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

Each week, the Journal invites readers to test their knowledge by identifying a historic location from days gone by, and last week we featured a picture supplied by Peter Strawbridge.

Reader Paul Hancock wrote in and commented: “Looking at this week’s, I’m going to say that is over Chew Valley Lake.”

Thanks for your entry Paul, but in actual fact the picture shows Priddy Pool, taken some time in the 1960s. Well done to all our readers who guessed correctly at home.

Located in the Mendip Hills National Landscape, northwest of Wells, Priddy Pools are listed as a nearly 53 hectare geological Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The pools are situated in the central Mendip lead orefield, and was a lead mining area from Roman times right up to the beginning of the 20th century.

They helped supply water to the Priddy Mineries and the northern pool was dammed in the 1850s to provide a supply of running water for the sifting and washing of slag. Lead was processed at St Cuthbert's Works until 1908.

The Priddy Mineries Nature Reserve is now managed by the Priddy Parish Council who undertake work to de-silt the pools, most recently in 2024. Vegetation around the pool is also pruned to increase light levels and reduce leaf litter in the water.

The pools are fed by springs in the north are home to 15 different types of dragonfly, and is the only location in the Mendips where you can spot the downy emerald dragonfly. The site is also home to all five types of amphibians found in Britain.

Our thanks again go to Radstock Museum for the latest supply of Mystery Photographs.

To submit your answers to the Journal, please email us at: [email protected]