Bridport Branch

The Bridport Branch

The Bridport, in Dorset, branch line ran between Maiden Newton and Bridport. It opened on 12th November 1857. It was extended to West Bay 1884, but the extension was not well used and it closed to passengers in 1930, however the extension remained open for goods until 3rd December 1962. The branch between Maiden Newton and Bridport closed on 5th May 1975, the goods service having been withdrawn on the 5th April 1975. The majority of photographs in this collection come from Roger Winnen to whom we are most grateful, many thanks also to Doug Nicholls, Chris Osment, Ron Kosys, and Andrew Triggs.

Video - there is an interesting video clip of a journey on the branch in 1975 available on youtube click here to view.

Bridport branch line Memories - A real life story from Driver Tim Comer

I started my footplate career as a secondman at Westbury in 1973, and at that time the Bridport branch work was shared between Westbury and Weymouth traincrew depots. I'm not sure of the exact times but I remember Westbury men worked two afternoon turns from Westbury station. The first was a down Weymouth service ( loco plus 3 or 4 coaches) which we worked as far as Maiden Newton and then relieved by the branch crew who then carried on to Weymouth. We then worked the branch bubble car for a return trip to Bridport and then swapped over with another Westbury crew at Maiden Newton with a following down service to Weymouth where we took our break. On our return up working (loco & 3 or 4 coaches) we carried a lot of mail, some from the Channel Islands. At Dorchester West we were timetabled something like a ten minute stop to load more mail, this was just long enough for the second man to leg it down to the chip shop to collect the fish & chips which would be shared at Maiden Newton with the second Westbury crew on the branch whilst waiting for a down Weymouth to clear the single line. The second crew then worked the remaining branch service and on returning to Maiden Newton worked the bubble car empty stock home to Westbury depot, this was often a spirited run but we were required to stop to pick up the single green painted hurricane oil lamps( the only illumination) at Thornford and Chetnole holts. These had been strategically placed earlier by the guard when working the down service and unless they had been moved they could be scooped up by the guard or secondman without stopping! They were then handed over with the staff to the signalman at Castle Cary. After putting the bubble car to bed, and if you had the right mate, you could just about catch last orders in the railway club. From memory, working the branch was a leisurely affair and stops would be made to drop locals off at foot crossings etc if requested. Bridport station was the only station I worked to that was totally lit with gas lights. I also seem to recall that once or twice the crossing gates were "modified" by the branch train. David Shepherd, the wildlife artist, sadly wrote in his autobiography " A Brush With Steam" that he had considered buying the branch from BR but he received little support.

Driver Tim Comer Many thanks indeed to Tim for this most interesting article.

Having read the above article by Driver Tim Comer you really must click on the link below to get a real 'feel' for the line. Many thanks to James Bown for sending the link - it really is superb.

https://youtu.be/sHV0i94mYJ8?si=DDJJy5jQwsBdSaEd A beautiful film of the scenic Maiden Newton to Bridport line which closed in May 1975. I travelled on the line during the last week of service and passenger numbers were good with closure imminent. A real joy to watch which CRS members may enjoy. Regards James Bown.

From Bradshaws July 1922 Railguide

Bridport branch services

Paddington 01.00     05.35 12.02     14.02     14.25     17.03

Maiden Newton              09.40     11.15     12.26     14.35     16.15     17.25     20.05     21.00

Bridport dep 10.08     11.42     12.58     14.56     16.40     17.55     20.26     21.27

East Street 10.11     11.45     13.01                     16.42     17.58

West Bay 10.15     11.49     13.05                     16.47     18.02

West Bay 10.20 12.15     13.13     14.35 16.52     18.55

East Street 10.25 12.20     13.18     14.40 16.57     19.00

Bridport dep 08.50     10.33     11.48     12.52     13.25     15.00     15.50     16.59     19.10

Maiden Newton              09.15     10.53     12.11     13.15     13.48     15.23     16.13                     19.33

