General Booth of the Salvation Army addresses crowds gathered in Highbridge Town Square back in 1905
A TRIO of precious photographs from Highbridge in the early 20th Century provide the Weekly News with a town square picture special.
The photographs, some more than 100 years old, are showcased by the Highbridge History Project and depict a number of historic events taking place in Highbridge's town square.
The first picture shows General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, orating in the town square in 1905.
Crowds flank the Methodist preacher on all sides as he gives an address to the people of Highbridge, outside the town hall.
With his distinctive white beard, General Booth stands on the back of his carriage to make himself heard in a speech made seven years before he died.
Do you recall any more about this event? Maybe your mother, father, or grandparents were there?
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The next photograph features an assembly of the Highbridge Scouts in the town square.
A considerable crowd gather round to watch the event, the scouts clearly visible in their hats ties. There is no date on the picture, but it looks from around the start of the 20th Century, with people wearing suits, bowler hats and long dresses.
Is this one of the earliest shots of the Highbridge Scouts?
The final snapshot shows tanks and soldiers crammed into the town square, gathering for war in 1915.
The remarkable picture shows life on the home front, with soldiers preparing to go to war and lorries, strapped up with supplies, lining the square.
Early style tanks also wait to go, as soldiers stand to attention in the background.
Have you got any similar photographs or memories from the period?
To contact the Weekly News about any memories or to send in your own pictures, write to: Weekly Memories, Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News, Royal Clarence House, High Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3AT, or e-mail: newsdesk@burnhamnews.co.uk.
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