Garry Gillard > genealogy > Martock
Click/tap on any image to see it at a larger size.
Martock is a town in South Somerset. My Gillard ancestors came from there to Australia in 1854, in the person of Robert Dyer Gillard, my father's father's father.
Here are some photos from the Web.
All Saints' Church: this 15th century church is the second largest in the county, and it is renowned for the carved tie-beam roof of its nave. (BBC site 2008)
[old postcard]
Market House and cross
The present Market House dates back to the 1750s. A butcher's shambles occupied the bottom floor, the top floor was used for public assemblies, and for some years it was used as the local fire station. The stocks were located here until 1853. (BBC site 2008)
Martock is particularly rich in fine, old buildings, constructed in local golden hamstone, quarried from nearby Ham Hill. The village includes Grade I and II listed buildings such as the Treasurer's House, the Market House and the Church. (BBC site 2008)
The Treasurer's House is the property of the National Trust. It was built in about 1262, then occupied by Hugh, Treasurer of Wells Cathedral and Rector of Martock. It is the oldest inhabited house in Somerset, apart from the Bishop's Palace at Wells. (BBC site 2008)
Martock (BBC site 2008)
In 1888, the Liberal Party raised £825 to build this hall. In the 1960s, the hall was purchased by the Parish Council and is now called the Parish Hall. This building is now the home of Martock Players and Pantomime Society. (BBC site 2008)
Martock (BBC site 2008)
Bridge House. William Wynn Westcott, surgeon, lived here from 1870 to 1880. He practised as a local doctor, and was a writer on medical, masonic and esoteric subjects. He was best-known as the co-founder of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. (BBC site 2008)
Martock (BBC site 2008)
By the early 16th century the Hundred and Manor courts of Martock were being held in this building. Since then, it has been a school, the Parish House, and the local library. It is now a private residence. (BBC site 2008)
The following seven photos were taken by Graeme Robertson, my first cousin (on my mother's side - so not a Gillard) some time around 1980, I'm guessing.
Main street
All Saints' Church interior
In memory of Giles Gaylard who died July 20th 1879 aged 59 years. Also his wife Phebe who died July ... aged ... [indecipherable]
All Saints' Church interior
All Saints' Church floral decoration
Random house
Martock Online
Wikipedia page
BBC Somerset
GENUKI: UK and Ireland Genealogy
Somerset County Council
Sue Redfearn's photos of Martock church headstones
Somerset Records of Marriages
Chris Spracklen's gallery of Martock photos
Gillard, Jeffrey J. 1978, Thick on the Ground: A Story of Van Diemen's Land and of Free Settler George Gillard, his ancestors and descendants 1572-1809-1978 (with brief references to other early Australian Gillard families), Printed [privately] for the Author in Melbourne Victoria, Limited Edition.
Many thanks to the people who did the real work reflected on this page: Wikipedia, the Martock community, Jeffrey J. Gillard (for his research and book), Graeme Robertson (for seven photos) and many others.
New: 15 July, 2013 | Now: 28 November, 2020
