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 Somersetshire Coal Canal at Tucking Mill, Combe Hay.

The Somersetshire Coal Canal, constructed in the late 18th century, was designed to transport coal from the Somerset coalfields to Bath. A notable section passed through Tucking Mill near Combe Hay, where the canal navigated the challenging landscape of the Midford Valley using a series of engineering features.

This section not only highlights the engineering ingenuity of the time but also reflects the broader industrial ambitions of the region during the canal age.

At Tucking Mill, the canal faced a steep gradient descending towards Bath, which posed a major engineering challenge. To overcome this, a series of locks and later an experimental caisson lock were constructed at nearby Combe Hay.

The caisson lock, designed by engineer Robert Weldon, was a bold attempt to economize on water and space, involving a sealed, water-filled chamber that moved boats up and down vertically. Although ultimately unsuccessful and short-lived, it remains a fascinating example of early canal innovation.

The route near Tucking Mill also passed through a deep cutting and several embankments, showcasing the effort required to carve a canal through hilly terrain. Today, remnants of the canal at Tucking Mill—such as sections of towpath, stone retaining walls, and the bed of the waterway—offer a glimpse into the industrial past of the Somerset countryside.

The area is now part of a peaceful walking and cycling route, and while much of the canal is no longer navigable, it retains significant heritage value and continues to attract historians and enthusiasts alike.

• Farrington Gurney Methodist Church still holds services, not as previously published. The MNRJ is happy to set the record straight.