EACH week in the Free Press we look back at what made the news 150, 100, 50 and 25 years ago. Here is a sample of the items featuring in the This Was The News column this week.

150 years ago – May 22nd 1869

The celebrated backwards walker, William Richards, of Oxford, performed his extraordinary feat in Williton and Watchet. He walked four miles in 35 minutes, the last mile being walked backwards. Several urchins followed him.

100 years ago – May 24th 1919

A visitor staying in Porlock Weir, Dr Joseph Wiglesworth, fell to his death while climbing at Hurlestone Point. It was presumed he was looking for the nest of a peregrine falcon. His death was a great loss to the ornithological section of Somerset Archeological and Natural History Society.

50 years ago – May 24th 1969

A special committee was set up in Dunster to raise funds for the extension of the school football pitch, following discussions between the village youth club, the school, the Crown Estate and Dunster Social and Recreation Committee.

25 years ago – May 27th 1994

Watchet Cricket Club was to have Barbados all-rounder Andy Ifill in its starting line-up after a two-month immigration battle. Officials finally had a change of heart after barring him from entry to the country to play for the Watchet side.