Somerset's Lost Relics. The Dorset and Somerset Canal

[@pwhitewick]

Sign Up for Nord VPN Today: Every Purchase of a 2-Year Plan will get you 4 additional months free. Go to nordvpn.com/thewhitewicks and use coupon: "thewhitewicks" at the checkout.

[@01cthompson]

FYI - I signed up for Nord VPN via your link. I was pushed over the edge after shopping online for a new cell phone and then bombarded with ads from phone companies for days after. Nord VPN was worth price and I'm no longer chased around the internet by advertisers.

[@Graham_Rule]

What's a "cafe"?

[@Jules_Diplopia]

So an expensive VPN, allows those well off people who have a monthly subscription to Netflix in one part of the world to access Netflix elsewhere, thereby making Netflix more expensive and less available to the poorer. Hmmm. Not something that I can support. Or it allows you to block those adverts that go towards keeping costs down for the poorer... Hmmm

[@tonymaries1652]

I already have Nord VPN, which I paid for when I was working for myself. Nord VPN and Duck Duck Go combined give me a fair amount of peace of mind when using the internet and I get far less ads now that the advertising companies have no idea whether I live in Shepton Mallet or Stenhousemuir, or even if I live in the UK. I will certainly use your link when it comes up for renewal.

[@tonymaries1652]

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.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Tony, we quite liked this edit too, which generally means the video won't do well!... Funny you should mention the Wadbury Valley, as we have just mad a film from there!

[@urbangeeze1348]

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

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Boss. We like to think it will do, anything like this definitely rocks our boat!!

[@leroyholm9075]

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)!!!!

[@jonathangriffin1120]

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.

[@susantaylor927]

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!😊

[@grantpaterson1918]

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 😥😥😥

[@pwhitewick]

Welcome Grant.

[@donsharpe5786]

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

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Don

[@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.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Gents. Really appreciated coming from you two.

[@markandkiminnewzealand2702]

That block work is amazing Great find Thanks for sharing Mark

[@boriss.861]

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

[@cogidubnus1953]

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

[@pwhitewick]

A few tips from a few friends (you lot) always helps.

[@alistairshaw3206]

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.

[@thryduulf]

2:58 Paul, surrounded by trees: "We;re pretty sure now we're in a little bit of a wooded bit"

[@pwhitewick]

🤣🤣

[@lindamccaughey6669]

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

[@timofthomas]

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

[@poohbah2003]

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

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you.

[@TheBlimp56]

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

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Bill. A great little adventure for us.

[@Fatheroftwoand1]

Thank you for another great film, you both really work hard for our (all who watch) enjoyment. Best wishes for you both

[@pwhitewick]

Our pleasure!

[@barbhenderson4867]

What a fantastic video, and a cracking find re the tunnel, wow amazing, I’m going to walk there and have a look, Thankyou both xx

[@steveg4iwr]

Part two was just as good as part one. Thank you. 😀😀

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Steve,.

[@HoxieDan5369]

Thank you both for the look round. Enjoyed watching. Chain drive for lifting boats is a fascinating almost happened moment. Enjoyed!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Danny. More in Part 3 and 4. Which might not be until next year!

[@MrChristof10]

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.

[@pwhitewick]

Oh well that's just brilliant!

[@tpobrienjr]

Once again, the aerial videos are beautiful...

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Thomas, it was a good day for the drone!

[@TheChipmunk2008]

VPNs rock. For breaking geoblocking crap. I already have 2, but the gist of the sponsor/ad segment is absolutely true

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Chipmunk, do be sure to use the voucher code.

[@christopherbraiden6713]

Thanks for the video absolutely beautiful and a fantastic tunnel from that time. Take care both of you!!😎🐓🐓🇬🇧

[@Karlinski73]

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

[@pwhitewick]

Cheeeeeers Mr Karl.

