Coleford

Civil Parish in Somerset Mendip

England

Coleford

Humped zebra Not a cross of some African animals but a speed-reducing measure along Anchor Road in Highbury. — Humped zebra Credit: Neil Owen

Coleford is a civil parish located in the county of Somerset, England. It is situated approximately 10 miles southwest of the city of Bath and 7 miles north of the town of Frome. The parish covers an area of about 3.5 square miles and has a population of around 1,200 people.

The landscape of Coleford is predominantly rural, with rolling hills and picturesque countryside. The River Frome passes through the parish, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities. The area is known for its agricultural heritage, with farming playing a key role in the local economy.

In terms of amenities, Coleford offers a range of facilities to its residents. There is a primary school, a village hall, and a local pub that serves as a social hub for the community. The parish also has a number of small businesses, including shops and services that cater to the needs of the local population.

Coleford is surrounded by several other villages and hamlets, creating a close-knit rural community. It benefits from its proximity to larger towns and cities, providing residents with access to a wider range of amenities and employment opportunities.

The parish is known for its natural beauty and is popular with outdoor enthusiasts. There are several walking and cycling routes that traverse the area, allowing visitors to explore the scenic landscapes and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside.

Overall, Coleford is a peaceful and picturesque civil parish in Somerset, offering a rural lifestyle with close proximity to larger towns and cities.

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Coleford Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.247001/-2.449903 or Grid Reference ST6849. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Humped zebra

Not a cross of some African animals but a speed-reducing measure along Anchor Road in Highbury.

Neil Owen

The Crossways garage is crushed

No more petrol at this station. Having been declared redundant it has been demolished to make room for a new store and a house.

Neil Owen

A village that remembers

Coleford's village signpost also provides room for a silhouette of a soldier. See ST6849 : Welcome to Coleford for a better look at the hanpainted sign. The bench seat beyond marks the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, 2012.

Neil Owen

Welcome to Coleford

A hand-painted village sign; pity the elements have taken the shine off it as it looks rather fetching. See ST6849 : A village that remembers for a wider view of the roadside position.

Neil Owen

A post box remains

The village post office was here up until quite recently, but the premises are now a piano shop. However, the postbox and a notice board remain on site.

Neil Owen

Coleford Royal British Legion hall

The hall was built in 1956, with later extensions. See ST6849 : The Legion scroll for a look at the front sign and legend.

Neil Owen

The Legion scroll

Coleford Royal British Legion hall has this stone plaque on the front that records the fallen of both world wars. It seems such an obvious place to have a war memorial, yet not many do. See ST6849 : Coleford Royal British Legion hall for a location view.

Neil Owen

Coleford Gospel Hall

The village had held some meetings in various places before a worshipper, Harry Beer, drove a horse and cart to Devizes to purchase an old army hut. The corrugated hut became the first hall for the community by 1920. Later meetings were also held under canvas as the needs outgrew. Today this spacious modern hall welcomes all.

Neil Owen

Coleford and Highbury signpost

At the junction of Anchor Road and Church Street. Coleford is nowhere near the sea but presumably Anchor Road is named after the Anchor Inn further up the way.

Neil Owen

Coleford pharmacy

At the top of Church Street. Prior to this it was the village fish and chip shop.

Neil Owen

Coleford's K6

This telephone box is now a library and second-hand outlet.

Neil Owen

The old Miners Arms

Naturally, a mining village would have a pub of this name; sadly, it stood almost opposite another, the Eagle, and lost that battle for customers. Today it has been redeveloped as a small group of apartments with original features and even includes a bar area.

Neil Owen

The Eagle Inn, Coleford

This pub has had to bear the brunt of the Covid problem and hence was closed for quite some time as staff were unavailable. It remains in a parlous financial state and there are worries it too will be lost - as was the Miners Arms opposite. The building is nineteenth century with some unusual additions.

Neil Owen

The Eagle Inn on Highbury Street

One of the last pubs still standing in the village. As mining was the dominant form of employment in the past there were a number of them, but times and tastes have changed.

Neil Owen

Coleford recreation ground

A small paddock for the more sturdy equipment opened for the Millennium.

Neil Owen

Breaking the nets

The hard court at the back of the Eagle Inn is one of the sports facilities that are part of the recreation ground. Although quiet today it seems to be well used.

Neil Owen