Stoke Canon to Dulverton via Tiverton (Exe Valley Line)

The Exe Valley Line.
Stoke Canon to Dulverton via Tiverton

Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.

USEFUL MAPS
Members and general visitors to the CRS site will be interested in visiting http://www.railmaponline.com From the opening page a full map of the UK can be accessed which can then be enlarged to show every railway line in the UK. Not just today's network but lines from the past have been overlaid. As you zoom in sidings and even tramways become visible.

A valuable tip from Guy Vincent.

To see more on the Exe Valley line by Colin Burges please use the link at the end of this section

Exe Valley line - an excellent film
https://youtu.be/pm8sWVzzAbU?si=w0MkNOSTi7qFe8Rh Hi Keith. I have just enjoyed this wonderful vintage film of the Exe Valley Line ( Exeter to Dulverton). Filmed in colour it provides a wonderful memory of the workings of this attractive branch line with a good commentary as well. CRS members will be in for a treat. Kind regards James Bown.

Exeter St Davids Was the starting point for trains to Dulverton.

Exeter St Davids 1450 on Exe Valley train on the 13th August 1962 Copyright Barry Hilton

From the Barry Hilton Collection

If only one could travel these lines nowadays - still you can courtesy of this web site' You will note that Stoke Canon no longer appears - it was closed on the 13th June 1960 no doubt to discourage traffic. Stoke Canon served a far bigger populace than nearby Silveron which stayed open until 5th October 1964. Courtesy of the Barry Hilton collection.

A 14xx departs Exeter St Davids with a service through to Dulverton. The David Tozer Collection Copyright

Stoke Canon This was a new station opened on 1st May 1885 in order to permit an interchange from the main Bristol and Exeter line and the branch. The original Stoke Canon station had been north of the branch junction. It closed on the 13th June 1960.

Bamford Speke Halt 18Ml 44Ch from Morebath Jct

Bamford Speke - the single platform was on the west of the line and opened with the line in 1885. Although it once boasted a signalbox this closed in 1907. It was closed twice during world war 1 and staffing ceased in 1923 when it bacame a halt. The station building became a house and the former station masters house became a private dwelling. This picture in 1963 by Sid Sponheimer Copyright.

Bamford Speke 2021
Colin Burges

The offer of the original postcard showing the footbridge at Brampford Speke to the owners of the former S.M's. house got me an invitation to have a cup of tea in the garden, which, nine months later, I gladly took up while out on a ride with a friend.
After emptying a pot of tea and enjoying splendid homemade biscuits in the garden, while poring over old photographs and learning of the practicalities of living without road access, a viewing, as honest time wasters, of the station building next door was arranged; the place is for sale with a fabulous asking price.
Ed and Elaine were kind enough to let time-travelling Gaelle pose as a waiting passenger, who signals to the driver at this request stop and boards the train. She studied theatre at university and it was just like the train was coming and she really was boarding.

We came from Stoke Canon along the footpath which once crossed the branch and ran beside it to Brampford Speke, but which now takes the track itself. The halt is only a short distance from the centre of the village and less than a mile from the shop and post office, and community-run pub in Stoke Canon.

If anyone's interested:

https://www.stags.co.uk/properties/14128589/sales

In the obligatory footage from the air, look out for the line continuing towards Thorverton at 2:12. The keeper's house at Fortescue Crossing can be seen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlFAyMmoJTc

You'll gather that I'm back in the saddle. I'm far from fully recovered but 40 days without Special Brew was all I could sustain. The deal is that if I drink strong lager I have to do the riding - but not at the same time!

With best wishes,

Colin

The station was downgraded to a halt in 1923 and a shelter was provided on the site of the former signal box, beyond the building. Copyright Colin Burges.

Old photos show that the station building had been converted into a dwelling before the train service ceased. Copyright Colin Burges.

