The county of Somerset can trace its origins back to Anglo-Saxon England, when it was a distinct part of the kingdom of Wessex, although the history of its peoples stretches back much further into time. Much of the county is agricultural and its wealth in the Middle Ages is seen today in Wells cathedral, churches and the remains of abbeys but the northeast of the county was also a coal mining area and Bridgewater became an important port in the Industrial Revolution. Today the county is as well known for the annual Glastonbury Festival as its many tourist attractions. In 50 Gems of Somerset, author Andrew Powell-Thomas explore the many places and their history that make this part of the South West of England so special. The 50 Gems include Roman remains, castles, and magnificent houses and churches, historic towns, present-day festivals and events, a living heritage of military, transport and industrial past, and natural attractions which include moors, hills, coastline, parks, and many other treasures. Alongside the justly famous sites such as Cheddar Gorge and Wookey the author includes many lesser known gems that are equally deserving of attention.