S&D Burnham to Evercreech Junction

Somerset and Dorset
Burnham to Evercreech Jct.

NOTE In early March 2016 the West Somerset Railway celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the closure of the Somerset & Dorset by having a special Gala Week. Stations were re-named and loco re-numbered. Please look in our features section January to July 2016 for coverage of this event.

Burnham on Sea Approx one and three quarter miles from Highbridge

From Wilkipedia :- The station, situated behind Abingdon Street, was a terminus although a through platform allowed services to travel on to a 900 ft pier on the river. For a few years the railway operated steamers across the Bristol Channel to Wales Railway operations onto the pier ceased in 1888 although the pier continued in use for vessels until the 1950s. Perhaps the strangest use of the railway along the pier was by lifeboat, which was pushed on rails from the old lifeboat station (behind the current Morrisons store) and onto the "main line", across the esplanade, and down the pier where the lifeboat could be launched if the tide was right.

Burnham-on-Sea station partially closed when regular passenger services were curtailed at Highbridge with effect from 28th October 1951. Excursion traffic continued until 1962, and the goods depot remained open until 1963.

Burnham on sea platform remains looking towards the sea, 8th November 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Burnham on Sea again on the 8th November 1975. This time looking back toward Highbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

Traces of rail remain in a local road at Burnham on Sea 8th November 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Another view from a different angle. 8th November 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Burnham Pleasure Pier seen on the 8th November 1975. The photographer is standing more or less on the site of the railway pier looking north. Copyright Roger Winnen

The relaively recent buffer stops installed at Burnham, looking towards the potential traffic route from the pier to Wales. Copyright Robert Lindley

Now a view in the other 'potential traffic' direction towards Highbridge, Evercreech and the South Coast. Copyright Robert Lindley. N,B. The plaques denote that this items is number 1 on the Burnham Trail, it is thought that they were installed in early 2016

Highbridge (for Burnham on Sea)

Highbridge - the main line station. The Somerset and Dorset emerged from behind the signalbox to cross the main lines and pass under the iron road bridge on route towards Burnham. 9th September 1964 Copyright Mike Roach

Highbridge 82002 June 1962 Copyright Mike Roach

Highbridge 82002 sets off up the branch towards Evercreech in June 1962 Copyright Mike Roach

On Highbridge Shed 3218 9th September 1964 Copyright Mike Roach

Another view of 3218 dated 9th September 1964 Copyright Mike Roach

3210 Class 2251 Designer Collett 0-6-0 Built 31st December 1947 at Swindon Works. Shedded first at 81E Didcot, last Shed 71H Templecombe. Withdrawn 30th Aptil 1964, Sold to Cashmores at Newport, Cut up 20th February 1965

3218 Class 2251 Designer Collett 0-6-0 Built 30th January 1948 at Swindon Works. Last Shed 71H Templecombe. Withdrawn 31st May 1965, Sold to Birds, Brynea. Cut up 31st August 1965

Highbridge 3210 preparing at the Watertower at Highbridge Shed for the 4pm to Evercreech 9th September 1964 Copyright Mike Roach

Highbridge S & D Probably 3218 on the 4pm to Evercreech 9th September 1964 Copyright Mike Roach

Highbridge S & D 3210 on the 4pm to Evercreech 9th September 1964 Copyright Mike Roach

Ivatt 'Mickey Mouse' 2-6-2T no. 41290 at the S&D's Highbridge station. There is no shed plate on 41290's smoke box door but it was allocated to Templecombe mpd from August 1965 until withdrawal in March 1966 which narrows down the period when this shot was taken.
[Mike Morant collection]

Ivatt 'Mickey Mouse' 2MT 2-6-2T no. 41307 awaits departure from the Somerset and Dorset station at Highbridge. 41307 was a Templecombe allocated engine from July 1965 until withdrawal in March 1966.
[Mike Morant collection]

A period picture of the rarely seen entrance side of the S & D main passenger building at Highbridge. Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection

Highbridge 41206 April 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Highbridge 41206 prepares April 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Highbridge 41283 runs into platform 1 5th September 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

The driver looks back at the guard who is passing the time of day with station staff. Copyright Mike Roach

A passenger chats to the crew of 41283 on platform 1 at Highbridge Copyright Mike Roach

Staff wander up the platform checking on the doors. It is the 5th September 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Highbridge Crossing Signalbox 1970 Copyright Chris Osment

The Somerset and Dorset route across the Great Western Taunton to Bristol line at Highbridge is clearly illustrated in this view courtesy of the Mike Morant collection. N.B. The building on the right, obviously at one time a signalbox was Highbridge 'A' box which controlled the rail crossing. This closed in 1914 when the GW main line box seen just beyond the footbridge took control of the crossing. In the distance can be seen Highbridge 'B' Box. A short distance north beyond ;B' Box lay 'C' Box which controlled a level crossing over the A 38 and access to the docks.

