The History of Nailsea: Sites and Stories
November 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the old Nailsea Glassworks’ registration as a heritage site. Although currently buried under sand for preservation, the Glassworks are still an important reminder of our rich past. With our own slice of history right in the middle of town, we felt this was a great opportunity to explore how Nailsea has changed over the years.
What is Nailsea Historically Known For?
Nailsea’s history actually begins in the long distant past, during the time of the Romans. Then, it was simply used as a sandstone quarry. However, its industry continued to evolve, and by the 1507 Nailsea had branched into the coal mining industry.
Much of our early economic success came from these coal mines, setting the foundation for our town’s growth. This continued into the late 1800s, but by 1882 our last coal mine had closed. Much of the remnants of this industry is still visible around town, even within our very own Millenium Park, such as the Elms Colliery which has since been designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument – yet another heritage site!
Just before the coal mine closure came another hit to our industry – the glassworks closing down, which happened just 9 years before the last coal mine was closed. Back in 1788, Nailsea had begun manufacturing glass out of the Nailsea Glassworks. This glass was, and still is, renowned due to its distinctive style featuring combed white lines – leading to it being highly sought after by collectors around the world. Sadly, with the Glassworks closing in 1873, this has become just another page in our colourful history.
After the closure of these key industries, Nailsea pivoted towards a more agricultural focus – something which has continued to this day, with our verdant countryside giving rise to a wealth of opportunity for plants and animals.
Today, Nailsea is a bustling town filled with local businesses, amazing rural scenery, and a modern city-like centre, offering a blend of heritage and contemporary conveniences to create a town like no other.
Find out more about the history of Nailsea >
Nailsea Glassworks: A Timeline
Nailsea Glassworks was a major part of our history, with an active life of almost 100 years and impacts that are seen, both locally and beyond, to this day. Here is a breakdown of the major events during the Glassworks’ lifespan:
- 1788: Nailsea Glassworks founded by John Robert Lucas, making use of the readily available coal supply.
- 1788 to 1812: Local materials were used to create high-quality glass products with our signature Nailsea style and features.
- 1812: The Glassworks fell under the combined management of John Hartley of Hartley Wood and Co., and Robert Lucas Chance.
- 1820: A new “cone” – a glass production structure unique to the UK – was added to the Glassworks, increasing the capacity for production.
- 1835: Nailsea Glassworks becomes the 4th largest Glassworks in the UK.
- 1855: The workforce at the Glassworks reaches over 100 employees!
- 1860s: Advances in glassmaking technology meant that the Nailsea Glassworks was beginning to become outdated.
- 1871: The Glassworks reaches peak employee count of 319.
- 1873: The Glassworks closes down.
While this is the end of the Glassworks itself, its heritage continues on. For example, in 2004 it was classed as a heritage site, with this year marking the 20th anniversary of that status.
In 2008, Nailsea Town Council and Tesco pooled together £30,000 in funding to commission sculptor Vanessa Marston for our iconic Glassblower statue, which still sits near the buried remains of the old Glassworks to this day.
Finally, in 2015, a green space was built over the Glassworks by local business owner John Brown – creating a beautiful space to honour our history.
Landmarks In and Around Nailsea
While the Glassworks and the coal mines represent large parts of our past, they aren’t the only landmarks you’ll find in and around the town! We have a heritage trail that takes you all around our notable locations, helping you to unearth our hidden history and explore the things that made Nailsea into the town it is today.
Some key places along this trail include:
- The Village Green
- The Tithe Barn
- Nowhere Wood
- Nailsea Wildlife
At these places, you will find landmarks built in historic pennant stone from our distant quarrying past, offering additional insight, covering a wide range of subjects, and directing you to the next places along the trail.
Find out more about our heritage trail >
Celebrating the Heritage of Nailsea Town
At Nailsea Town Council, we’re thrilled to continue our celebrations of our town’s history. There is so much to uncover and explore, and the town is booming now more than ever. With great new additions like the Livro Lounge which is itself a testament to our roots, and businesses and people thriving, we hope you continue to enjoy Nailsea along with us.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Nailsea, or have any questions at all, please get in touch!