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 Radford.
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The Somersetshire Coal Canal was built in the late 18th century to transport coal from the North Somerset coalfields to the Kennet and Avon Canal, linking the region’s mines with wider markets. Construction began in 1795, and the canal was completed in stages, ultimately running about 16 miles from Paulton and Timsbury to Dundas Aqueduct near Bath.
It played a vital role in the local economy, allowing coal from the Somerset collieries to be shipped efficiently to Bath and beyond.
The Radford section included a small basin and several wharves where coal was loaded onto narrowboats. This part of the canal was notable for its gentle curves, stone bridges, and rural surroundings, many of which remain visible today.
The remains of the canal can still be traced near Radford Mill and in the surrounding fields, where the old towpath and some sections of stonework survive as reminders of the area’s industrial heritage.
The Somersetshire Coal Canal Society has been working to preserve and restore surviving sections, including those at Radford, where walkers can still follow parts of the canal’s original route and imagine the bustling trade that once defined this peaceful stretch of countryside.
The information used in last week’s Mystery Photograph was incorrectly interpreted from outdated online sources. The Journal apologises for any confusion this may have caused and is happy to set the record straight.
Thank you to Robin Singh for clarifying that St Mary’s is no longer an active church, adding: “As far as I know the church building is now a residence and has been that for 30 to 40 years or so, maybe more. There are no services currently that I am aware of, although it would be fantastic if there were!”
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