The line remained open to Thorverton Mill until 1966. The halt was so close to the junction that Stoke Canon's fixed distant was near the end of the platform. Copyright Colin Burges.

Many thanks to Colin and of course also Ed and Elaine who were kind enough to let time-travelling Gaelle pose as a waiting passenger.

Thorverton 16Ml 52 Ch

This marvellous view captured by Mike Roach in September 1963 is a well known one which also features in Peter Gray's publications - who took their picture first is not known but what a wonderful location. A Fruit 'D' stands in the yard. Also note the two grain wagons standing on the spur to Thorverton Mill. Copyright Mike Roach.

Wilkipedia - Thorverton station was located at the far end of Silver Street. The wooden signpost at the road junction still notates the location as 'Station'. Following the closure of the Exe valley to passengers 7th October 1963 The short spur to Thorverton Mill remained open until 4th May 1964. The old station was converted into a private home knowingly named "Beeching's Way". The line crossed Silver Street on a bridge, now removed, although the bridge abutments have been removed the embankments are clearly visible on either side of the road.

A general view of Thorverton in September 1963. Copyright Mike Roach.

Thorverton in September 1963. An Exeter bound train calls, the question is, is that Sid Sponheimers motorbike parked on the platform? It wasn't there in the previous shot! Copyright Mike Roach

The starter is down and the train is off on its way, the goods shed is included in this view. September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

This one is of 1442 now safely housed in Tiverton Museum - well worth a visit if you are in the area. It is thought to be near Thorverton. September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

At the time this picture was taken in 1963 steam was being ousted by diesel. Here a service arrives from Exeter. The station in an area with no bus services was one of the best used on the line. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Thorverton. A class 22 calls - this train probably went as far as Bampton before turning back. Taken on last day of the line in 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Up Exe Halt

Up Exe Halt September 1963. A very grand station building for a halt, nevertheless it is presumed it wa for the level crossing keeper. September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

This Cheap Return ticket is dated 21 SEP 63. Mike Roach Ticket Collection

Somewhere out in the countryside a 14xx heads two coaches and a van. A lovely rural scene - from the David Tozer Collection Copyright

Burn Halt 13Ml 75Ch

A rather large sign for the Halt, it seems to have suffered from gale force winds on one side. Note the post ready to take the oil lighting for the platform. September 1963. Copyright Mike Roach.

1471 approaches Burn Halt in September 1963. Copyright Mike Roach

Burn Halt with its simple platform but rather large namboard served a nearby farm and also the village of Butterleigh - hence the large nameboard. This picture taken on the last day of trains in 1963 shows the relatively large trains which ran on this section. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Cadeleigh 12Ml 45Ch

This station opened on 1 May 1885 to serve the villages of Cadeleigh and Bickleigh and was therefore known as 'Cadeleigh and Bickleigh' until 1 May 1906 when it was changed to just 'Cadeleigh'. As a passing place it had two platforms and also a busy goods yard. After the railway was closed it was used first by the county council, then in 1997 it was sold and is houses the Devon Railway Centre. A highly recommended collection of narrow and standard gauge railway items. There are two passenger carrying narrow gauge railways.

Cadleigh September 1963 looking towards Tiverton. Copyright Mike Roach

Cadleigh September 1963 - the train headed by 1450, a preserved locomotive, comes in from Exeter. Copyright Mike Roach

We're into the platform but not stopped as yet. The bridge beyond still stands but the road which passed over it now crosses the lines formation on the level just beyond the bridge. September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

1450 has come to a stand now, behind it is the goods shed - this is now a loco shed for the Devon Railway Centre which operates here. September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Here's a smashing picture - "Do you want a ride boy" - "Yes please", "Well hop in then"!! A lucky passenger gets a lift in the cab. I wonder if he remembers it. September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

1450 out in the country - the beautiful Exe Valley. September 1963. Copyright Mike Roach

