To commemorate 2023 being the 50th anniversary of the closure of the last Somerset coalmine, Radstock Museum’s Bygone Days Living History Talks volunteers have organised a talk entitled “Mining and the Somerset Coalfield”.

This illustrated talk by Shane Gould will examine the history of local coal mining from its probable Roman origins through to its heyday in the late 1800s and early 1900s when 79 collieries were producing 1.25 million tonnes of coal per annum, and on to 1973 when Kilmersdon Colliery at Haydon raised its last load of coal.

The talk will take attendees on a journey through time discovering some of the surviving remains of the local coal industry by way of colliery remains, settlements and transport.

If you are interested to understand how coal mining shaped the towns, villages and surrounding countryside where you live, then this fascinating presentation is not to be missed.

Shane’s Grandfather was a Somerset Miner which influenced Shane’s interest and passion on this subject. Shane has undertaken extensive research into the local mining industry culminating in his publication ‘The North Somerset Coalfield’ by the Somerset Industrial Archaeology Society,  copies of which will be available at the talk. The talk takes place on Tuesday 4th April at the Somer Centre Midsomer Norton. 7:30pm. No booking is required, and all proceeds go to Radstock Museum charity number 1151573. For further details about the talk go to www.radstockmuseum.co.uk 

Lucy Tudor