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 15th 1869

The professional walker, Thompson, was exhibiting his powers at Bishops Lydeard. As he was about to walk two miles against time, a young gamekeeper named Eveleigh pulled off his jacket and started with him, beating him by a few yards in 18 minutes 55 seconds.

100 years ago – May 17th 1919

Minehead Peace Memorial Committee put forward three suggestions for a memorial – an obelisk costing £1000, an ornamental clock tower costing £2000 plus £150 for the clock, and a clock surmounting an arched erection, £1000.

50 years ago – May 17th 1969

Taunton Rural Council’s housing estate in Bishops Lydeard was completed at a cost of £226,000. At the opening, chairman George Lee said one of the houses was the 1000th to be built by the council. The 76 homes were grouped around a community centre and formed an unusual hexagonal shape.

25 years ago – May 20th 1994

Sir John Acland unveiled an equatorial sundial designed and built in memory of his father, Sir Richard Acland, and placed at Piles Mill study centre near Selworthy. Sir Richard gave Holnicote Estate to the National Trust in 1944.