Following on from the recent Midsomer Norton History Society talk about the commemoration event at Midsomer Norton South Railway Station, many memories have been submitted about the local area, one of which concerned the old railway bridge at Silver Street.

The railway bridges around Midsomer Norton and Radstock made access difficult for some of the bigger road vehicles. The Somerset and Dorset Railway had closed in March 1966, but the bridge across Silver Street stayed there until November 1969, and it was only 10 feet 9 inches high. Local Councillor, C.C. Jones, had suggested already in January 1966 that the railway authorities should be asked to remove it after services ceased, so that road improvements could be made.

Norman Howell worked at Edgell’s on the site now occupied by Tanner Close. At that time, it made agricultural buildings, including chicken housing. On 11th May 1967, Norman had finished his day’s work at Edgell’s and was walking down to Midsomer Norton.

A lorry bringing wood uphill to Pratten’s yard off Charlton Road was stuck under it. He lived near the White Post pub and there was quite a hamlet around it in those days, with far more dwellings than there are now, although a grocer’s shop, a school room and even a small sub-post office had closed by then.

Norman had a Brownie camera and he had time to go home to collect the camera and return to Silver Street to take the accompanying photograph.

I am grateful to Norman for allowing these to be shared with everyone and I wonder how many other incidents took place at this bridge? I would be pleased to hear, as well, from anyone else who has information about the community near the pub at that time or earlier, or about the businesses that were situated there. Please contact Nick Waton on: 01761 414731 or email: [email protected] if you have any information.

Nick Waton