OUTING: Industrial Archaeology in the Mells Valley
Saturday, 02 October, 2010

A walk around Mells, led by Derrick Hunt, to view the fascinating geology and industrial archaeology of this area.

Mells and the nearby Wadbury valley display some fascinating geology and industrial archaeology. Limestone and coal were quarried and iron works, including Fusells, established along the river produced some of the finest edged tools in the 19th century. Derrick Hunt, local historian and lecturer, will lead us to see geological features such as the de La Beche Unconformity and the remains of quarrying, lime burning, edge tool manufacture, tramways and railways and the remains of the never completed Dorset and Somerset Canal.

Travel by own car and meet at 10am at the Talbot Inn in Mells (Grid Ref ST 728492) approx. 3 miles west of Frome. Allow about 1 hour from Devizes. The walk will last roughly 3 hours. Depending on weather conditions parts can be quite muddy. Following the walk we will return to the Talbot, where lunch is available if required, before returning home. For those with stamina Derrick is willing to lead a walk around the village and church after lunch, or you can make an independent visit to the Radstock Museum which has displays on the industry of the area.

Booking:

Essential as numbers are limited. Contact the Bookings Secretary: telephone 01380 727369 (10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday), send an e-mail by Clicking here, or book on-line by using the 'Add to Cart' below.