Plymouth Millbay, Friary and Stonehouse
N.B. Bryan Gibson tells us :- A cautionary example of never assuming anything, has arisen from the surprising assertion of Keith Vyvyan on the Plym Valley Railway that Millbay should be spelt as two words. I never heard of that before, but looking at old maps proves that he is right! Chris Osment draws our attention to the photograph below by Mike Roach - this clearly shows the name spent 'Mill Bay'.
Millbay & Docks - the terminus of the Cornwall Railway, and the approach, See also PRC Steam Railtour in 1962
Millbay level crossing on the 18th September 1959. 7813 Freshford Manor & 5028 Llantillo Castle get to grips with the 8.45am boat train from Millbay Docks to Paddington, conveying passengers and mail from the French trans-atlantic liner 'Liberte'. The ship continued to call at Plymouth for a further two years, but made her last trans-atlantic voyage in November 1961, calling at Plymouth on 16 November. This would end Plymouth's association with trans-atlantic travel. The ship was scrapped after this voyage. [with thanks to the book "Plymouth - Ocean Liner Port-of-Call" by Alan Kittridge] Copyright Mike Roach
7820 Dinmore Manor at Millbay Level Crossing, 4th September 1959 Copyright Mike Roach
Looking back up the incline 4679 and a 3 coach chocolate and cream set waits to cross the Millbay level crossing into the docks at 11.37 on the 7th September 1959 Copyright Mike Roach Note all the vans to the right and the coaching stock at Millbay station proper. Also the road vehicles in the goods depot to the left.
From the Andy Miller collection
Mike Roach writes - Hi Keith
A really interesting picture which I have never seen before. It was taken out of a window of the Continental Hotel ( now the New Continental Hotel) which is in Millbay Road. I suggest you use it and ask the owner to come forward and claim it
Lots of interesting things to note; here is just some of them, going left to right
The bulk of a cinema in Union Street. I can remember queueing here 60 years ago to see Walt Disney's latest film about Davy Crockett. Later it was the Majestic Ballroom and I can remember going there several times 45 years ago. Its now being advertised as The Revival Prayer Centre.
A water column with no bag; dating the photo after the end of steam.
Trucks being unloaded in the open; most were done much further to the left under cover.
The Roman Catholic Cathedral (top) with its tall spire.
Several Mk 1 coaches, including a Buffet Restaurant Car.
The Harwell Street dmu depot (top) used before Laira was built.
4 tracks coming down from Plymouth Station. The left hand arch, leading direct to Cornwall, appears to be trackless.
The carriage shed, and below it the large signal box
The Western Approach dual carriageway
The van, which is in Union Street and which passes under the railway in a long dark bridge.
Missing; not a single locomotive in sight
Hope this helps.
Mike
A really interesting picture which I have never seen before. It was taken out of a window of the Continental Hotel ( now the New Continental Hotel) which is in Millbay Road. I suggest you use it and ask the owner to come forward and claim it
Lots of interesting things to note; here is just some of them, going left to right
The bulk of a cinema in Union Street. I can remember queueing here 60 years ago to see Walt Disney's latest film about Davy Crockett. Later it was the Majestic Ballroom and I can remember going there several times 45 years ago. Its now being advertised as The Revival Prayer Centre.
A water column with no bag; dating the photo after the end of steam.
Trucks being unloaded in the open; most were done much further to the left under cover.
The Roman Catholic Cathedral (top) with its tall spire.
Several Mk 1 coaches, including a Buffet Restaurant Car.
The Harwell Street dmu depot (top) used before Laira was built.
4 tracks coming down from Plymouth Station. The left hand arch, leading direct to Cornwall, appears to be trackless.
The carriage shed, and below it the large signal box
The Western Approach dual carriageway
The van, which is in Union Street and which passes under the railway in a long dark bridge.
Missing; not a single locomotive in sight
Hope this helps.
Mike
A further note received from Roy Hart within two hours of the picture appearing on the site.
Dear Keith,
I go for about 1965/6. The carriage sidings in the foreground replaced the old platforms in 1959. The Goods and Passenger lines to Cornwall junction were reversed at the same time (i.e. the main lines in front of the box, leading to the old platforms, became 'carriage lines'). The picture was taken after the opening of Plymouth Panel box (colour lights visible in the distance & Cornwall junction box missing).
The Cornwall loop indeed seems to be trackless; it went in 1964.
There are some Southern Bullied coaches, so trains are still running to Okehampton, I'd say.
Millbay box had 115 levers and closed in December 1969.
