Pilton

"PILTON, a parish chiefly in the hundred of Whitstone, but partly in that of Glaston-Twelve-Hides, county Somerset, 3 miles S.W. of Shepton-Mallet, its post town, and 5 S.E. of Wells. The village, which is irregularly built, is situated on the Fosse Way, and on the turnpike road leading to Glastonbury. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agriculture. The parish comprises the hamlets of East and West Compton, Ham, and Westholme, and was a grange to Glastonbury Abbey. This parish is celebrated for its cheese, which is chiefly made in the hamlets of East and West Compton; cider is also made in large quantities, and there is an extensive brewery of long standing. A large portion of the land is in pasture, with some good arable interspersed. There are quarries of good building-stone. The appropriate tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £245, and the vicarial for £185. The glebe comprises 29 acres." From The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) Transcribed by Colin Hinson © 2003