It's 1963 and the last day as a solitary passenger moves up the platform with the train. No doubt he would have no difficulty in finding a seat! The main station building on the left remains in use as part of the Devon Railway Centre complex. 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Looking back from a train heading for Tiverton and beyond. The goods shed on the right now forms an engine shed for the railway centre. This train will soon cross over the river Exe on a substantial bridge. Maybe, one hopes, that before long Devon Railway centre trains will head this way towards Tiverton. This picture 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Cadleigh as we found it on 26th June 1976.It is now an operational narrow gauge railway centre - well worth a visit. Copyright Roger Winnen

This child single ticket is dated 21 SEP 63. Mike Roach ticket Collection

Exe Valley Auto in 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

West Exe 9Ml 23Ch

A photograph taken by Sid Sponheimer in 1963. No doubt the youngsters find that having their picture taken is a bit of a laugh! Seriously though, one can clearly see where the platform was almost doubled in length in May 1937. The station halt which opened in 1928 was much patronised by workers from Heathcoat's Mill. Copyright.

'Take Courage' the poster says, not needed if you travel by train! Our train has left a collection of adult passengers on the platfom as it heads for Tiverton. The halt was unstaffed usually but on occasions a porter was sent from Tiverton to sell and collect tickets. The hut must have been his office. 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Tiverton 8Ml 54Ch

LSWR pregrouping luggage label Courtesy Mike Morant collection

Courtesy the Mike Morant collection

Courtesy the Mike Collection

1450 approaching Tiverton on the 7th September 1963. Copyright Mike Roach

A train from Exeter approaches Tiverton station. 1963 Copyright Mike Roach.

Tiverton station exterior.Your train awaits you! An interesting collection of cars and motorcycles too. A most interesting view caught by Mike Roach in 1962. (Copyright)

Tiverton station, look at that very grand covered footbridge - the' Tivvy Bumper' awaits to take you to Tiverton Junction and your main line connection. Copyright Mike Roach

An unknown 14xx stands at Tiverton - it is in the 'push mode' as can be seen by the red lamp atop the boiler. Early 60's The David Tozer Collection. Copyright.

If only a picture could talk! Well this one almost does, the loco crew are obviously in discussion as are the porters by the platform trolley. Note that there are three 1400's in the picture - the two on the left on the services to and from Dulverton and the third one on the right looking after the service to Tiverton Junction. From the David Tozer Collection. Copyright

The service for Exeter pushes away from the station with a beautiful ride ahead. The early 60's, the David Tozer Collection Copyright

LCGB: The West Countryman Limited Rail Tour 24/2/63
Collett 4500 class 2-6-2T's nos. 4591 and 5561 at Tiverton.
[Mike Morant collection]

24th February 1963
The Locomotive Club of Great Britain
The West Countryman Limited Rail Tour
Locos Used1450, 4591, 5564 & 60022 'Mallard'Route :
Loco(s)Route
60022London Waterloo - Clapham Jn - East Putney - Wimbledon - Surbiton - Woking - Basingstoke - Andover Jn - Salisbury - Gillingham - Yeovil Junction - Axminster - Exeter Central
4591 + 5564Exeter Central - Exeter St Davids - Thorverton - Tiverton - Tiverton Junction (1)
1450Tiverton Junction - Hemyock
1450Hemyock - Tiverton Junction (1)
60022Tiverton Junction - Taunton - Frome - Westbury - Newbury - Southcote Jn - Reading - Southall - London Paddington Courtesy Six Bells Jct. Railtour Files

Tiverton 1442 at Tiverton Known affectionately as The Tivvy Bumper, 1442 hauled the last train to Tiverton in October 1965. Seen here in the very early days of preservation before it was surrounded by a sunstantial metal fence and long before its removal to the cover of the museum. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

One of the most popular exhibits in Tiverton Museum is the Great Western Railway steam locomotive number 1442 of the 1400 Class, known as the "Tivvy Bumper". The locomotive was in operation between 1934 and 1965, with its latter years spent transporting passengers between Tiverton and the old Tiverton Junction station at Willand; the engine serving this route was known by locals as the "Tivvy Bumper". The locomotive on display was originally located outside on Blundell's Road in Tiverton, having been purchased by Lord Amory in 1965, but it was moved to the museum in 1978 to protect it from the weather.It is now housed in the Authers Gallery, which was constructed around the engine.This gallery features other exhibits related to road and rail transport in Mid Devon, including bicycles, and signalling equipment. Museum visitors can stand inside the locomotive's cab.

