SW of Frome station on the G.W.R., and gives the title of Baron to the Earl of Cork. The parish contains also the hamlet of Gaer Hill, and its post town is Frome. Acreage, 2077; population of the civil parish, 264; of the ecclesiastical, with St Michael Gaer Hill, 440. The manor, with Marston House, belongs to the Earl of Cork, and came into the possession of his ancestors about 1630. A spot called Marston Moat was the site of a more ancient manor house. A field called Conqueror's Mead near that spot is said to have been the scene of a great battle in ancient times, and it has a barrow supposed to have been formed by interment of the slain. A bastard freestone abounds, and is used for mortar and for manure. Bricks and tiles are made. The living is a rectory, with St Michael Gaer Hill annexed, in the diocese of Bath and Wells; joint net value, £260 with residence. Patron, the Earl of Cork. The church was rebuilt in 1789, is in the Norman style, consists of nave and chancel, with porch and tower, and has beautiful stained glass windows. There is a chapel of ease at Gaer Hill.