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SHILLINGSTONE STATION 2008 |
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This station was opened on 31 August 1863 by the Dorset Central Railway. That railway joined with the Somerset Central Railway to provide a direct link between the English Channel at Bournemouth and Poole, and the Bristol Channel at Highbridge and Burnham on Sea, from where there were sea-going connections to Wales. The Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway later constructed an extension to Bath which gave a connection to the Midland Railway. This provided the profitable holiday link from the north, with many summer expresses bringing holiday-makers from Manchester, Birmingham, etc to the sandy beaches of Bournemouth. For most of its life, the S&DJR was operated in partnership by the London & South Western Railway (from 1923 Southern Railway), and the Midland Railway (from 1923 London, Midland & Scottish Railway). The S&DJR remained a separate company right through to nationalisation in 1948. After nationalisation, the S&DJR became part of the Southern Region of British Railways. The inevitable move of passenger and goods traffic to the roads during the 1950s, and the fact that it was still essentially a rural line, left it vulnerable to closure. The "Beeching Axe" swung in 1966, and the line with all the remaining S&DJR stations from Bournemouth West to Bath Green Park and Highbridge were closed. Most of the stations have been demolished, but Shillingstone survived the bulldozers, and the North Dorset Railway Trust has now been able to secure a 99 year lease from Dorset County Council, so that a full restoration of the station can go ahead. The aim of full restoration of the station and platforms, with track and locomotive shunting displays will take a number of years to complete. Meanwhile much is being done, and fund-raising events are always being planned. For more information about the Shillingstone Station Project, Click Here. The photographs below were taken on Wednesday 17th December 2008. |
The station and track bed looking north.
Closer to the main building.
Looking south along the northbound platform.
The shed on the right contains the shop, but that is soon to transfer to the
main building.
Another southward view.
It is planned to have a line installed to the north and south boundaries of the
property,
so that shunting of wagons can take place on special occasions.
Authentic lamp and "Southern" 1950s-style station name plate.
The road-side view of the building, which would have been where passengers arrived to start their journey by train.
Pleasantly restored waiting room, which now serves as the refreshments room.
The Shillingstone clock in the waiting room.
Some rolling stock is already in place, including this diesel shunter.
Loose-laid rails for the rolling stock. The small building is a work hut for the volunteers.
Historical Photographs are on the Shillingstone Station website. Click here to view.
For more information about the Shillingstone Station Project, Click Here.
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© Copyright M J Smith, 2008-2009
No photographs to be reproduced elsewhere without permission.