Roy
Dear Keith,
I go for about 1965/6. The carriage sidings in the foreground replaced the old platforms in 1959. The Goods and Passenger lines to Cornwall junction were reversed at the same time (i.e. the main lines in front of the box, leading to the old platforms, became 'carriage lines'). The picture was taken after the opening of Plymouth Panel box (colour lights visible in the distance & Cornwall junction box missing).
The Cornwall loop indeed seems to be trackless; it went in 1964.
There are some Southern Bullied coaches, so trains are still running to Okehampton, I'd say.
Millbay box had 115 levers and closed in December 1969.
Roy
Another rare view of the approaches to Millbay station. Dated 1913. Discovered on the internet by Andy Miller - no copyright information given.
Looking north along the approach lines to Millbay. The former Belmont Diesel Depot to the left and Harwell St Carriage shed to the right. The bridge in the foreground is over King Street. Central Park, which is north of Plymouth Station can be seen to the centre right. All of the railway seen here has been obliterated. Copyright Andy Miller
Steam back at Millbay
4160 Rescued by the Plym Valley Railway stands near the former Millbay Station at Plymouth. This engine has been restored working on the West Somerset Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen
4160 Rescued by the Plym Valley Railway stands near the former Millbay Station at Plymouth. This engine has been restored working on the West Somerset Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen
9th May 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen
9th May 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen
A photograph thought to be 1982 of the infilled cutting looking up the bank. Copyright Clive Smith
Millbay Docks
Millbay Docks 1 Sir John Hawkins, a GWR tender Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer (Senior)
Millbay Docks 2 Sir John Hawkins a GWR tender - Copy the late Sid Sponheimer (Senior)
Plymouth Friary, Friary Shed, and Lucas Terrace Halt
Friary Station in use as a goods depot, still complete canopies, even the water columns and signalbox still there. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.
A more recent view of Friary, with tank wagons and some interesting high sided trucks. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Plymouth Friary. April 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen. Roger Geach writes :-
What a lovely picture of Plymouth Friary full of wagons. I wonder how many noticed the green chemical tanks on the far left.
A rare capture, these ran as specials from Immingham, Avonmouth and Ripple Lane to Plymouth to mention three locations . There are few pictures of these tanks about .
As far as i can recall they ran as specials and were a bit spasmodic , often departing Plymouth in the evening . Not certain when the flow ceased poss around 1977 but i stand to be corrected
Does anyone else recall these chemical tanks .
Cheers
Roger Geach
Plymouth Friary yard on the 2nd of August 1987 The Citadel Buildings are outlined on the hill. Copyright Roger Smith
Turning about and looking east towards Friary shed location and Mount Gould. 2nd August 1987 Copyright Roger Smith
Open day at Plymouth Friary 31st July 1965
Open day at Plymouth Friary 31st July 1985 Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Open day at Plymouth Friary 31st July 1985 Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Open day at Plymouth Friary 31st July 1985 Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Friary Shed
34063 229 Sqd has just received its allocation of coal at Friary Shed. Jul 1962 Copyright Mike Roach
34035 Shaftsbury takes coal at Friary in July 1962. Copyright Adrian James King
34066 Spitfire is seen on Plymouth's Friary shed on 24th July 1962. Copyright Mike Roach
LEWISHAM RAIL CRASH 1957
Mike Roach
Sixty years ago on Wednesday 4 December 1957 a serious rail crash occurred at Lewisham in south east London on the Southern Region of British Railways on the South Eastern main line. The 5.18pm Charing Cross to Hayes was stopped at signals south east of St. Johns Station when it was run into by the following and very late running 4.56pm Cannon Street to Ramsgate, via Folkestone, train in thick fog. The Hayes train consisted of 10-coach electric commuter train carrying approximately 1,500 passengers; while the Ramsgate train was an 11-coach steam train carrying 700 passengers. The collision occurred underneath the Nunhead flyover which collapsed onto the crashed trains exacerbating the number of deaths. The flyover was replaced by a temporary military bridge which is believed to be still in position 60 years later. 90 people died in the crash, and 176 were injured with over 100 being detained in hospital. There were other serious accidents in the Lewisham area in 1857 when 11 died, and a serious freight train derailment on 24 January 2017 which caused widespread disruption.
There have been many rail crashes in the 60 years since 1957 but in none of them has the number of deaths exceeded the 90 who died at St. Johns, Lewisham in 1957.