[@michaelpilling9659]

WOW! That little tunnel be it walkway or tramway was brilliant. A very interesting and exciting video guys. Thanks so much for taking me along. You've proved that with a bit of research and searching on site, all sorts of historical structures can be found.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Michael.

[@trevormegson7583]

Fascinating video. The tunnel markings are something I would like to know more about. Cheers Paul & Rebecca.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Trevor and very much likewise.

[@xr4icossie]

The connection from Vobster actually finishes in my garden just outside Frome in Spring Gardens. You are welcome to come and look when you do the other videos.

[@pwhitewick]

Free on Saturday!!????

[@xr4icossie]

@@pwhitewick yes I am.

[@pwhitewick]

@@xr4icossie if you don't mind dropping us an email we should be able to swing by (at a distance). [e-mail]

[@xr4icossie]

@@pwhitewick email sent, titled Saturday.

[@MrTreblue]

Absolutely love both of you guys and all your wonderful videos! Fantastic to see so much forgotten history and especially when you get close to where I live in Wiltshire and show amazing locations that I will hopefully get to go and see myself one day! 😊 Keep the videos coming guys!

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you, Wiltshire and Somerset does seem to be full of hidden gems.

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Very interesting and beautiful scenery. Thank you so much

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Katherine.

[@nicholaskelly6375]

About 8 miles of the 11 mile branch was built. There is some evidence that some local coal traffic was carried from Edford to Coleford. Only one of the Balance Locks was actually completed. The others were just roughly dug out pits. The Murtry Aqueduct is a real Gem. I first saw it in 1968 and you could easily walk through the tunnel under the canal. Remember the aqueduct was never actually used and it certainly never carried any water. Thankfully all of the trees one the aqueduct have been removed and the aqueduct is in far better condition now than it was. If you follow the canal towards the main road (it is a public footpath) along side the railway that is still used for quarry traffic there are some very nice "Fence Posts" made from sections of the old broad gauge "Bridge Rail". Talking about local Tramways Lower Writhlington Colliery 1829-1973 was served by a substantial 2' 8" gauge system of lines which linked the Colliery to various other collieries e.g. Foxcote and some landsale yards via a number of ropeworked inclined planes. For details of these there is a very good book published by the Cornish Publisher Twelveheads on 'Inclines in South West England' it looks at virtually all of the canal, railway and tramroad/tramway inclines in the south west. Thinking About it one very unusual (though not unique) feature of Lower Writhlington Colliery was that the public road ran right through the Colliery site with the coaling shaft with its green painted metal headframe on the west side of the road and the winding house on the east side of the road with the ropes running over the public road!

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks for all this Nicholas. Much appreciated.

[@nicholaskelly6375]

@@pwhitewick Other canals in the South West that you should look at include the Bude, Chard, Grand Western, Rolle (Torrington), Tavistock etc etc. If you want to continue looking "Heroic Failures" then I would suggest that you have a look at the Leominster Canal! This was a proposal to link Kington, Leominster and Tenbury Wells to Stourport a line of some 46 miles. What actually happened was something very different. Consisting of about 18 miles of canal that never went anywhere near Kington didn't actually reach Leominster and had truly disastrous problems with its tunnels!

[@User76525]

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 🤣

[@pwhitewick]

It's a joy to behold isn't it

[@Dave64track]

Great video some really good tunnel finds in fantastic condition hard to believe the are 200 years old and as good now as when they where built. thanks for sharing and stay safe

[@paultrigger8492]

What a great video and that's little tunnel through the aqueduct was fantastic especially the markins by the builders

[@eddiek0507]

What a lovely little tunnel, quite fascinating to see the initials carved in the stone, after two hundred odd years...🎅👍👍

[@pwhitewick]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@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

[@pwhitewick]

The couple are amazing aren't they. Really welcoming and love their history.