N.B All trains stopped at all stations between Maiden Newton and Bridport

(Above) Maiden Newton to Bridport Timetable Winter 1962 /63

Bridport branch – services on the last day of operation Saturday 3rd May 1975

Maiden Newton              07.12     0805       10.35     12.17     13.07     14.25     16.35     18.20     20.15

Toller 07.18     08.11     10.41     12.23     13.13     14.31     16.41     18.26     20.21

Powerstock 07.24     08.17     10.47     12.29     13.19     14.37     16.47     18.32     20.27

Bridport 07.34     08.27     10.57     12.39     13.29     14.47     16.57     18.42     20.37

Bridport 07.37     10.05     11.35     12.42     13.55     16.05     17.50     19.40     20.40

Powerstock 07.48     10.16     11.46     12.53     14.06     16.16     18.01     19.51     20.51

Toller 07.54     10.22     11.52     12.59     14.12     16.22     18.07     19.57     20.57

Maiden Newton 07.59     10.27     11.57     13.04     14.17     16.27     18.12     20.02     21.02

Approximate heights of the branch stations above sea level are as follows :- Maiden Newton 340', Toller 375', Powerstock 225', Bridport 170', West Bay 15.'

3rd May 1975 Southern Electric Group Dorset Dawdler

DEMU Used1131
Route :
Southampton Central - Totton - Fawley - Brockenhurst - Bournemouth Central - Poole - Wareham - Dorchester South - Weymouth Jn - Weymouth Quay - Dorchester West - Maiden Newton - Yeovil Pen Mill- Yeovil Junction - Gillingham - Salisbury - Dean - Romsey - Chandlers Ford - Eastleigh
Notes :
(1) A break at Maiden Newton (14.10 to 16.55) allowed passengers to take a ride on the service train on the Bridport branch on it's last day of operation (train used by John Broderick was formed using DMU's 55033, 51345+59497+51387). Chris Totty comments: there was time to make two return trips to Bridport if you wished. I managed Maiden Newton - Bridport - Toller - Powerstock - Maiden Newton. Also the tour train was stabled in Maiden Newton Coal Yard during the layover; certain persons managed to board it there and travel into the station to the envy of certain others!

Maiden Newton

740724g The Branch connection awaits at Maiden Newton. Copyright Roger Winnen

Maiden Newton here is 55032 at the buffer stops. 21st January 1975 Copyright Doug Nicholls Picture courtesy Roger Geach

Maiden Newton Last day of the Bridport branch the 11.37 from Bridport 3rd May 1975 Copyright R. Winnen

740724i Maiden Newton for Bridport Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

The station board on the up side. Copyright John Cornelius

740724h The Weymouth bound train awaits departure from Maiden Newton on the 24th July 1974. Copyright Roger Winnen

The driver walks towards the cab as a lady passenger approaches up the platform. Copyright John Cornelius

750503zp THE LAST DAY OF THE BRIDPORT BRANCH Arriving at Maiden Newton is the 17.45 from Bristol T.M. and the 19.40 from Bridport. Copyright Roger Winnen

750503zo LAST DAY OF THE BRIDPORT BRANCH. The driver of the 19.40 to Bristol chats to mourners at Maiden Newton. 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

The view towards Weymouth taken on the 3rd JANUARY 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

Maiden Newton signal box on the 3rd January 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen Note the main line towards Dorchester was singled on the 9th June 1968 and that towards Yeovil Pen Mill followed on 26th September 1968

Maiden Newton on the 3rd January 1978, the trackless Bridport branch bay on the left. The formation once occupied by the branch stretches away and disappears under the bridge before heading west. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Bridport branch bay at Maiden Newton seen here on 3rd Jan 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

A class 121 returns to the bay at Maiden Newton in 2010 courtesy of Andrew Triggs

A super picture captured by Ron Kosys. as 55027 sets out for Bridport. Copyright 15th August 1972

Bridport branch this is Norden Lane bridge- looking towards Bridport the first bridge out from Maiden Newton. The adjacent span to the right crosses the main line on its way to Yeovil Pen Mill and Castle Cary. 23 Jul 2008 Copyright Chris Osment

55027 heads on towards Cattistock Road bridge. 15th August 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys

Cattistock Road bridge and the view is looking back towards Maiden Newton Station 28th July 2008 Copyright Chris Osment

Out in the countryside now, camera out of the window on a well trimmed branch, what a joy. Train travel in the past. Many thanks to John Cornelius. Copyright.

