Somerset's Lost Relics. The Dorset and Somerset Canal

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This week we walk along the Dorset and Somerset Canal between Coleford to Frome in search of its abandoned infrastructure. We were away of two tunnels and an Aqueduct, but perhaps not the final treat of the day!

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[tonymaries]

Thumbs up for the National Library of Scotland. A superb source of old maps, not just Scotland but England and Wales too.
One of your best videos yet. Hugely atmospheric.
I also think the mark in the tunnel was made by the master mason. In fact I am tempted to explore the Hereford and Worcester canal and Hereford Cathedral sometime to see whether I can find the mark of my ancester Peter Fawkes, who rose from a labouring family to master mason and civil engineer, progressed from canals to railways and was only one rung below the most well-known engineers of the day like the Brasseys.
I have spent a few muddy afternoons exploring the remains of Fussell's works along the River Mells and that would make a great video on its own.

[urbangeeze]

I reckon your decision to diversify into areas of industrial architecture, other than railways is now paying you dividends, as what a great informative & interesting channel you've now both got. That untouched 220 year old tunnel was an unbelievable find, so well done on that one. I think you've got a great formula now & grown immensely since those early days, my No.1 favourite geeks. Regards...Rural Geeze. x

[susantaylor]

What a fabulous video! Sooo interesting and that tunnel! Fabulous! Thank you...We love your videos!
We are really enjoying our dotage, going for such interesting hikes in such beautiful settings!😊

[jonathangriffin]

I have a book, 'The Dorset & Somerset Canal' by Kenneth R. Clew, published 1971 by David & Charles, Newton Abbot, it tells all about how the backers raised money for the project and how the expenditure around Coleford and Mells caused it to fail along with the Napoleonic wars. The grand plan was to link the Severn estuary with the south coast hence 'Dorset & Somerset', the Coleford and Mells workings were part of a spur to connect the collieries in the Nettlebridge valley with the Kennet & Avon canal much in the same way that the Somersetshire Coal Canal connected the K & A with the pits around Paulton Basin. Money generated from the traffic would finance construction of the D & S down to the Poole area.

[donsharpe]

Congratulations! You have managed to appear on BBC news for Somerset, this morning (13th Jan). Good advertising for the site.

[GhostTheory]

A beautiful video, loved the music used in the cinematics and the storytelling was awesome, so much passion put into it. The symbol was incredible. Nice drone shots too.

[leroyholm]

Dear both You are becoming very interested in my area and without doubt you will find it full of stuff. You might want to look at the forgotten West Somerset standard gauge mineral railway. It ran from the top of the Brendon Hills Iron mines to Watchet harbour. It had a massive rope worked, incredible 3, 272 feet incline at 1 in 4 at Comberow. Yes, it is still there and yes passengers use to descend in it (although unofficially of course)!!!!

[grantpaterson]

Hi Paul and Rebecca just came along your videos and I really enjoy them I have even went back and watch old ones. You both have got me interested in old lines and tunnels around me there is a old viaduct in the village of Newmilns in Ayrshire but not found any tunnels yet 😥😥😥

[boriss.]

Paul and Rebecca: Great documenting of Britain's lost past.

[cogidubnus]

You clearly have the knack of finding the most surprising places....thank you so much...loved the old maps by the way...

[User]

I recently joined the Somersetshire Coal Canal Society and then found out about the D&S canal too. I accidentally found the canal bed in Coleford whilst on a walk to see the aqueduct! Last weekend I found the Murtry aqueduct and may have let out an excited squeal at the tunnel 🤣

[markandkiminnewzealand]

That block work is amazing
Great find
Thanks for sharing
Mark

[TheBlimp]

Superb video. That was quite a tunnel. Loving this industrial archeology.

[MrChristof]

Super video guys, I actually have a tool marked Fussells Mells, looking forward to a more detailed video on the area around the iron works.

[Karlinski]

Another episode of the Whitewicks topping up their step count for the week! Lovely stuff as per and some fascinating finds. 👍

[poohbah]

Enjoyed this trip to the canal in Somerset. An extremely well built tunnel to have lasted all this time! Glad to see another segment.

[alistairshaw]

That tunnel was absolutely brilliant!
They certainly built it to last, the craftsmen were really skilled, dare I say better than nowadays. A great find, well done Paul and Rebecca.

[timofthomas]

Fascinating and as ever really well researched - beats a dusty museum for sure!

[lindamccaughey]

Really enjoyed that. Just love seeing the way things were. That tunnel was highlight can’t believe how beautiful that was. Love your videos. Thanks so much for taking me along and please stay safe and take care

[westcountryexplorer]

Very enjoyable video :) I was in Coleford today, chatting to a couple that live next to Hucky Duck aqueduct; the gentleman told me that the canal tunnel under the road in Coleford can be accessed via a well. I don't know how true that is though. Due to limited time I didn't have chance to go find the well and check it out; maybe next time I'm over that way lol