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The majority of friendly societies started as locally based groups, usually a few villagers or neighbours, where members would contribute a small payment each month so that they could receive a lump sum payment in times of need. The money would be invested or saved if it didn’t have an immediate requirement. 

Extract taken from  The Bridgwater Mercury Newspaper Cutting in the possession of Nigel Coombes….

SALE OF PAWLETT ESTATE (1920s)

FAMOUS HAMS AND MEADS

IN THE MARKET

MAJORITY OF IMPORTANT LOTS - WITHDRAWN

At the Royal Clarence Hotel, Bridgwater, on Monday,  Messrs Knight, Frank and Rutley, the well-known London auctioneers, offered for sale by auction the famous agricultural property known as the Pawlett Estate.  The latter comprised about 2,650 acres of rich grazing and other lands, including the well-known Pawlett Hams and Meads – described as “the richest grazing land in England”  26 corn-growing farms and small holdings, village and manor house of Pawlett, etc., the gross rent (exclusive of the manor house) producing a revenue of  £14,235 per annum.

The sale of such an important property naturally aroused keen interest among agriculturists in the district, but although the commodious assembly-room at the Clarence was filled to capacity the bidding generally was not as keen as had been anticipated, and a very large proportion of the more important lots were withdrawn, including the whole of the Pawlett Hams and the manor house.

In the bulky catalogues which had been prepared, the estate was described as “undoubtedly the finest agricultural property in England” , and it was pointed out that the rent of the Hams and Meads alone for the current year amounted to £11,000.  It was added that the estate had been efficiently maintained and was in good repair; that the Salt Union Company’s borings were close to the estate, and there was a possibility of salt underlying a portion of the property; and that there was excellent shooting on the estate and fishing in the Parrett.  The total rent roll for 1920 was estimated at £14,525 and the outgoings payable by vendor at £1,879.

Among those present at the sale were Capt. The Hon. W. H. Ponsonby (owner of the property) and Messrs. Alfred J Burrows, R. M. Holden (resident agent), Moore (of Messrs Longbourne, Stevens and Powell), Walter Greenslade (Messrs W.J.R. Greenslade & Co), and Frank Capon (surveyor)………..