The Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway -
200 year anniversary
(26th September 1823 – 26th September 2023)
Edward Hooper celebrates the 200th anniversary of this very early railway route.
An exploration of the route by from Sutton Harbour to Princetown, July 2023.
200 year anniversary
(26th September 1823 – 26th September 2023)
Edward Hooper celebrates the 200th anniversary of this very early railway route.
An exploration of the route by from Sutton Harbour to Princetown, July 2023.
Dartmoor ponies pay reverence to their forebears at Tyrwhitt’s Wharf, which was the stables located roughly halfway along the line. On the opening day, 26th September 1823, a public breakfast was laid on by Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt for about a thousand people. According to the press, “three marquees were erected and every elegant species of viand provided for the reception and gratification of the company.” Unfortunately about midday the rain came in and dispersed most of the crowd. Copyright Ed Hooper
Introduction
My brother, Tim, and I decided to spend a weekend tracing the route of this lesser known but historically significant tramway from the hustle bustle of Sutton Harbour in Plymouth to the moorland outpost of Princetown.
Anyone who witnessed this interesting railway in operation has long since departed. By 1878 the upper sections of the trackbed had been commandeered by the GWR for the Princetown Branch. In 1916 most of the remainder of the route had been taken up. Few photographs survive of the track, devoid of traffic. The railway carried no locomotives throughout its life and passengers were only carried unofficially.
A good number of photographs featuring horses towing china clay wagons are from the later Lee Moor Tramway and give some idea of what the set up on the P&D may have looked like.
Having traced a fair portion of the route, one can only marvel at the horses and the people who worked this line, especially on the open moorland sections in the typical weather conditions which prevail on Dartmoor.
I have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible with dates and locations, but if I have made any inadvertent errors then please accept my apologies and I have no doubt that some of your more astute readers will set me straight.
Introduction
My brother, Tim, and I decided to spend a weekend tracing the route of this lesser known but historically significant tramway from the hustle bustle of Sutton Harbour in Plymouth to the moorland outpost of Princetown.
Anyone who witnessed this interesting railway in operation has long since departed. By 1878 the upper sections of the trackbed had been commandeered by the GWR for the Princetown Branch. In 1916 most of the remainder of the route had been taken up. Few photographs survive of the track, devoid of traffic. The railway carried no locomotives throughout its life and passengers were only carried unofficially.
A good number of photographs featuring horses towing china clay wagons are from the later Lee Moor Tramway and give some idea of what the set up on the P&D may have looked like.
Having traced a fair portion of the route, one can only marvel at the horses and the people who worked this line, especially on the open moorland sections in the typical weather conditions which prevail on Dartmoor.
I have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible with dates and locations, but if I have made any inadvertent errors then please accept my apologies and I have no doubt that some of your more astute readers will set me straight.
This is the first of a series of articles by Ed Hooper which will accumulate in our Features Section as item 2326. To see the first of these sections please click here
Marsh Barton
Then and now
50009 later named Conqueror at Marsh Barton 14th February 1978. Copyright David Tozer.
Marsh Barton. Looking South with Cross Country 220 028 passing.on the 2nd September 2023. Copyright Mick House.
Comparisons - how things change over 45 years - many thanks to David Tozer and Mick House.
Creech St Michael
Roger Geach
Roger Geach
66416 on the 6X04 Heyford to Fairwater at Creech St Michael on Sunday 19th February 2023. Copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks Roger.
Nine minutes on a sunny afternoon at
St Thomas
Paul Barlow
St Thomas
Paul Barlow
A nice sunny afternoon in Exeter. Got these in 9 minutes at St Thomas these this afternoon. The 37 is going to Laira to collect some redundant HST stock, but with no barrier coaches!
Kind regards
PaulYour message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:
66531 1220 Fairwater yard to Fairwater yard via Plymouth 0B36 St Thomas 25 September 2023.jpg
37608 works 0922 Derby to Laira 0V84 25 September 2023.jpg
43156 43098 work the 1250 Penzance to Cardiff Exeter St thomas 25 September 2023.jpg
Kind regards
PaulYour message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:
66531 1220 Fairwater yard to Fairwater yard via Plymouth 0B36 St Thomas 25 September 2023.jpg
37608 works 0922 Derby to Laira 0V84 25 September 2023.jpg
43156 43098 work the 1250 Penzance to Cardiff Exeter St thomas 25 September 2023.jpg
66531 1220 Fairwater yard to Fairwater yard via Plymouth 0B36 St Thomas 25th September 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.
37608 works 0922 Derby to Laira 0V84 to collect redundant HST coaches. 25 September 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.
43156 43098 work the 1250 Penzance to Cardiff Exeter St thomas 25th September 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul - a very productive nine minutes - well done.
Afternoon at
Swindon
Colin Pidgeon
Swindon
Colin Pidgeon
67027 on 0Z98 Westbury TC to Worcester TC. 25th September 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon
66012 on 6C03 Northolt to Severnside. 25th September 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon
66502 on 6C58 Oxford Banbury Road to East Usk. 25th September 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon
66524 on 6C50 Ozxford Banbury Road to Whatley. 25th September 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon
66561 on on 4L33 Wentloog to London Gateway. 25th September 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon
Many thanks indeed Colin. Your captions on the foot of the picures are very helpful.