Clevedon is full of buildings steeped in intriguing history and character, but how much of the town’s rich backstory are you aware of?
Historian and writer Jane Lilly has recently had a book published on some of the town’s most iconic buildings and locations, outlining some of the fascinating stories behind them.
Jane has been researching the area’s history since 1974 and has produced her latest offering, Clevedon Cuttings: History, Houses And A Couple Of Characters through Clevedon Community Bookshop’s very own publishing press.
She said: “There are two introductory chapters about the beginnings of Clevedon, explaining its growth after the 1799 enclosures to become a select seaside resort.
“Full histories of two of the houses built as a result of this early development feature – Prospect House at 1 Highdale Road, facing Christchurch, and Bristol House in East Clevedon Triangle.
“A brief history of the hot and cold baths beside the pier, followed by the establishment of Marine Lake, rounds off the subject matter.”
The days of Clevedon’s bustling railway line is discussed in detail including the depiction of a frightening accident in The Triangle when, on several occasions, a train crashed through the wooden Great Western station building and ended up on its side in the road.
One of the quirky buildings explored is Adanac House in Kenn Road, built in 1854 as a lodging house for young builders before being turned into an orphan school to train domestic service workers and eventually used as a family home.
The book also includes the first ever charting of the history of Ramsbury Manor in Elton Road, which was used as the Oaklands Red Cross Auxiliary Hospital during World War One.
The hospital, which included 10 wards and 45 beds, saw more than 3,500 soldiers from across the world pass through its doors for treatment.
The building was eventually demolished during the late 1960s to be converted into flats and small houses.
Clevedon’s rich business heritage is also investigated including the town’s oldest trader, Rossiter’s in Hill Road, and the Staddons Timber Supplies in Parnell Road.
