A NEW book celebrating the women of Somerset is set to be released by a Midsomer Norton author.

Titled ‘On This Day in Somerset: A Calendar of Women’, the book is written by Helen Pugh and will be released on Monday, November 3.

The book includes pieces about a nurse from Radstock, a Primitive Methodist from Paulton, a widow and a fraudster from the Chew Valley and a drunk bride in Midsomer Norton.

Describing the compilation of stories, Helen said: “From Roman times to the present day and from Athelney to the Zoylands, this is 366 days of women across the county of Somerset, a calendar where women take their rightful place: centre stage.”

Helen wanted to highlight the voices of women from Somerset whose stories went uncelebrated or unrecognised in their lifetimes.

Helen said: “This new book celebrates 366 days of noteworthy women in Somerset, shining a spotlight on a woman connected to each day of the year.

“Readers can discover which woman is connected to their birthday or any special date, making this a unique and personal way to engage with local history.

“The book includes a saint, a widow and a fraudster who are all linked to the Chew Valley.”

Helen said she was inspired to write about women in Somerset, to explore the rich history of the county that she grew up in and that she’s now returned to as an adult.

This latest edition is a follow-up to her 2023 book “Unsung Women in Somerset”.

Released on November 3 of this year, her latest book will span from Roman times to the present day and showcases a whole host of real-life women with various backgrounds, interests and occupations.

“On This Day in Somerset” is available to purchase as an ebook and paperback from books2read.com/somerset