Monday, February 10, 2025

History of Radstock

Radstock has been settled since the Iron Age and its importance grew after the construction of the Fosse Way, a Roman road. 

The town grew extensively after 1763, when coal was discovered in the area. Numerous coal mines opened during the 19th century, including several owned by the Waldegrave family, who had been Lords of the Manor since the English Civil War. Admiral Lord of Radstock, brother of George Waldegrave, fourth Earl Waldegrave, took the town's name as his title when created a Baron.

images/Railway.jpg#joomlaImage://local-images/Railway.jpg

Radstock has been home to two railway companies with two separate stations.  The Somerset and Dorset Railway ran from Bath’s Green Park Station to Evercreech Junction and Poole it was closed to passengers in 1966.

The Great Western Railway ran from Bristol to Radstock and on to Frome it was closed to passenger traffic in 1959.  The line is now the National Cycle Route 24, otherwise known as The Colliers Way.