CAN you guess where this week’s Mystery Photograph was taken?

Each week, the Journal challenges its readers to test their local knowledge by identifying a historic location from the area.

Last week’s photograph proved to be a challenging one, with only a handful of readers successfully identifying the location - which seemed to be tricky for many.

The picture was in fact taken at Chapel Row in Clandown. Congratulations to Paul Hancock who was the only person to write in with the correct answer.

Clandown is a village located north of Radstock with a rich history dating back to Celtic times. The name ‘Clandown’ is believed to mean ‘meeting place’, reflecting its historical significance as a gathering spot.

The area has seen various settlements over the centuries, including Roman and Saxon occupations. Artefacts such as Roman coins and pottery have been discovered in and around Clandown, indicating its historical importance during the Roman era.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Clandown developed into a mining village as part of the Somerset Coalfield. The Clandown Colliery opened in 1811 and operated until its closure in 1929, reaching a maximum shaft depth of 1,437 feet.

Chapel Row, in the heart of Clandown, holds history tied to the village's religious and community life. Once bustling with a church, two chapels, and three pubs, the area has seen many changes over the years. One chapel was demolished, while the other found a new life as apartments. Similarly, two of the pubs have vanished. The Church of the Holy Trinity, built in the 1840s in a striking Perpendicular Gothic style, still stands but has also been converted into apartments, preserving its place as a Grade II listed landmark.

Today, Clandown stands as a testament to the diverse tapestry of English history, showcasing its evolution from ancient settlements to a mining hub, and now a residential village that preserves its historical architecture and heritage.