Shunting the vans at Highbridge. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Highbridge 8th Noevember 1975 by this time this remnent of the S & D had become just the Bason Bridge branch Copyright Roger Winnen

Looking north into the S & D station at Highbridge on the 8th November 1975. The metals leading towards the GW line now only serve Bason Bridge which lies behind the photographer. Copyright Roger Winnen

Platform 1 at Highbridge S & D seen on the 8th November 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

In the old yard of the S & D station at Highbridge 8th November 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Highbridge The Anchor Inn was demolished some years ago at Highbridge situated on Newton Road adjacent to a wharf so says an article on Highbridge of old pubs 8th November 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Highbridge June 1962 Could that be Ivo Peters Riley in the garage?????????? Copyright Mike Roach

Highbridge June 1962 Copyright Mike Roach

Bason Bridge One and quarter miles from Highbridge

Here is a delighful view of Bason Bridge, the first station out from Highbridge on the journey towards Evercreech Junction. It closed to passengers along with other stations on the S & D with effect from 7th March 1966. It had lost its goods services w.e.f. 10th June 1964. However the metals from Highbridge stayed in use to serve a milk depot at this location until 2nd October 1972. From the Mike Morant Collection.

Bason Bridge 3rd February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Bason Bridge - the milk factory 3rd February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

790203a Bason Bridge Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bason Bridge Copyright Roger Winnen

Edinington Burtle Five miles from Highbridge

The platforms were still there at Edington Burtle on the 3rd February 1979. Note the Cornish Reg car!

The crossing gates at Edington Junction 3rd February 1979. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Tom Mogg Inn at Edington Junction 3rd February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

The attractive sign at the Tom Mogg Inn at Edington Junction. The bell depicted is the station hand- bell. The bell still exists. 3rd February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

There was a branch from Edington to Bridgwater. This line had a short life from 1890 to 1st December 1952 when it closed to passengers. See our few pictures of this line in the Branches to Bridgwater and Wells section.

Scenes along the bank at Edington

S & D Crossing Edington . 3rd February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Sedgemoor Drain near Edington 3rd February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Shapwick Seven and quarter miles from Highbridge

Shapwick station was a block post with passing place equipped with a very long loop. The 17 lever signalbox was situated on the down side just beyond the level crossing which lay between it and the end of the down platform. The signalbox overlooked the railway on one side and South Drain on the other. Opposite the signabox was a short siding serving cattle pens and a coal store.

Alexander's Siding Situated between Ashcott and Shapwick. Alaxander's siding served the Eclipe Peat Company's works. The 2' gauge Eclipse Peat Railway crossed the S & D line on the level at this point and was the location of a serious accident. On 19 August 1949, a passenger train from Highbridge collided with an Eclipse narrow gauge diesel locomotive crossing on the level and left the track, ending up in the Glastonbury Canal.

Eclipse Peat Railway. This interesting 2' gauge line was visited by a party from the Cornwall Railway Society on the 8th September 1989 - stock from this line eventually ended up on the Gartell Light Railway which operates over a part of the S & D near Templecombe.

At the start of our visit the CRS party examine 'our train' on the Eclipse Peat Eailway 8th Sept 1979. Notables in this view are Peter Butt, extreme right, Gordon Dobbs receiving driving instructions, and our Irish member, the late Maurice Blair extreme left. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Eclipse Peat Railway crosses firstly the Glastonbury Canal and then the trackbed of the Somerset and Dorset Railway. In this view in 1979 the S & D grackbed is now a gravelled road. Copyright Roger Winnen

Out on the Peat Fields - left to right The late Alan Milburn, Peter Butt, two unknown, Kevin Jenkin - in blue, the late Maurice Blair, Chirman - the late Gordon Dobbs, Keith Jenkin, Mike Nicholls and unknown. Copyright Roger Winnen

This picture of immaculate track is entitled 'The golden mile'!!! Copyright Roger Winnen

An opportunity for a photo stop as another of our party receives driving instructions. It was a great day out thanks to the Eclipse Peat Railway. 8th September 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

The young Kevin Jenkin proudly drives us over the Glastonbury Canal. The BR locomotive, having hit the Eclipse train plunged into the canal just here. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Filmed by Michael Clemens on 19th March 1977 - click on this link to watch a fascinating short video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBcoE--i6Gw

Ashcott Seven and quarter miles from Highbridge

Ashcott station approach 3rd February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Ashcott station seen on 3rd February 1979. Copyright Roger Winnen

