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Gerbestone's origins date back to 1235 when
Bishop Joceline of Wells exempted Gerebert,
a Knight of Wellington, from paying hay
taxes. The suffix 'ton' can mean either
a settlement or second home, hence creating
Gerbestone. In 1612 Thomas Frances moved
into Gerbestone with his bride, Suzanna,
daughter of George Lutterell of Dunster
Castle.
Gerbestone then underwent a major building
programme with wings being added at both
north and south ends, replacing the solars.
The spiral staircases were enclosed and
the whole was reconstructed in Tudor style.
In 1695 Gerbestone
was sold to Sir John Ewell of Exeter. One
of Sir John's grandsons was Aide to the
Duke of Wellington at Waterloo (the Duke
took his name from our town, his monument
is on the hill to the south west of Gerbestone).
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