IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Frome Road, RADSTOCK, BA3 3PE

Looking along the A362 toward Radstock. Writhlington was a mining village, coal was taken by tramway to Radstock then on the Radstock Tramway to Midford and onward by canal. Traces of mining activity can still be found around the village. http://www.radstock4u.com/villagepages/writhlington/

A cutmark, as listed in the Benchmark Database: http://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm57966 , on the former Fir Tree Inn at Writhlington. See Image] for a wider view of this empty public house.

The former Fir Tree Inn at Writhlington, now closed and looking forlorn. It dates back to 1832 and is believed to be named after a local tree (a 'holy elm') where seats were arranged around its base and the locals used to meet and socialise. The inn was a popular and active place for many groups and organisations; however, it also had its darker side when a poor coal haulier was murdered by three others; one of the accused was acquitted, another transported but the other hanged. The present building is Grade II listed, but owners Pegasus Planning Group want to convert it into residential use. However, the inn has now lain empty for a few years now. See Image] for a benchmark on the far right corner.

With a very good convenience store on the other side of the A362. Be careful as you cross this road.

Writhlington, in common with many villages in the North Somerset coalfields, has little left of its industrial heritage. Also in common, an old piece of ironmongery is placed to remind people of the legacy. Playing fields are in the background.

This cottage stands at the top of the very steep hill that plunges down to Lower Writhlington.

Turning round from Image] it is only half a mile to get out of Radstock this way. A bus stop and shelter belonging to the Norton Radstock Town Council figures. (Norton Radstock! Don't get me going on that one.)