Glastonbury and Street Twelve miles from Highbridge

Ticket from the Mike Roach collection

Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway 'C' class 0-4-4T No. 1202 was built by Avonside Engine Co. In 1877 and is depicted here at Glastonbury whilst in charge of a passenger turn form Highbridge to Evercreech Junction and possibly even through to Templecombe. The van at the rear looks interesting and if anyone should wish to comment upon the rolling stock then please do so. This undated negative was taken in 1931 or earlier as that was the year when 1202 was withdrawn from service. Thank you to Chris Osment for being the first to point out which working this is. Chris Knowles-Thomas has written these notes regarding the two coaches: "This is S&DJR stock built at Highbridge - a 46ft lavatory compo and a brake third. These coaches exhibited a mixture of LSWR and MR features. The S&DJR stock was shared out betwen the SR and LMS in 1930." Russ Garner: "The cleanliness of the locomotive livery (compared to that taken by Casserley on 5 July 1930) hints at a late July or early August 1930 view. The Highbridge-built carriages are still in blue livery but the pale blemish at the bottom right of the body hints at it being designated to the LMS. Leading gas-lit vehicle is a lavatory composite with coupe end. The brake third is one of the latter built with additional torpedo roof vents over the luggage end whilst The horsebox ringing up the rear has the correct appearance to be of S&DJR ownership, displaying the necessary characteristics for the 18ft design. The dark aperture suggests that the upper sliding door is partially open, which hints that no animal is being conveyed – also its appearance at the back of a train lends itself to being empty as general practice was to attach a loaded horsebox at the last minute, usually next to the engine (circumstances might dictate otherwise). It is not known where these vehicles were stored; if based at Highbridge the train in question would therefore be conveying it to a station for future use."
[Mike Morant collection]

41206 April 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Glastonbury 41206 April 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Glastonbury April 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Glastonbury 41283 Sept 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

41283 at Glastonbury September 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Glastonbury 41283 September 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Glastonbury 41283 Sept 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

A paper ticket from Glastonbury & Street to somewhere. January 1966 Mike Roach Ticket Collection

Glastonbury Copyright Keith Jenkin

Glastonbury 771104a Glastonbury & Street Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Glastonbury 771104b Glastonbury & Street Station with the tor in the background. Copyright Roger Winnen

Glastonbury 771104c Glastonbury & Street Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Glastonbury 771104d Glastonbury & Street Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Glastonbury 771104zk Glastonbury & Street Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Glastonbury 771104e Glastonbury & Street Station. Copyright Roger Winnen.

For the few pictures we have of the branch to Wells please see our 'Branches to Bridgwater and Wells section'.

West Pennard Halt Seventeen and quarter miles from Highbridge

Collett 2251 class 0-6-0 no. 3216 departs from West Pennard with a Highbridge to Templecombe stopping train on 18/8/62. 3216 had been transferred from 85A Worcester to the S & D in October 1960 and would remain an 82G Templecombe engine until withdrawal in December 1963. [Mike Morant collection]

West Pennard station 3rd February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

West Pennard station on a frosty day. 3rd February 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Pylle Halt Twenty and half miles from Highbridge

Pylle Halt 41296 5.04 to Highbridge 9th September 1964 - Copyright Charles Fennamore

771104ze Pylle Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Goods shed at Pylle on the branch to Highbridge, now converted into a private dwelling. 1st January 1991 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Pylle Station, on the branch to Highbridge, the station building viewed from disused trackbed on 7th November 1993 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Pylle Station, roadside view, with the sympathetically extended station building. 7th November 1991 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Evercreech Junction

From the Mike Roach Ticket Collection

Evercreech 41296 June 1965 The train is standing on the down main. The line off to the right led to a substantial goods yard with four sidings serving a Cattle Pen, Goods shed and general usage. A seven ton hand crane stood over the remaining spur line. Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech 80039 comes off train possibly from Highbridge in April 1965. Copyright Mike Roach Note to the left the lattice post supporting the very much elevated down repeater signal.

Evercreech 80146 stands at the end of the up platform taking water from the column in June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach Note the high elevation of the six up sidings which were at a considerable elevation above the running lines providing an excellent vantage point for photographers.

9F 92238 sets out for Bath from Evercreech in June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech Junction 82002 June 1962 Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech Junction 73001 April 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech Junction April 1965 Mike is standing back to the crossing gates for this shot. Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech Junction Sept 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech Junction September 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech Junction train for Highbridge await its loco June 1962 Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech Junction 41283 September 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech Junction September 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech Junction 41283 having taken water sets back into the centre road. September 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech Junction 41283 September 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech Junction April 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Evercreech Junction September 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Ticket purchased on the very last day of the Somerset and Dorset and used on the very last service train from Evercreech to Highbridge. Keith Jenkin Collection

For more of Evercreech Junction please see the page
'Bath Green Park to Evercreech'