Mining and the Somerset Coalfield - an illustrated talk by Shane Gould

It is 50 years this year since the last colliery in Somerset closed and coal mining locally began to fade into history.

But many clues remain in the local landscape today reminding us of the industry that shaped our local towns, villages and countryside. Shane Gould has dedicated many years to researching the history of Somerset coal mining and the industrial archaeology of the area revealing the sites of long forgotten collieries, along with more recent and well known collieries and the railway lines and canals that served them.

His talk will take you on a journey through history from Roman times where coal was found often on the surface or just below by the Romans locally, through to the height of the coal industry in more recent times up until the last coal mine, Kilmersdon Colliery, closed in 1973. Shane's illustrated talk takes place at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton on Tuesday 4th April 7:30pm.

Admission is £5 on the door- no booking necessary. There is also a raffle with all funds raised going to Radstock Museum. The talk is organised by the Museum Volunteers who run the Bygone Days Living History Talks.