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 in Chilcompton!

Congratulations to Elaine Hilary Brown who got that answer correct.

Last week's location was Chilcompton
Last week's location was Chilcompton (Radstock Museum)

Chilcompton is a small village located in the Mendip district of Somerset, England, with roots that trace back to medieval times. The name “Chilcompton” is believed to derive from Old English, meaning “the settlement of Ceolmaer’s people.”

Evidence of ancient habitation in the area includes prehistoric flint tools and burial mounds found in the nearby Mendip Hills. The village itself was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, confirming its existence for over 900 years and highlighting its longstanding place in the region’s history.

During the Middle Ages, Chilcompton was primarily an agricultural community, centred around local farms that produced wool and crops. The village developed around its parish church, dedicated to St John the Baptist, which dates back to the 15th century, although some parts of the church are older and show elements of earlier architectural styles.

The Industrial Revolution brought growth to Chilcompton through the local coal mining industry. Several mines operated in and around the village, providing employment and shaping the economy throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

This period marked a significant shift from purely agricultural life to a more industrialised community, influencing the social fabric of the village.

With the decline of coal mining in the 20th century, Chilcompton became increasingly residential. Many residents now commute to nearby towns for work, while the village retains much of its rural character and charm.

Today, Chilcompton supports a vibrant community life with local schools, shops, and social clubs contributing to its ongoing appeal and sense of identity.

The Midsomer Norton Journal, in association with Radstock Museum, would like to thank all our readers for taking part in our weekly Mystery Photograph column.