Toller Two and half miles from Maiden Newton

Setting the scene. A view as Bubble car 55027 approaches. 15th August 1972 . Copyright Ron Kosys.

A charming scene, one wonders who has got the cast iron sign off the gate!! 15th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys

Evidence of the lengthening of the platform and also the 'tunnel' under the platform to house the rods and cables to the signalbox. There was a goods loop here which extended under the bridge. 15th August 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys

Seen from a train appraoching from Maiden Newton. Copyright John Cornelius

The view seen from the front of a Maiden Newton bound train on the 21st January 1975. The station building is closed and locked. Shelter is provided for a convenient bench under the canopy. Copyright Doug Nicholls

740724j Toller Station (Now removed to the South Devon Railway at Totnes) Copyright Roger Winnen

740724k Leaving Toller behind. Copyright Roger Winnen

Toller 3rd January 1978 In this view evidence is seen of a platform extension. Copyright Roger Winnen

Toller again on the 3rd January 1978. There was at one time a siding that was connected at both ends with a ground-frame at each end. Copyright Roger Winnen

Toller from the road overbridge - seen here in poor light on 3rd January 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

Toller station building now forms the very smart centrepiece of the South Devon Railway station at Totnes Littlehemppston. N.B. These pictures taken through glass of the window of a Cross Country train on the main line.

140927a Totnes Littlehempston Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Toller buildings reused at Totnes Littlehempston August 2013 Copyright Chris Osment

A class 121 stands at, or rather on, the platform at Toller in 2010. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Powerstock Five and three quarter miles from Maiden Newton

55027 at Powerstock. 15th August 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys

Powerstock station on 15th August 1972. Evidence here of a platform extension. One wonders if the inhabitants of the residence ever made use of the frequent train service. Ron Kosys reports that on his visit nobody used the station and on all three trains he rode he was the only passenger! Copyright Ron Kosys

Try finding this location on Google Earth Street View. Compared with this rather barren view in 1974 the site is completely overgrown with trees today. Copyright John Cornelius

740724l The guard with his train at Powerstock. Copyright Roger Winnen

750503i Its the last day of Powerstock as an operational station - the guard checks his train. Copyright Roger Winnen Powerstock station had long been in use as a private dwelling.

Powerstock station nearly three years after closure seen in the dying light of a winter sun 3rd January 1978 Note the platform extension of September 1910 and note the station nameboard has been retained, a nice feature. There were at one time two sidings, one serving a loading dock and possibly a cattle pen. Copyright Roger Winnen

Powerstock station nearly three years after closure seen in the pale winter sunset 3rd January 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

A visit to Powerstock station in 2010
- by kind permission of Brian and Diana Read.

Visitors to the old station are always welcome, for a look around and to take photos. Obviously it is best to contact us first (post, email or 01308 485301) but spur of the moment is no problem as long as we are in.

Powerstock station, the entrance to the old station from the road. Copyright Andrew Triggs

View from the old sidings of the residential side of the building (somewhat modified!). Copyright Andrew Triggs

The station buildings seen from the old track bed, Looking towards Bridport.Copyright Andrew Triggs

Powerstock The platform extension (looking towards Bridport) Copyright Andrew Triggs

Powerstock The platform extension (looking towards Maiden Newton)Copyright Andrew Triggs

Powerstock The front cover of the book written by Diana Read. This is now sadly out of print

The bridge abudtment. The bridge was removed to permit high farm vehicles to pass. The station is to the right. Copyright Andrew Triggs

and finally, but not least. Here is Andrew waiting, we fear in vain, for the next train stopping at Powerstock. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

A note from John Cornelius. I also had a look at Powerstock,the station was quite a way from the village,the station building is now a private house and can be clearly seen.
There used to be a railway bridge over the lane near the station and from street view the former abutments can be seen. thought this might be of interest cheers JOHN C.

