*ILCHESTER, (Somerset) 104 cm. 125 mm. from London, is so called, because it once had a castle, and stands on the r. Ivel.
Some say, the castle was built there by the Romans, to curb the Britons after Boadicca's insurrection, and that the Roman
fossway passed through this place. That Roman coins have been dug up here, is certain, and that it was a populous and
important place, about the time of the conquest. 'Tis likewise evident, from the ruins and from two towers on the bridge,
that it was once a large place, and encompassed with a double wall. It also had several p. Chs. though now but one. 'Tis
governed by 2 bailiffs, who, with the 2 burgesses, are Lds. of the manor. In the R. of Edw. III. the assizes for the Co.
were fixed here, which have since been held, alternately, at Wells, Tauntun, and Bridgwater. The Kts. of the shire are
always chosen here, and it is the place for the Co. courts and jail. On the latter is its chief dependance, and therefore
it cannot be very polite, wealthy, or happy; however, it has the honour of giving title of Ld. to Stephen Fox, the twin
brother of Henry Fox, Esq; secretary at war, and late a Ld. of the treasury; whose father, Sir Stephen Fox, was also a Ld.
of the treasury, in the R. of K. Will. III. This is noted for being the birth-place of Roger, the famous Friar Bacon; and
for the execution of Mrs. Branch, a widow of some fortune, at a farm house bet. Bath and Froome, who was hanged here, in
1740, together with her daughter, for the most barbarous murder of their maid-servant, by whipping her for several hours
together. The Mt. here is W. the Fairs July 22, Aug. 29. King's-Moor near this place is noted for horse-races. Coins of
the Roman emperors are often dug up here.