Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society is holding a special talk this week about a historic Burnham-On-Sea character.
John Gunter, who lived from 1788-1856, was a resident of Burnham-On-Sea who catered for the rich and famous.
He also championed public health for all, including residents of Burnham, and even improved provision for sewerage in the town and local area.
His name lives on in Burnham-On-Sea today since located near St Andrew’s Church stands a house named Tregunter, pictured, which is now occupied by Holley & Steer solicitors.
The house was bought by John Gunter, who was a confectioner and partner in Gunters of Berkeley Square from 1820 and appears as a confectioner in a list of Queen Victoria’s tradesmen in the 1840s.
In his day confectioners were the most highly regarded of all the trades involved in food preparation.
In Burnham he was a member of the first Local Board of Health. This was key to getting our town’s first sewers and water supply.
This week’s talk will be given by local historian Francis Farr-Cox on Wednesday 23rd January 2019 at 7.30pm at Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way in Taunton, TA2 6SF.
Non-members are welcome for a £4 donation and refreshments will be available. Contact 01278 760986 for more details.
See Burnham-On-Sea history pages