[@neilbain8736]

A very interesting exploration. Especially Fussell's boat lift- can't wait for more about that! There's a lot of detective work needed to figure out what had been going on, too. That tunnel is a little gem. I wonder how the canal would have fared if completed. Fussell seems quite well to do. I wonder if his one of his descendents was responsible for Fussell's Condensed Milk. It was the low fat (skimmed milk) type. I used to like it but it suddenly vanished a few years ago. I think Nestlé own the name now.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Neil. More on this in a few weeks. (Part 3 and 4).

[@neilbain8736]

@@pwhitewick Excellent- look forward to it!

[@jerrygale1736]

Hello Paul & Rebecca, Just found your channel. Coming from a Railway town (Swindon) and having lived in Wiltshire and now Lincolnshire. I have seen some of the stuff you talk about. Trying to catch up with all your vids, well done. Have been informed of some things i didnt know and reiterated some things i did. Looking forward to the next vid Thank you

[@pwhitewick]

Welcome aboard!

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Great video guys , that tunnel at the end was amazing , as a bricky it’s was very much appreciated 👌🏼🧱👍🏽

[@shirleylynch7529]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Scenery was stunning. That tunnel at the end what a find. Well done. Loved it thank you

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Shirley

[@shauntodd7123]

This is turning into another fantastic adventure

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Shaun.

[@ryanjcole]

12:25 that's a brick makers stamp... You friend Martin Zero has a video that discusses it when he's checking out the river in Manchester that they were working on sometime last year.

[@pwhitewick]

Ah cheers Ryan. Must have missed that one

[@LeoStarrenburg]

Thank you for yet another great video, loved the "Oooh" moments ! Did you know I have to pay the gym quite a bit of money to walk like that 02:48 ?

[@ToxoRetro]

Really enjoying this local series so far. You've got to be pretty close to the Collier's Way cycle route/former railway line in the Great Elm/Mells area, probably built with similar intentions to the canal concept.

[@davie941]

hi paul and rebecca , this is just what i needed after a really bad day , great video again , thank you for making my day a little better , that was a really cool tunnel , well done :)

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Davie, really sorry to hear about your day. Hope things improve.

[@capncol]

Rebecca trying to do the “Madness” dance at 3 mins??😆👍

[@araneus1]

Thank you. That tunnel was amazing. Terry and Dianne

[@людмиламинкевич-и9х]

Thank you, I love your country ❤

[@gilles111]

Yes, it was fully worth, waiting for part 2. Great video (again), got the same "oooh moments" as you by seeing the aquaduct and the tunnel. Can't wait for part 3. The landfill of the southern portal (and probably the norther too) might be debris of some bombing in the area during WW2. All across Europe was the debris used to fill in old disused waterways and cuttings (probably someone later thought it might be a good idea to leave his own rubbish there too). 3:00, Rebecca is looking for a job at the Ministry of Silly Walks?

[@pwhitewick]

Haha.. yes, there was one of me doing that walk too, but hey.... i'm the one that edits. lol. Part three to follow in April 2021. Part 4 to follow in a few weeks!... Yup.

[@dodgy1954]

Interesting. Particularly like the final sequence. :-)

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Simon. I'd taken so many pics i didn't want to waste them

[@SharpCats371]

Good Advent, Merry Christmas, 🕯🐾🐾😻🎄

[@HenrysAdventures]

Brilliant video! Love those tunnels!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Henry

[@darylmears9683]

That tunnel was fascinating, an amazing find

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Daryl

[@leroyholm9075]

Hi both I bought Nord VPN some time ago with cover for three devices on a very good deal for three years. I have no complaints and have found it to be excellent.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Leroy

[@leroyholm9075]

Hi Paul & Rebecca Excellent stuff In the late 1980’s and 1990’s I worked as a HG driver delivering from Bristol into Somerset Dorset & Devon, as a member of the Somerset & Dorset and West Somerset Railways I did a lot of research in this area. I have an extensive book map & journal collection. Feel free should you need any help.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Leroy. Very much appreciated

[@biggles50405]

Another great video folks, was Rebecca practicing her Madness walk? 😂 The rubbish heap was probably a farm dump over the years. I do like a nice bridge 🤗

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Keith, that would add up as it looked very industrial.

