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 Stratton-on-the-Fosse Post Office!

Stratton-on-the-Fosse is a rural village and civil parish in Somerset, located on the edge of the Mendip Hills, around six miles north-east of Shepton Mallet and nine miles from Frome. According to the 2011 census, the parish had a population of just over 1,100. The village lies on the historic Fosse Way, an ancient Roman road that linked Lincoln to Exeter, and is close to the hamlets of Benter and Nettlebridge.

Evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman settlement has been found in the area. In medieval times, Stratton-on-the-Fosse was part of Glastonbury Abbey’s estates, later becoming part of the Duchy of Cornwall. More recently, coal mining was an important local industry, though this has now ceased. Parts of the surrounding land once used for mining are today managed for conservation.

Notable landmarks include Downside Abbey and School, whose Gothic Revival architecture and spire dominate the village skyline, and the medieval Church of St Vigor. Both are recognised for their historical and architectural significance.

The village has a Post Office operating from Stratton Stores, which was re-established after a period of closure. It reopened as a “Post Office Local” in May 2025, following investment in new equipment and staffing. The branch now offers counter services seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Services include first and second class mail, recorded and special delivery, international post, banking facilities, bill payments, pensions and benefits, and travel money. The reopening was welcomed locally, particularly by residents who had previously faced travelling further afield to access these facilities.

Thank you to everyone who took part in this week’s Mystery Photograph – we look forward to seeing your guesses again next week.