The Somersetshire Coal Canal

An exhibition on the Somersetshire Coal Canal has been put together for us by Roger Halse, the Archivist for the Somersetshire Coal Canal Society. Roger is the author of the book ‘The Somersetshire Coal Canal’ which is available for sale in the Museum shop.

Full of fascinating detail, the display includes a number of original maps and traces the origins, use and afterlife of the canal with numerous drawings, photographs and maps.

The Old Canal Path, Timsbury, West c.1905
Roger Halse collection

To find out more about the work of the Somersetshire Coal Canal Society, please visit their website: https://www.coalcanal.com/

Entry is during normal museum Opening Hours and is included in your annual Admission Ticket.

The Centenary of Miners’ Strike and General Strike

This year sees the centenary of the Miners’ Strike and the General Strike. From the 4th to the 12th May 1926 the TUC called a General Strike in support of the miners. With the fall in the profitability of coal mining after the first world war mine owners wanted miners to work longer hours for lower wages.

There is a small display in the Museum to commemorate the Miner’s Strike and the General Strike. The display features memories and stories from local people about how this industrial dispute impacted the local community. The display will remain in place for the rest of 2026.