The steam locomotive involved in the Lewisham crash was Battle of Britain class 4-6-2 “Spitfire” which was repaired and put back into use. It was shedded at Stewarts Lane Shed from January 1950 until January 1961 when it transferred to Exmouth Junction Shed. It was there for more than 3 years and was a frequent visitor to Ilfracombe, Padstow and Plymouth, normally arriving via Okehampton. The loco was withdrawn from Salisbury Shed in September 1966 and was scrapped.
Photograph by Mike Roach
Mike Roach
Sixty years ago on Wednesday 4 December 1957 a serious rail crash occurred at Lewisham in south east London on the Southern Region of British Railways on the South Eastern main line. The 5.18pm Charing Cross to Hayes was stopped at signals south east of St. Johns Station when it was run into by the following and very late running 4.56pm Cannon Street to Ramsgate, via Folkestone, train in thick fog. The Hayes train consisted of 10-coach electric commuter train carrying approximately 1,500 passengers; while the Ramsgate train was an 11-coach steam train carrying 700 passengers. The collision occurred underneath the Nunhead flyover which collapsed onto the crashed trains exacerbating the number of deaths. The flyover was replaced by a temporary military bridge which is believed to be still in position 60 years later. 90 people died in the crash, and 176 were injured with over 100 being detained in hospital. There were other serious accidents in the Lewisham area in 1857 when 11 died, and a serious freight train derailment on 24 January 2017 which caused widespread disruption.
There have been many rail crashes in the 60 years since 1957 but in none of them has the number of deaths exceeded the 90 who died at St. Johns, Lewisham in 1957.
The steam locomotive involved in the Lewisham crash was Battle of Britain class 4-6-2 “Spitfire” which was repaired and put back into use. It was shedded at Stewarts Lane Shed from January 1950 until January 1961 when it transferred to Exmouth Junction Shed. It was there for more than 3 years and was a frequent visitor to Ilfracombe, Padstow and Plymouth, normally arriving via Okehampton. The loco was withdrawn from Salisbury Shed in September 1966 and was scrapped.
Photograph by Mike Roach
Friary shed Class 2MT 41302 27th September 1959 Copyright Mike Roach
30317 at Friary shed on the 27th September 1959 Copyright Mike Roach
41295 Mickey Mouse Tank stands awaiting further duties at Friary 20th January 1963 Copyright Ian Pollock
Friary - a few days before closure. May 63 Copyright Mike Roach
Friary - a few days before closure. May 63 Copyright Mike Roach 34080 '74 Squadron'
Friary - a few days before closure. May 63 Copyright Mike Roach
Friary - a few days before closure. May 63 Copyright Mike Roach
Friary - a few days before closure. May 63 Copyright Mike Roach
A sad sight, Friary shed a short while after closure, the few remaining locomotives have been transferred to Laira. Late May 63 Copyright Mike Roach
The site of Friary Shed in 1962 - Copyright Sid Sponheimer. Note the platform of Lucas Terrace Halt in background.
Visit to Friary 26th February 1983 - a collection of images from Paul Barlow.
Friary 26th February 1983 Copyright Paul Barlow.
Friary 26th February 1983 Copyright Paul Barlow.. The area bounded by the sidings to the left and the curve of the concreted surface to the right marks the course of the earth works where the North Quay branch left the Friary area and descended firstly in a cutting and then though a tunnel to reach the quayside at Sutton Harbour. This route was closed in 1950,
The station area throat at Plymouth Friary seen on the 26th February 1983 Copyright Paul Barlow.
Friary 26th February 1983 Copyright Paul Barlow.
Friary 26th February 1983 Copyright Paul Barlow.
From the Paul Barlow Collection
Visit to Friary in 1989
- a collection of images from Colin Burges.
- a collection of images from Colin Burges.
Paul's shots of Friary reminded me of some I took in May, 1989, when some heavily vandalized condemned coaching stock was there. After taking these photos, I wandered down the branch to Cattewater with my bike.
Plymouth Friary - the platforms In May 1989. Copyright Colin Burges.
Plymouth Friary, the station throat as seen in May 1989. The houses in Desborough Road at right can be seen in Paul's photo. Copyright Colin Burges.
The Friary Supervizor's/Chargeman's Office and shunters' cabin at Friary Junction. Note the bike. This one was later stolen. May 1989. Copyright Colin Burges,
Friary Junction looking towards Mount Gould. The line to Yealmpton, Turnchapel and Cattewater diverges right. M. Thomas Distribution's shed can be seen on the site of the former loco. May 1989. Copyright Colin Burges.
