Introduction
Over the last 24 months, we have formed a group of local amateur historians and 'tunnel myth' enthusiasts, initiating a project to research, investigate and document the so called 'Frome Tunnels'.
Through site investigations, historical document research, interviews and recomendations we are starting to assemble the missing pieces of the jigsaw of part of Frome's history from the 13th to the 18th century. During this period, Frome was a significant religious and trading town, however about which today we know very little today due to a lack of contemporary records, few remaining buildings and much redevlopment in the last 50 years.
It would appear that tunnel myths date from this period - the reasons for their construction and detail of how many and where they ran now lost over time.
Creating an underground tunnel is not easy, it's dangerous, it's hard work and requires secrecy ~ so we're not surpirised there are few records. First we are assessing what underground structures there are ~ from drains to culverts and tunnels, to weels, cellars and quarries (of which there were many in the area). If tunnels do exist, they were likely created over a wide time period, perhaps for a variety of reasons, however we are cretain that other than drainage works, 'secret tunnels' must have been create for cvery good reasons, which had significant funding behind them. Suggestions include the Monmouth Rebellion (which started near Frome and Monmouth even built a house in Cork Street), the Reformation (much religious persecution) or the Civil War, (which was very UNcivilised by all accounts).
2004 saw our preliminary work, some initial publicity and assembling of a group of volunteers who have helped start the work.
During 2005, we focused on one or two specific sites.
Apporaching the end of 2006, we hope to put the project on to a proper funded footing and to publish more of our findings. Coverage in the local press and on
BBC1 (Inside Out program) at
7.30pm on
24th January was only the beginning.
This new website is part of that process - but is obviously under construction, so please bear with us and do come back again regularly!
Plans for 2007
Momentum
Thanks to recent press and media coverage, the Frome Tunnel Project has gained palpable momentum and we have a good list of volunteers, a growing list of over 40 sites to investigate and nearly 100 people have contributed information, maps, or let us look around their buildings. All contributions in this area are helping to add to the credibility of the project and keeping it in the public eye - essential as this is the source of so many of the leads we're pursuing.
Funding
We have been referred by the District Council to a funding body who we've had some dialogue with. It appears that there is potential for getting the Project properly funded and more technical help. We are now completing drafting of the application and would hope to know the outcome in the next couple of months.
Next Phase
The next phase will be (slightly affected by the outcome of the funding proposal above) to adopt a much more systematic approach to investigations and research. With so much to look at, an increasing number of records and archives to research and the growing issue of lack of historical records or remnants (and secrecy) prior to the 1700s - the project team will need to grow in size as well as expertise, and we'll be looking for all the help we can get.
If you think you can help in any way, please call us on 01373 301072 or email -
robin.hill@frometunnels.co.uk
Thank you! - The Frome Tunnel Team
Created on 2003-02-04 10:24:27 by admin
Updated on 2006-11-27 20:36:45 by administrator
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