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Hall, called the “Yarn Market,” Dunster being anciently known 
for its manufactures of Kerseymeres. From the steps of this 
picturesque wooden structure a view is obtained of the long street 
of the town which terminates in the Castle or the ascent to it, 
backed by the high ground of the Brendon Hills beyond. After 
carefully examining this structure the members proceeded to the 
Castle, which by the courtesy of Mr. Luttrell the present owner 
they were permitted to inspect, although the day selected by the 
Club was not the one allotted to visitors. 
The history of the Castle reaches back to pre-Norman times, 
but from the Norman Conquest it is well ascertained, and may be 
read in “ Collinson’s History of Somerset” (vol. v., p. 7). It was 
the stronghold of the Mohuns* and afterwards passed by purchase 
to the Luttrells, the present possessors. The original name is 
said to have been simply “Torre,” to which the word “ Dun,” 
implying a hill or ridge of hills, was afterwards added, but a 
‘British derivation has also been suggested, as may be seen in the 
“Proc. of the Som. Arch. and Nat. His. Soc.,” (vol. v. p. 78. 
1854.”) A concise and clear sketch of the history of the Castle 
is given in “ Murray’s Handbook of Somerset.” It was erected by 
William de Mohun in the twelfth century, an attempt to besiege it 
was made by King Stephen. It is mentioned by Leland, but has 
been much altered since his time, and is now made a most 
comfortable residence. The Castle was besieged in the Civil 
Wars and surrendered to the Marquis of Hertford, after this the 
keep was pulled down, and the site of it converted into a bowling 
green. Each portion was duly inspected, as well as the paintings, - 
one of the Protector Cromwell, and others family portraits, but 
the most striking feature is the commanding and picturesque 
® Fifty-six manors or vills in the county of Somerset were appended to the 
grant of the Castle of Dunster and the ground on which it stands, by William 
the Conqueror. 
