Highbridge, Somerset

Highbridge is a small town in Somerset which, sadly, lacks the charm and character of many of its fellows. Due to its key position on the main route to Bristol, it once had its own wharf, canal and railway line. The canal linked the town with Glastonbury but was bought by its rival Somerset Central Railway Company and so ceased being used. The railway station is still here, offering regular trains to Bristol, but despite this and a few interesting shops, the town feels tired and lacks charm. I always try hard to look beyond this when visiting places and find the history/ places of interest/ joy of a place, but…

However, Highbridge is a known as the birthplace of Frank Foley, a man who saved thousands of Jews during the last war. Born at 7, Walrow Terrace, Highbridge, Foley headed the passport division in the British Embassy in Berlin during the 1930’s up until the start of World War II. By breaking and bending the immigration rules when needed, he handed out visas to thousands of Jews, who were anxious to leave Nazi Germany, allowing them to travel to countries under British rule. There is a statue of him on the town green and the 'Frank Foley Parkway', which runs between Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea, opened on the 7th July 2009.