Bradpole Level Crossing

The village of Bradpole, once a small village now an extension of Bridport lies about a mile from Bridport towards Maiden Newton. You can find it by using this link http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore and typing in Bridport. try the 6" or 25" maps.

Recently, while researching the branch and looking at Radpole using Google Earth Roger Winnen made a surprising find. Try this - having found the village of Bradpole, look at the South East of this area and in particular look for Caley Way and its intersection with Trinity Way. now 'zoom in' and you'll find a level crossing gate painted white, its clearly there with its shadow on the ground. Now, go to 'Street view' and look. You'll find not only the crossing gate and wicket gates but also a short section of track embedded in the road. So the Bridport branch still exists albeit only about ten feet of it. For another link try this https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@50.7430815,-2.7376346,3a,75y,151.27h,74.1t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfBH_aVGNoweN6c8BmMLpJA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Bradpole Crossing 1970. Chris adds - ' I should point out perhaps that the signal once carried on the post next to Bradpole Crossing was nothing to do with the level-crossing at all, but was in fact the ‘fixed’ Down Distant for Bridport – you can see that the finial ‘cap’ is yellow rather than red'. Copyright Chris Osment

The guard gives the 'thumbs up' to proceed over the crossing on the 21st January 1975. Copyright Doug Nicholls.

Much interest at Bradpole gated crossing after leaving Bridport. 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Just like to point out that Doug Nicholls pic of Toller,the train is arriving from
Maiden Newton and not from the Bridport direction,unless it has just left the station
and is heading for Maiden Newton. I had a look on google to see Bradpole crossing,
very interesting, a bit like Boscarne junc xing, Dunmere & Tresarret Xing's on the Wenford branch,
where the rails have been left in place. I also had a look at Powerstock,the station was quite a way from the village,the station building is now a private house and can be clearly seen.
There used to be a railway bridge over the lane near the station and from street view the former abutments can be seen. thought this might be of interest cheers JOHN C.

Bradpole crossing a class 121 on the crossing in 2010 Copyright Andrew Triggs

A class 121 on Bradpole Crossing in 2010 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Bradpole Level crossing in 2010. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Bradpole level Crossing in 2010. Looking towards Loders. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Bradpole Foot Crossing - still at Bradpole but nearer Bridport.

The kissing gates still in position in 2010. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Bridport Nine and a quarter miles from Maiden Newton

A three car 'bewiskered set approaches Bridport which at that time was complete with signals and milepost. The Signalbox closed 8th June 1965 This picture circa 1960 Copyright Doug Nicholls

Bridport in about 1962 - Copyright Derek Buttivant

Bridport Engine shed and Water Tower in 1962. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Bridport on the 22nd July 1971 with Bubble car (Class 121) number 55032 in attendance. Copyright Ron Kosys.

22nd July 1971 another view of 55032 - it looks like the driver is out of his cab having a chat on the platform. Copyright Ron Kosys

Evidence of where the signalbox once stood is the 'tunnel' under the platform. Copyright John Cornelius

Bridport in 1962, note vans in the yard a spare coaching set behind the down platform - Copyright Derek Buttivantort

Derek Nicholls looks along the platform - the line once continued to West Bay. Copyright

'Bubble car' 55032 bearing fleet number 132 stands at Bridports only remaining platform on the 21st January 1975 Copyright Doug Nicholls

750503d Looking towards Maiden Newton from Bridport on the last day. By this time Bridport was just a basic station, no signals, no points, just a siding from Maiden Newton. Contrast this with the picture above. Copyright Roger Winnen

750503b The single bubble car augmented by the addition of a three car set for the last day of the Bridport Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

750503a Another view on the Last Day 3rd May 1975, 11.35 Bridport to Maiden Newton. Copyright Roger Winnen The platform from which this picture was taken was an island, rails passing either side, these were taken out of use when the signalbox closed in June 1965.