Tiverton 7th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

A very interesting ticket offering a choice of routes via the main line (Cullompton) or the Exe Valley (Thorverton). This ticket cost 3 shillings and 3 pence (16p) was issued on 05 JAN 63 during a trip from Plymouth to Exeter (via Okehampton). On via Cullompton to Tiverton Junction, Hemyock, Tiverton Junction, Tiverton, Exeter, Okehampton to Plymouth. 4574 was seen at Lydford on the Lifton goods train. Mike Roach Ticket Collection

Bolham Halt 6Ml 58Ch

No disabled access for Bolham, a steep path is all that is provided. See the ominous Public Notice of closure of the line and this is on the last day. The line closed on the 7th October 1963 Sad days, picture dated 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

However steep and maybe slippery the path to the platform the elderly gentleman looking out for his train has made it. Quite a generous waiting shelter. 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Cove Halt 3Ml 45Ch

Cove Halt, this was for passgeners in 1924. There was a road level crossing to the left, and beyond this a siding facing Exeter. 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Cove Halt, a charming picture as a young family make their way of the platform and home. The level crossing is behind the camera. 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Cove. The crossing keepers cottage and signal cabin have survived to form a very attractive residence complete with the level crossing keepers box. The box controlled the crossing and access to a siding off the main track to the right of this location. This picture dated 26th June 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

This first class child ticket was issued on 28 SEP 63 just one week before the line closed to passengers.

Bampton (Devon) 1Ml 49Ch

Bampton station and signalbox. The goods yard and signalbox were located to the south of the station. Copyright Mike Roach

Bampton, the goods shed and box. The siding to the left formerly served a quarry. Copyright Mike Roach

Bampton station in diesel days - the class 22 is running round its train in readiness for its return to Exeter. From the amount of interest you'll guess that this is the last day of operation in 1963. Beyond lies the goods shed, the lines to the left of this once served a quarry. sidings even further left behind the station served a loading dock. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

This picture is the valiant machine on which Sid Sponheimer chased the class 63 hauled trains on that last day. Copyright.

This ticket is dated 28 SEP 63.

