CAN you guess where this week’s Mystery Photograph was taken?

Each week, the Journal invites readers to test their local knowledge by identifying a historic location from days gone by.

Last week's Mystery Photograph was taken at Harris’s Vale, Coleford.

Last week's photo taken at Harris Vale in Coleford
Last week's photo taken at Harris Vale in Coleford (Radstock Museum)

Harris Vale, located on the edge of Coleford, remains a quiet residential area with a rural character. The settlement, which lies within walking distance of Coleford’s centre, features a mix of modern housing and older properties, set among narrow lanes and green spaces. While the area has no formal boundary, it is generally recognised as part of Coleford’s wider residential footprint.

Historically, the village of Coleford was part of the Somerset Coalfield, and several collieries operated in the area until the 20th century. The closure of the mines marked a shift in the village’s identity, from an industrial hub to a more residential and commuter-oriented settlement. Remnants of the mining era can still be found in the form of former tramway routes, stone buildings, and oral histories preserved by long-standing residents.

Today, Coleford has a population of just over 2,000 and continues to serve as a local centre for surrounding hamlets and rural communities. Facilities include a primary school, village hall, recreation ground, pub, and several small businesses. Public footpaths and walking routes link Coleford to the surrounding countryside, attracting walkers and cyclists throughout the year.

The village has seen limited but steady growth in recent years, with new housing developments extending the residential boundary in places like Harris Vale and surrounding lanes. While this has helped meet housing demand, some residents have raised concerns about traffic, infrastructure, and the impact on the village’s character.

Coleford remains under the jurisdiction of Somerset Council and falls within the Mendip Hills area. Local parish meetings and community groups continue to play an active role in shaping the future of the village and responding to planning proposals and local issues.