The History of Long Sutton
There is evidence of Roman occupation throughout the parish. It was recorded in the Domesday Book as Sutone. The manor was given by King Alfred to his Athelney Abbey and was held by the abbey until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539. In 1600 it was bought by Sir John Spencer, who was previously the Lord Mayor of London. It was later part of the estates of the Duke of Devonshire, who dispersed it in 1919. Until the 20th century agriculture remained the main industry. The population has remained suprisingly stable between 800 and 1000 from about 1800 to the present day.
The Parish has been touched by all the major national historic events. The Battle of Langport (or the Long Sutton Mercy as Cromwell was said to have called it) was fought within a few miles of the village. More recently the War Memorial was erected to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in two World Wars.
Opposite the Quaker Meeting House, known as Quakers’ Corner, are two cottages, once thatched. In one of these cottages it is said that Mrs Palmer of Huntley & Palmers fame made her first biscuits and cakes to help provide for her family. Some of the gravestones mark the resting place of the Palmer family in the grounds of the Friends’ Meeting House.
