Snippets from the local press
Originally printed on 23 February 1795, reprinted 23 February 1995
SEAVINGTON ST MARY: Earlier this month Mr Robert Rowsell of Seavington St Mary was found dead in a meadow near South Petherton, supposed to have dropped from his horse in a fit of apoplexy, and not drowned in a state of intoxication as previously mentioned. The coroner’s inquest sat on the body - Verdict: Died by the visitation of God.
30 March 1895
A Seavington St Michael man was summoned for furious driving. PC Upham said he saw the defendant driving a horse at a rapid rate, thrashing it with a coil of rope. He just had time to step out of the way before the horse was upon him. The man said he had given the horse too much corn and it ran away but was only going at 10mph. (Laughter). Fined 7/6p.