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Bath South Accommodation
Radstock Midsomer Norton is becoming known as a heritage centre for mining history
Radstock Museum for Somerset mining history
River side walks at Radstock Midsomer NortonAround Bath South Somerset Mining History
Much of the countryside south of Bath was once part of the Somerset Coalfield. This is an area rich in industrial history with coal bringing about the Somersetshire Coal Canal and railways to the area.
You can find out all about the social history of the area by visiting Radstock Museum in Radstock Midsomer Norton.
Radstock Museum - Somerset Mining History
Just south of Bath is Radstock and Midsomer Norton. Radstock was in the heart of the Somerset Coalfield. Coal had been discovered by the Romans in Somerset, but only started to be mined in Radstock in 1763. The Old Pit at Radstock extended 1,000 feet by the eighteenth century and during the 1790s the Somersetshire Coal Canal was built, with a separate branch serving Radstock, to export the coal from the area.
The coal industry has long gone with the last mine having been closed down in the 1970s, but Radstock showcases the social and industrial heritage of the area in the acclaimed industrial museum, Radstock Museum. The Museum is housed in a former market hall and has one of the old coalmining wheels dominating a colourfully planted public garden area across the way. It's a good family day out and you can show the kids how lucky they are not to have to endure a Victorian schoolroom - complete with strict schoolmaster! Exhibits include re-created rooms of miners' houses, a forge and carpenter's shop and displays about the Somersetshire Coal Canal and railways.
Radstock Museum is closed on Mondays except Bank Holidays. Open: Tues-Friday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays: 2-5pm. Sat: 11am to 5pm. Closed December and January. Radstock Museum, Waterloo Road, Radstock BA3 3EP. Tel: 01761 437722. Fax: 01761 420470. Email: info@radstockmuseum.co.uk
There are mines dotted all over the Somerset landscape, both coal and stone mines, particularly in North Somerset. Although these are no longer mined they are surprisingly important to wildlife. Many bat species use old mine shafts as hibernation roosts and some even use them in summer. These are particularly important for the rare greater and lesser horseshoe bats which are largely restricted to the South West of England. There are a variety of sites, both caves and mines, in North Somerset that receive international protection due to the presence of bats.
Colliers Way - Dundas Aqueduct Radstock and Frome
The Colliers Way is part of the National Cycle Network. It will eventually link up with routes all the way down to Southampton and Portsmouth. It can also be used by walkers, horseriders as well as cyclists.
The route follows disused railway lines and country lanes from Dundas Aqueduct on the east of the River Avon south west of Bath. The Dundas Aqueduct carries the Kennet and Avon Canal over the River Avon. Building started in 1797 and it was constructed out of Bath Stone. There is a Visitor Centre with refreshment facilities available. The Colliers Way route takes you through the Somerset Coalfield area through Radstock - where you can pop into the museum to find out more about the area's social and industrial history - and then down to Frome for a welcome relax and refreshment stop in one of the cafes in the medieval streets.
Check the links right for a downloadable route leaflets, maps showing places of interest and downloadable walking, cycling and riding leaflets.
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