DETAILS of a stock take at a Taunton pub almost 400 years ago is among historic items going on display to mark Somerset Day.

It is part of a free exhibition of Somerset Archive Treasures from Devon at St James Church, Taunton on Wednesday, May 11, from 10am to 4pm.

As well as an inventory of the White Hart in 1653, items of interest include a document relating to Bawdrip Church from 1200; a survey of the Manor of Alford, near Castle Cary, from 1660; a map of land in Ashwick, from 1760; and 19th Century artworks showing places such as Dunster Castle, the churches of St James and St Mary Magdalene, both in Taunton, and Montacute House.

The exhibition will enable people to see historic archives relating to Somerset that are usually cared for at the Devon Heritage Centre in Exeter.

Also on Somerset Day there will be a talk by Steve Minnitt, head of museums for the South West Heritage Trust, called Treasures of the Museum of Somerset.

Mr Minnitt will tell some of the stories behind the collections, including how the death of a sheep in 1938 led to the discovery of one of Britain’s most important Roman mosaics, and the remarkable life behind the portrait of a Ditcheat man called William Kingston.

The talk is at Taunton's Museum of Somerset at 2.30pm and costs £5 - to book call 01823-255088.

Trust chief executive Tom Mayberry said: “Our mission is to protect and conserve local heritage so that it can be appreciated by everyone.

"We’re delighted to be sharing some of the finest archival and museum treasures for Somerset Day.”