[@julianclissold2355]

Nice video guys ..keep up the good work

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Julian.

[@a11csc]

another classic you two stay safe and long may these go on

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Chris. Plenty planned

[@markb9013]

Thank you... another amazing video...

[@robinjones6999]

what terrific video guys - thankyou!

[@soundhobo]

Fascinating 👌 Thanks for sharing 👍

[@pwhitewick]

A pleasure.

[@Sim0nTrains]

Very interesting indeed, did like the last tunnel, looked very nice.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Simon

[@wamgoc]

Moving to Somerset in the New Year and this looks like a place I'd like to visit!

[@pwhitewick]

Loooooots to explore here. Enjoy

[@oddwad6290]

The little tunnel at the end is so much dryer than what you usually find from that period .

[@carolinegray3150]

Good tunnel finds

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Caroline

[@tardismole]

So much forgotten history.

[@mkendallpk4321]

Another great video! I suspect that that the short tunnel was blocked on one end to prevent water from the river, when in flood, from inundating the land on the blocked side.

[@pwhitewick]

Ah that would make sense

[@douglasfleetney5031]

Yet another wonderful video. Thanks Guys.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks again!

[@DonalDocRavioli]

Another great video, no locks but another great video

[@pwhitewick]

Stay tuned.... locks to come!

[@iainhunneybell]

That looks like a mason’s ‘banker mark’ to signify who built that arch and got paid for it

[@pwhitewick]

That would definitely add up.

[@Llanigraham53]

Definitely mason's marks.

[@AlgoSurfer]

I thought it looks like Knights Templar.

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

Yeah, my first impression of that mark was Maltese cross (Knights Templar)

[@iainhunneybell]

A lot of masonic marks are very similar @@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF. This seems to be a 'patte'. See: www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/mason-mark.html But each mason used their own mark. More info at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason%27s_mark

[@13soxs]

Great stuff! thank you both.......

[@markkilley2683]

A great find.

[@terryansell6641]

So very interesting thank you from NZ

[@pwhitewick]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@carlwilson1772]

I wonder if the letters in the tunnel were the builders initials. They made their mark on history in more ways than one.

[@pwhitewick]

Sadly we aren't sure, but agreed it would be fantastic if that was the case.

[@stephenpegum9776]

@@pwhitewick In other TV documentaries I've seen & heard that in the olden days stonemasons were paid on a piecemeal basis so often carved their initials into the stones so that their pay could be calculated accordingly.

[@philipeaton3102]

very bendy canal am up to date with your videos now did like rebeccas funny walk

[@pwhitewick]

Haha... weren't all canals bendy

[@derekmills5394]

@@pwhitewick Early ones were (contour canals). Later ones used embankments and cuttings to straighten the route thus making for greater efficiency

[@gta_things2363]

There’s a tunnel in coleford uk on Newland street I’ve been there loads but unfortunately u can’t get inside

[@bobparsons77]

I remember the canal at Bath. Bob Alberta.

[@bobparsons77]

Where did it run from and to?

[@malcolmsmith6615]

Fantastic! What a great tunnel! Was it a cattle passage or just a footpath I wonder? And they were masons marks and initials; they were the means for masons to collect their pay (a bit like signing your individual work). Not uncommon on canal masonry. Shame the canal tunnels weren’t visible/accessible - I’m a tunnelholic! Looking forward to the next instalment. Cheers!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Malcolm. Yup I think we got about as close as we could though to the portals below

[@malcolmsmith6615]

@@pwhitewick You couldn’t have done anything more than you did, it was spot-on exploration! No tunnels in the next installation perhaps, but we got “funny lifts” instead?

[@zeberdee1972]

Great video , lots of interesting things to see on this one. Mad thing is it was never finished or I guess used .

