A Compleat History of Somersetshire, published in Sherborne, 1742 – unfortunately a full edition of this book does not seem to be online, aside from that of the Welcome Trust.
Brief summary:
Page 83: Town name meaning – the early charters – the de Brewieres – descent of the lordship – description of the river and port, governance, and fairs.
“The river Parret is so large and dee about the bridge, that ships a hundred ton may, and often do ride there; there being forty sail belonging to the town, besides forgivers. ‘Tis governed by a mayor, recorded, two aldermen, two bailiffs, twenty four common councillors, and other inferior officers. It send two burgesses to parliament. It hath two markets every week, the one on Thursday, the other on Saturday; and three fairs yearly, vis on the Thursday se’nnight in Lent, on Midsummer day, and St Matthew’s day, sept. 21. The church, which is dedicated to St Mary, is a very fair one, and the town hath several great Inns. “
Page 84 (printing error as 48): the Egerton Earls and Dukes of Bridgwater – Robert Blake, General at Sea
Page 169 – Religious foundations: The Franciscan Friary- Hospital of St John
[full title: A compleat history of Somersetshire. Containing I. A Geographical Description of the County, in Alphabetical Order. II. The Natural History, viz. its Produce, Air, Soil, rare Plants, &c. III. The Ecclesiastical History, containing at Account of the Bishops of the two Sees, Bath and Wells and Bristol; together with a brief Description of the Monasteries, Martyrs, &c. IV. The Antiquities. V. An Account of the Gentlemens Seats. VI. The Lives of Famous Men of this County. VII. The Sufferings of the Clergy in the Rebellious Times, which began in 1642. VIII. A Table of the Names of all the Towns, Villages, &c. with the Value of the Livings. IX. The Charity Schools in the country. To which is added, a scheme of all the market-towns &c. with their distance from London, and from each other, &c. 1742 ]