The West Somerset Free Press was founded in 1860 by Samuel Cox of Williton. Originally a printer, he continued his activities along with his new publishing venture.
Company ownership and the editorship stayed in the family through Samuel’s son Herbert, his son Frank and, in turn, his son Norman. With Norman’s death in 1969, the editorship passed to Free Press journalist Jack Hurley MBE.
In 1980 the company was acquired by Sir Ray Tindle CBE, who continued to run it as a family business. Under his guidance, the West Somerset News-Trader and West Somerset Diary were introduced.
Today the Free Press is a modern newspaper with traditional values, continuing the original concept of a local newspaper serving its community.