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 – July 17th 1869

The death occurred, aged 71, of Henry Labouchere, the first and last Lord Taunton. He had had a distinguished political career and was lord of the manor at Over Stowey, where he built Quantock Lodge as his residence. He also had the parish church entirely rebuilt.

100 years ago – July 19th 1919

The grandstand on Minehead recreation ground caught fire. Minehead fire brigade was powerless to prevent its total destruction. The outbreak may have been caused by boys playing with fireworks.

50 years ago – July 19th 1969

Nether Stowey by-pass was opened and traders were protesting that it had taken all the holiday traffic to Minehead and North Devon from the village street, on what used to be the A39 trunk road.

25 years ago – July 22nd 1994

Somerwest World [Butlin’s] was carrying out a major security review after an £80,000 robbery by two masked gunmen in the early hours of the morning. Terrified staff were forced to the floor at gunpoint by the raiders wearing army-style jackets.