| Summary : Beaminster was called Bebingmynster in 862, meaning `a church associated with a woman named Bebbe'. Perhaps she was the founder of the church. It is almost certain that Beaminster had a minster, and that it was founded at an early date. It is mentioned in a list of benefactions to Gloucester Abbey dated 1382x1412. This list probably dates to the 9th century. The list, and place-name evidence, suggests that Beaminster was an early minster, although later records show that Netherbury was the dominat church. |