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 days gone by in the area.
Last week’s picture was in fact taken at Tucking Mill on the Somersetshire Coal Canal. Congratulations to those who correctly identified the location.
Tucking Mill, situated on the Somersetshire Coal Canal, near Midford, holds significant historical importance in the region’s industrial past. The canal, which was constructed to connect the coalfields of Somerset to Bath, played a pivotal role in the transport of coal during the early 19th century.
The Somersetshire Coal Canal was primarily used to facilitate the delivery of coal from the coal mines near Midsomer Norton to the thriving city of Bath, which had a growing demand for fuel due to its expanding industries and the presence of several major factories.
Tucking Mill itself was an important site along the canal, once home to various industrial buildings, including water-powered mills that were key to the local economy. The mills, powered by the flow of the canal water, were used for a range of industries, including textile manufacturing and paper production.
This industrial activity flourished during the canal's peak years, providing jobs and contributing to the area's economic development.
As the railway network expanded and coal transportation became more efficient, the canal began to lose its significance in the late 19th century. By the mid-20th century, much of the canal was abandoned and fell into disrepair. However, efforts to restore parts of the canal have allowed Tucking Mill and the surrounding area to become a popular site for walkers, cyclists, and history enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage.
The restored canal, along with Tucking Mill’s surviving features, continues to be a point of historical interest and an important part of the local landscape.
Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's edition!