Cutler's Green Former Car Factory

 cars - to be replaced, historical layer / disappeared object

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A small factory was opened by 'Cutlers Green Iron Works' around the time of the Napoleonic Wars, and reputedly produced swords for the British troops.
Despite its unlikely location, the business continued through the 19th C, though the emphasis was more agriculturally orientated - with this rural foundry establishing a reputation for quality scythes, hooks, hatchets & other edged tools.
They also produced drain covers, signposts and other work for the local council, and consequently employed pattern makers, carpenters, craftsmen and blacksmiths skilled in casting, forging, and the like.
In the early 20th C, a Mr Harris took the works over, and founded the 'Cutler's Green Coach, Motor & Engineering Works' with a view to using the skills acquired to produce steam & petrol lorries.
Following the success of these vehicles, Mr C. W. Harris decided to concentrate on developing a light car; marketed as 'The Mendip Light Car'. Apart from the engine - the car was almost entirely produced on site - using the foundry & long established metal-working skills available.
This seemed an particularly ambitious and incongruous product for this setting, but the car met with a favourable reaction in the market place, and considered by some to be the 'best-value' car available.
It was a two-seater model; the engine capacity was increased slightly from 1904 to 1911 cc prior to WW1, though this may well have been dictated by the engine builders. (The engine was imported from Belgium).
The outbreak of WW1 prevented further development work, and the workshops were devoted to fine machine work, such as carburetors and other detailed parts for aircraft engines.
The company moved to larger (and more convenient) premises at Southmead, and moved again to Melksham in Wiltshire in the early 1920s.
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When producing 'The Mendip Car', it must have been a hive of activity as it is reported that several hundred 'Mendip' Motor Cars were produced and sold for some £155.00 each; reputed to be very reliable and mechanically sound vehicles.
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There are several web sites which refer to this fascinating episode in the life of Chewton Mendip !!!

If you visit the site, it is difficult to imagine the this disparate range of buildings (in various states of disrepair) could have once been a car factory.