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MARKET TOWNS OF SOMERSET (from SDUK Penny Cyclopedia)

Frome in 1837

FROME, a town in the parish of Frome Selwood and hundred of Frome, and in the county of Somerset, 105 miles west-by-south from London. It is agreeably situated on the river Frome, a branch of the Avon, and on the north-east declivity of several hills contiguous to the forest of Selwood, whence the town is frequently called Frome Selwood.

It is lighted with gas, but irregularly built, and the streets are narrow and ill-paved. The borough of Frome was not represented in parliament before the passing of the Reform Act ; it now returns one member. It is not incorporated. It was formerly governed by a bailiff, but is now under the superintendence of the county magistrates.

Frome is in the diocese of Bath and Wells. The parish church, dedicated to St. John Baptist, is a handsome structure, surmounted by a quadrangular tower with a neat stone spire. The average net income of the vicarage is £720 ; patron, the marquis of Bath. The town is said to be prospering, and contains several extensive manufactures of woollen cloth, mills for rolling iron, and some considerable breweries. According to the census taken in 1831, its population was 11,240. There is a grammar-school of the foundation of Edward VI, besides several other institutions, among which is a good charity-school. The market-day is Wednesday. The cattle-fairs are held 24th February, 22nd July, 14th September, and 25th November.