*MINHEAD, (Somerset) 132 cm. 167 mm. from London, is an ancient Bor. with a harbour in the Bristol-Channel, near Dunster-
Castle, much frequented by passengers to and from Ireland. It was given by William the Conqueror to William de Mohun, and
incorporated by Q. Eliz. with great privileges, on condition the corp. should keep the quay in repair; but its trade
falling off, the quay was neglected, and they lost their privileges. The Lutterels being possessed of it, obtained a
statute in the R. of K. William, for recovering the port, and keeping it in repair, by which they were to have the profits
of the quay and pier for 36 years, which have been computed at about 200 l. a year; and they were at the expence of new-
building the quay. In pursuance of another act passed about 9 years ago, confirming the former, a new head has been built
to the quay, the beach cleared, and a great progress made in the piers, &c. so that the biggest ship may enter, and ride
safe in the harbour. The T. contains about 500 houses, and 2000 souls. It was formerly governed by a portreeve, and now by
2 constables, chosen yearly at a court-leet held by the Lutterels, who are Lds. of the manor. Its chief trade is with
Ireland, from whence about 40 vessels used to come hither in a year with wool; and about 4000 chaldrons of coals are
yearly imported at this place, Watchet, and Porlock, from South-Wales, which lies directly opposite to it about 7 leagues
over, the common breadth of this channel all the way, from the Holms to the Land's-End. Here are several rich merchants,
who have some trade also to Virginia and the West-Indies, and they correspond much with the merchants of Barnestaple and
Bristol in their foreign commerce. Three or 4000 barrels of herrings, which come up the Severn in great shoals about
Michaelmas, are caught, cured, and shipped off here every year for the Mediterranean, &c. The Mt. here is on W. and Fair
on Whitson-Tu.