[@pwhitewick]

Yup just an 8 mile branch very odd indeed.

[@rockhamstertactical9851]

I can only assume they are masons marks on the stonework? Don't know but what else could they be? Enjoying these videos, as always, thank you both. 👍

[@pwhitewick]

I think, you are probably right.

[@stephenpegum9776]

Yet more great detective work guys - well done. I know you put a heck of a lot work into your prior research & your post edits so am reluctant to "add to your burden". Would it be possible in some of your drone shots to overlay the route of the railway lines, canals etc.? This is not always 100% obvious even with your excellent descriptions.

[@pwhitewick]

Thats a really good point Stephen. I might try and learn how to do that. The shot towards the methodist Church would have benefited from that

[@stephenpegum9776]

@@pwhitewick Cheers for the positive reply Paul - glad to hear it didn't cause an "Oh no" sort of response !! 😎

[@RSBritain]

Always look forward to a video from you both!

[@pwhitewick]

Much appreciated.

[@johncrwarner]

The Old Iron Works in Mells (okay my "research" is based on Wikipedia) looks an interesting location with lots of history and possibly some reenactment of stories or storytelling from Rebecca on her channel?

[@pwhitewick]

All over that already John.

[@johncrwarner]

@@pwhitewick Sadly I already have NordVPN so I cannot take advantage of your offer Look forward to seeing your results of your explorations of the Mells area.

[@TrevsTravelsByNarrowboat]

I do love your canal history

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Trev. We definitely do too!

[@milowadlin]

You folks are a treasure.

[@pwhitewick]

Ah thanks Milo

[@colwichjunction3366]

Worth the wait 👍👍👍

[@pwhitewick]

Ah great thank you

[@edjohnson229]

Hi what maps do you use to research old lines?

[@owenrichardson1419]

We have been under in two smart little tunnels, what is the view from on top of them? Good work team especially the attempt at comedy with the prat fall effort by Paul entering the longer tunnel.

[@pwhitewick]

Ah sadly the top was just grass.... nothing to see at all.

[@owenrichardson1419]

@@pwhitewick grateful for what we have then.

[@mikehardwick352]

Wow all that history

[@pwhitewick]

Great fun.

[@duckydashcam751]

How much that 220 year old tunnel has withstood is such a testament to engineering of that time. Hope you ok after your little trip/slip 😉

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Matt. Yup agreed.... such good condition even today

[@exileinderby51]

Brilliant video!

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

1:00 that's one bendy canal....no wonder they stopped building it.

[@tonyclough9844]

Bib the boulder its a contour canal they did it to avoid locks But it means the canal is twice as long

[@john3Lee]

Great content - Thanks

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks John

[@Bolivar2012able]

Once you dam a river and install a water wheel you can pretty much manufacture, process what you want. As you have a Mechanical source of power.

[@pwhitewick]

More on this topic very soon.

[@hoppinonabronzeleg9477]

Why would they block off one end of a tunnel 6 feet in, and leave 30 foot the other? Maybe to stop sheep is my only guess, and give them a shelter in winter?

[@pwhitewick]

I've still yet to work out the answer.... flood prevention to preserve it? More likely to be flooded from that ebd

[@chrissayers7076]

Bless, you guys are far to young to remember the ministry of funny walks, mind I believe Rebecca has just qualified and has just joined, great video BTW.

[@pwhitewick]

I've seen a few!! Lol

[@welshrails]

Would you possibly be able to do the Bethesda branch in North Wales? It's quite good and there's a nice viaduct there too! Along with the viaduct there's a station that you can't get to but you can see from the path And plus you'll be the first to do a video on it! (unless I beat you ;))

[@eddyhenningsson3121]

Nice brickwork from the 1700, when did they start with bricks, how early?

[@iainhunneybell]

Bricks have been made for hundreds of years, but this is dressed stone. You are on the edge of the Mendips and plentiful limestone, and all the properties, walls in the area are stone, not brick. Simply use of local materials