A suburban D.M.U. and some Mark I coaches are seen from beneath Tothill Road Bridge.. May 1989, Copyright Colin Burges.
Tothill Road bridge May 1989. Copyright Colin Burges.
A G.W. SIPHON used as an ENPARTS van. May 1989.Copyright Colin Burges.
Inside the DMU. May 1989. Copyright Colin Burges.
Inside the Siphon. May 1989. Copyright Colin Burges.
In the Mark 1 kitchen area. May 1989. Copyright Colin Burges.
Many thanks to Colin Burges for the above 1989 photographs.
A rare visitor almost to Friary in January 2019.
A very rare movement to a rare location. A driver training run to the buffer stops at Frairy, A driver training run on the 29th January 2019 Copyright Driver Nick Dyke
Friary in 2020. Paul Burkenhalter
Bringing bang up to date an image taken by Paul Burkhalter on the 21st January 2020. Copyright Paul Burkhalter.
Paul Barlows images from1983 were very interesting, so much so that I have just been (21st January 2020) to the same location to capture a 'now' version of his last picture in B & W so as to mirror the older images. Still three tracks in-in situ but little used as the Cattewater line has no traffic. I didn't turn in the other direction as it is a depressing scene of 'crinkly tin' retail buildings with no rail interest at all.
Cheers Paul Burkhalter.
Cheers Paul Burkhalter.
Lucas Terrace Halt
Lucas Terrace Halt - the lines to and from Friary on the right. Feb 74 Copyright K. Jenkin
Lucas Terrace Halt was still there on the 2nd August 1987. Copyright Roger Smith
A picture by Sid Sponheimer clearly shows the position of the halt relative to the Shed at Friary. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
From Lucas Terrace Halt looking east. The line crossed the iron bridge over the Sutton Harbour branch then merged with it at Cattewater Junction before splitting once more from the Turnchapel and Yealmpton branch lines which crossed Laira bridge. Feb 74 Copyright K. Jenkin
Lucas Terrace Halt was off the pivture to the right. It appears to be 30875 that is shunting cattle wagons. May 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Stonehouse Pool branch
Opened to goods traffic 1876
This branch line left Devonport Kings Road station from the centre of the goods yard falling firstly in a cutting and then passing under the good shed in a tunnel to emerge again in a cutting which quickly became an embankment to a bridge over Rectory Road and then alongside Kings Road where it passed under the junction of Stonehouse bridge, Devonport Hill and Richmond Walk. It terminated on the waterside opposite the Admirals Hard slipway. Passenger trains started w.e.f. 9th April 1904 when a two platform station was opened at Ocean Quay. The Ocean Quay never attracted the anticipated traffic and was closed on 28th May 1904 and all ocean traffic went to the GWR's Millbay dock. A small signalbox was opened at Ocean Quay which controlled that station and Richmond Walk level crossing. The box closed sometime after 1904. The line officially closed to freight on the 30th May 1970 although the last rain had actually run in 1966.
Opened to goods traffic 1876
This branch line left Devonport Kings Road station from the centre of the goods yard falling firstly in a cutting and then passing under the good shed in a tunnel to emerge again in a cutting which quickly became an embankment to a bridge over Rectory Road and then alongside Kings Road where it passed under the junction of Stonehouse bridge, Devonport Hill and Richmond Walk. It terminated on the waterside opposite the Admirals Hard slipway. Passenger trains started w.e.f. 9th April 1904 when a two platform station was opened at Ocean Quay. The Ocean Quay never attracted the anticipated traffic and was closed on 28th May 1904 and all ocean traffic went to the GWR's Millbay dock. A small signalbox was opened at Ocean Quay which controlled that station and Richmond Walk level crossing. The box closed sometime after 1904. The line officially closed to freight on the 30th May 1970 although the last rain had actually run in 1966.
The Stonehouse Pool branch emerging from under Devonport Kings Road goods shed. The parapets of Rectory Road bridge are visible in the foreground. 1962 Copyright Sid Sponheimer
The Stonehouse Pool branch passed over Rectory Road at this point. 11th February 1974 Copyright K. Jenkin.
The branch continued falling all the way to the docks past Brickfields Recreation Ground 11th February 1974 Copyright K. Jenkin.
The Stonehouse Pool Branch passed under the main Plymouth-Devonport road (A374) - it is now a cycleway. Picture 9th January 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen
The site of Richmond Walk level crossing, the only piece of the branch visible towards the terminus. Copyright Roger Winnen 9th Janurary 2014
