Westfield

The parish of Westfield surrounds an ancient Roman Road, the Fosseway.  Although Westfield was not named in the Domesday Book it finally got its full identity when it was named as a Civil Parish in 2011.  Positioned between the towns of Midsomer Norton and Radstock, Westfield is emerging as a true community with a character all of its own. 

By the early nineteenth century Westfield still consisted mostly of rural land and coal mining works, with little residential development. Westfield’s unique street scene emerged with the building of large numbers of terraced miners' cottages along the Fosse Way in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and the area developed into a more populous neighbourhood in its own right. Modern housing estates were developed on land on both sides of the Fosse Way from the 1970’s onwards.

Industrial coal mining was established in 1763 and for two centuries was the major employer in the area.  There were three mines in Westfield, two at Norton Hill and one in Wellsway.

In the early nineteenth century, whilst Westfield was still very rural, a large three storey building was built immediately adjacent to the main Fosse Way.  This property still exists and is now a listed building.  Many rumours have grown up about the purpose of the building – was it a private house of maybe an Isolation Hospital for Bath patients?  It was called Westfield House.

Through the late nineteenth century and twentieth century the population of Westfield grew very quickly.  Work was varied from coal mining, canal work, railway and haulage work, shoemaking and printing.  All these industries have long gone but, despite this, Westfield is still very much a thriving parish.  Currently there is a large industrial estate which is constantly growing and developing, providing local employment. 

Things to do:

Heritage walks

Westfield has three heritage walks of different levels, from an easy stroll to slightly rougher terrain, designed to open up and show off the beautiful parish.  Along the way walkers will be able to read up on boards dedicated to the history of where they are standing.  The trails take in, among other things, a former pit path, two Second World War pill boxes and old engine house and pit pony stables, thought to be the only such stables left in the country and two churches.

Recreation grounds

Westfield Parish Council is responsible for two recreation grounds that were donated to the parish by miners’ trusts back in the time of coal mining for the recreation of miners and their families. 

Norton Hill Recreation Ground on the Fosseway has a football pitch for hire, with changing facilities, a tennis court, boules pitch, permanent table tennis table and basketball hoop, as well as a children’s play area. 

Westhill Recreation Ground, Westhill Road, has a football pitch for hire, with changing facilities at Westhill Club, a BMX track and children’s play area. 

There is ample free parking at both sites. 

Bowls

There are two bowls clubs in Westfield – NorWest Bowls at Norton Hill Recreation Ground, 01761 410861, https://sites.google.com/site/norwestbowlingclub/home .  Norwest has a lane for casual use if you call ahead, and Prattens on Charlton Lane, contact 01761 412705, Barry Dando, Chairman https://prattensbowlsclub.com/ . 

Facilities:

3 Churches

Pharmacy

Primary School

Special School

3 Cafes

Co-op Supermarket

Large Industrial Estate

Allotments

Contact:

01761 410669

Westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Twitter - @westfield_pc

Facebook – Westfield Parish Council