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 the Westfield Wesleyan Chapel.

Westfield Wesleyan Chapel was established in the late 19th century, during a period when Methodism was expanding rapidly across the Somerset coalfield.

The growth of the local mining community created demand for places of worship close to where people lived and worked, and Methodism in particular attracted many working families.

The original chapel was built in 1869, providing a permanent base for Wesleyan worship in Westfield. It quickly became an important part of village life, serving not only as a church but also as a meeting place for the local community. Many members of the congregation were employed in the surrounding collieries, and the chapel reflected the strong links between faith, work and community in the area.

As attendance increased, the chapel was enlarged towards the end of the 19th century, with local people helping to transport building materials to the site. Following the expansion, parts of the earlier building were used as a Sunday school and church hall, reinforcing the chapel’s role in education and social life as well as worship.

Throughout the early and mid-20th century, Westfield Wesleyan Chapel remained a focal point for religious services, children’s activities and community gatherings. A memorial within the chapel commemorated local men who served in the First World War, highlighting its wider significance beyond regular services.

The photograph provides a glimpse into a period when the chapel played a central role in religious and community life in Westfield, particularly for families connected to the local mining industry. Beyond regular worship, the building would have been a familiar setting for Sunday schools, meetings and social events.

We welcome readers’ responses and invite you to email your answers to [email protected]