Bampton - looking back. Michael L Roach

TAKETHREE – 17 November 1962 Michael L. Roach
Some of you will remember my friend CBF as a signalman with Railtrack, Network Rail and the South Devon Railway. However in his younger days his ambitions lay elsewhere and in 1962 he was a would-be farmer and living on a farm near the village of East Ogwell, Newton Abbot and studying at Seale Hayne Agricultural College. This explains the first leg of our half-day excursion on the afternoon of Saturday 17 November 1962 which was by car. I drove to East Ogwell from my home in Plymouth up the old A38 via the centre of Plympton, Ivybridge, Bittaford to pick up my friend from the farm. We parked the car at Newton Abbot Station and caught the 1.10pm local train to Exeter which consisted of three coaches hauled by a North British Type 2 diesel loco. We travelled up the Exe Valley line from Exeter to Bampton (Devon) by the train shown in the photos attached and watched it depart back to Exeter without us at 3.20pm SO. On Monday to Friday the train departed at 3.45pm perhaps to suit school times. The suffix Devon to the station name was necessary to distinguish this small town from Bampton in Oxfordshire.
We walked north for two miles from Bampton Station to Morebath Junction Halt on the Taunton to Barnstaple line arriving just before the light faded. This was an interesting rural junction a short distance south of Morebath Village which is on the B3190 16 miles south of Watchet and just a mile outside the boundary of the Exmoor National Park. The village is also just over a mile east of the River Exe which here forms the boundary between Devon and Somerset. Hence the name of the company that built the line from Taunton to Barnstaple, the Devon and Somerset Railway. Morebath Junction Signal Box was directly opposite the fork in the three single lines approaching the box but each line became double for the last few chains. In theory three trains could have approached the junction at the same time but normally the train from Exeter would have arrived first so that it could reach Dulverton and make connection with trains in both directions on the Taunton to Barnstaple Route.
Our train out of the halt was in fact the next train up the Exe Valley line an auto from Exeter at 3.25pm off St Davids but this one went all the way to Dulverton reached at 4.43pm. A half hour at Dulverton saw two trains cross here: 7333 on the 4.10pm from Barnstaple and 6372 on the 4.20pm from Taunton. Quite impressively a dozen passengers alighted from the Taunton train leaving 35 to continue on towards Barnstaple. Both trains connected with our train home which was the 5.15pm auto to Exeter consisting of two auto coaches now being propelled by 1451, another regular on the line. Our train crossed 1442 at Thorverton on the 5.25pm Exeter to Tiverton. With their large picture windows and open saloons it was easy to see, in the dark, that the two auto coaches of the other train were crowded with passengers. On a November evening, with steam heating and in the dark there was only one word to describe the trip – atmospheric and priceless. The half day had cost me ten shillings and six pence in railfares and ten shillings in petrol; about one pound all told; but I only earned about £8 a week at the time.
[ This article has been posted here as a tribute to fellow enthusiast and great friend Charles Fennamore who passed away four years ago on 9 November 2018]

5800/1/2 Below we see three views of the preserved 0-4-2T number 1442 at Bampton Station. The train had arrived at 3.05pm with the 2.08pm from Exeter St. Davids and would depart for Exeter at 3.20pm. The cheap day return for the 21 miles had cost us 4 shillings and 9 pence each and the cost of a gallon of petrol at the time was about five shillings. It will be observed that the home signal had just been painted. The last two pictures were taken at one thirtieth of a second but by the time we reached Morebath Junction Halt it was no longer possible to take photographs.

MLR / 10 November 2022

Bampton. 17th November 1962. Copyright Michael L Roach

totens-signalbox-charles-fennamore-Totnes Signalbox Charlie Fennamore who passed-away 9th November 2018 C opyright Totnes image bank_orig

Bampton in 2016.

A bus shelter stands on the station bridge, now filled in, as is the cutting beyond. Behind me is Station Road (originally Western Way) and off camera at left is the car park on the station site. "Station Cottage" at right was the Station Master's house. New Road, now South Molton Road, originally joined Luke Street on the other side of the bridge, but now sweeps in from the left across infilled railway land. The model was one of 21 dotted about the area as part of Tiverton Museum's "All Aboard! family sculpture trail" in 2016. Copyright Colin Burges.

Detail on the plaque. Copyright Colin Burges

While driving around Somerest, we came across ' Lower Lodfin Crossing' Keepers House on the former Exe Valley line from Exeter to Dulverton, the trackbed sti 13th September 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Morebath Jct and Halt.

The double line to the right is the Exe Valley line - this closed 7th October 1963. the line ahead is to Norton Fitzwarren & Taunton. The loop here was lengthened in 1937 but later closed, along with the signalbox on 29th April 64. The single line left was closed 3rd October 1966. Trains from the Exe Valley line ran on to Dulverton. (See the Barnstaple - Taunton section) Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Morebath Junction Halt. Morebath Junction signalbox can be seen in the distance. Note the commencement of the loop. 1963. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Exe Valley trains usually terminated at Dulverton - for this station and others see the Taunton to Barnstaple Section