Research Forum

John HARRIS - Weston Worthy
published by Pat Hase on Fri, 23/07/2021 - 20:22

I have heard from the Somerset Archives that on the back of the portrait of John HARRIS is this writing. Does anyone know which Lodge this refers to and where Channel Road was?

Comments ..

Submitted by gricharduk on Mon, 26/07/2021 - 10:31

Hi Pat,

Reference the "Channel Road". Based on this report from Page 2, Weston-super-Mare Gazette, and General Advertiser for Friday 24 November 1848, I would say it is the Kewstoke toll road.

"This road on account of its thoroughly picturesque position and the extensive and beautiful scenery it commands, as well as from the fact that it affords communication with the town at either extremity, will undoubtedly be the most favourite and frequented drive in the locality. It has been designated the South Road, whilst that on the Kewstoke side of the hill is called the Channel Road."

Best regards,
Richard

Submitted by gricharduk on Mon, 26/07/2021 - 10:53

This is also a very interesting account:

Page 5, Weston Mercury - Saturday 09 September 1882

Mr Piggot called the road "the finest thing that had ever been done for Weston"!

Submitted by gricharduk on Mon, 26/07/2021 - 13:13

I compared a few maps through "Know Your Place" and you can see that no buildings were erected along that road until the early 1900s. However, at the toll gate to the east (in Kewstoke), opposite the New Castle Cafe that is there today, there was a Toll Lodge. This appears on the earlier maps - you can see it on Google Maps here

Submitted by Pat Hase on Mon, 26/07/2021 - 23:10

Thank you Richard,
That's helpful - Now that I know the road - I know that Thomas BARRY was the Gate Keeper at the Kewstoke Lodge but am now trying to find any reference to a John HARRIS who might have ben based at the Weston end of the road about 1851.