750503e The platform 'thronged. with mourners as Roger ventures out to take a head on view of the 11.35 to Maiden Newton awaiting departure from Bridport.Copyright Roger Winnen

750503f The Branch Train at the buffer stops. Copyright Roger Winnen. The line towards West Bay having been lifted ten years earlier has become a well established footpath. Somebody has gained and intends to stay in the backward facing seat to get, perhaps, their last view of the line!

750503g In this view on the last day the outer face of the island platform can clearly be seen. Copyright Roger Winnen

750503zr No police in evidence to control the crowds as the train awaits departure from Bridport. The gentleman in the foreground bending over may have been placing a penny on the rail to get it crushed by one of the last trains - this was the custom. Copyright Roger Winnen

750503zu Quite a social gathering for people and dogs at Bridport, both on and off the train. This last train had vehicles 51387 59497 51345 and 55033. Copyright Roger Winnen

750503zw When its gone it's gone! The Train has departed. Copyright Roger Winnen

750503zx The last public train is just a memory as the onlookers linger on Bridports Platforms. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bridport in its last days. 1970 Copyright Chris Osment

24th July 1974 Bridport Station when trains still called. Note it is complete with the connecting bus timetable. The station building still exists having moved to Devon is now on the Beer Heights Railway Copyright Roger Winnen

Bridport station front on the 21st January 1975 It was to close on the 5th may 1975. Note the boarded up windows,. The white notice is probably for the closure. Copyright Doug Nicholls

East Street 720 yards beyond Bridport
Closed 22nd September 1930

We have no pictures of this location which was buried under the Bridport by-pass road improvements.
For more of the history of this section click here.

West Bay Eleven and a quarter miles from Maiden Newton
Closed to passengers 22nd September 1930 but remained open for goods until 3rd December 1962.

West Bay railway station was the terminus of the Bridport Railway in western Dorset. In 1879, the GWR, who held the operating licence for the original Bridport Railway (which ran as far as Bridport town), decided to extend the railway to Bridport Harbour. Construction started in 1883, and the line opened on 31 March 1884. The station was called West Bay by the GWR in order to encourage holiday traffic. The line between West Bay and Bridport closed to passengers in 1930, and operated for goods services only until its final closure in 1962.

The site today. After many years as the office of a boat yard, the station is now restored with a short length of track at the platform. A cafe occupied the building until closed in the summer of 2008, but reopened again as a tea room under the name 'The Tea Station' in 2010, and then being bought again in 2014 and is now trading as a cafe under the name 'The Station Cafe'. From West Bay, a section of the former track bed can now be walked into Bridport. From Wikipedia. (In 2003 the two coaches were removed)

740724t West Bay Station. 24th July 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

Bridport West Bay station sadly overgrown on the 13th May 1989. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bridport West Bay Canopy - 2004 Copyright Chris Osment (Of particular interest Chris points out that the BR cast in the bracket is Bridport Railway, a nice local touch).

It was a lovely day on 23rd July 2008 as this picture proves with a view along the platform looking towards Bridport. Copyright Chris Osment.

And finally a detailed study of the rear elevation of the station - an ideal view for railway modellers of the fine work done by the original building contractors - a credit to their craftsmanship. Copyright Chris Osment.

Mike Roach returned to West Bay Station very close to the closure of the Bridport Branch which occurred on 3rd May 1965. N. B. West Bay closed to Passengers 22nd September 1930 and finally to goods on the 3rd December 1962. Here in 2015 we see the beautiful restoration job which has been carried out.

It is easy to imagine that this is still an operational railway station. Many thanks to Mike for taking these pictures for us. Copyright

A view looking along the platform towards Bridport, what a shame the home signal cannot be lowered for us to travel on to Bridport, Powerstock, Toller and the junction station at Maiden Newton. Copyright Mike Roach

West Bay station Bridport branch. Copyright Andrew Triggs