Treamble Branch and
Gravel Hill Tramway
The tramway was a little known extension beyond Treamble - report by Colin Burges
Gravel Hill Tramway
The tramway was a little known extension beyond Treamble - report by Colin Burges
Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.
Shepherds 11 miles 71 chains
Junction for the Treamble branch
Junction for the Treamble branch
This picture of Shepherds & staff in the early 1900's kindly provided by Derek Brooks, Recorder of the Goonhavern & District Old Cornwall Society. Copyright
An interesting token covering the line from Lane Junction, which was at Tolcarne Junction to Treamble. This must have dated from the Cornwall Mineral Railways days when the line was extended from East Wheal Rose to Treamble. Picture taken in the old Swindon Railway Museum 29th October 1977. Copyright Roger Winnen
This picture of Shepherds kindly provided by Derek Brooks, Recorder of the Goonhavern & District Old Cornwall Society. Copyright. Very interesting is that it appears that the signal for entry into the Treamble branch is pulled off.
A '55' calls at Shepherds with a service for Truro. Copyright
A very early shot of Shepherds when a single steam railcar was sufficient to satisfy the passengers. This picture courtesy of Mrs Maureen Glanville. Copyright
Shepherds station looking from the road overbridge. Whilst the metals of the loop and main line are well polished it doesn't look as if the Treamble branch off to the right has seen much use. As can be seen the line towards Truro which as been a steady climb from Trewerry and Trerice having levelled off for Shepherds station continues its climb towards Lanteague and Goonhavern. Copyright Mrs Maureen Glanville. The site of gangers trolley cabin is clearly visible - it was where the area was 'timbered' to aid the movement of the trolley in and out of the cabin.
Treamble branch 3 miles 20 chains long
The line was an extension of the Treffry Tramway route from Tolcarne to East Wheal Rose the extension having been carried out by the Cornwall Minerals Railway in 1874. The branch was further extended to by a mile to Gravel Hill however this section closed in 1888. In 1905 part of the route between a new Junction at Shepherds to Tolcarne was upgraded to form the Perranporth to Newquay section of the Chacewater to Perranporth branch which had opened in 1903. The line from Treamble to Shepherds closed 1st January 1952. N.B. It is understood that during WW2 a passenger train travelled the branch - this was a troop train. Also a witness remembers seeing a steam hauled demolition train on the branch during 1956.
The line was an extension of the Treffry Tramway route from Tolcarne to East Wheal Rose the extension having been carried out by the Cornwall Minerals Railway in 1874. The branch was further extended to by a mile to Gravel Hill however this section closed in 1888. In 1905 part of the route between a new Junction at Shepherds to Tolcarne was upgraded to form the Perranporth to Newquay section of the Chacewater to Perranporth branch which had opened in 1903. The line from Treamble to Shepherds closed 1st January 1952. N.B. It is understood that during WW2 a passenger train travelled the branch - this was a troop train. Also a witness remembers seeing a steam hauled demolition train on the branch during 1956.
This is the token which would have been issued from Shepherds signalbox for train proceeding onto the Treamble Branch. Picture taken in the old Swindon Railway Museum 29th October 1977. Copyright Roger Winnen
Railtour on the Treamble branch!!??
The above heading somewhat 'tongue I cheek'. There was, it is reported at least one troop train down the branch during WW2. However the last revenue earning traffic was carried on the 8th August 1949. The line was closed on the 1st January 1952 and the track was lifted w.e.f. 31st March 1956. However it seems likely that Mr Brock, who was foreman for the maintenance of the Chacewater - Newquay line and also presumably the Treamble branch was photographed at least four times as below.
Derek Brooks Collection 08. Tom Brock who was a GWR Foreman working on the Railway (Maintenance Gang) Courtesy Mrs Angela Brock
A full load on the Wickham Trolley with Mr. Tom Brock - Foreman. Copyright. The railings in the background are those of Shepherds - Newquay platform. The bridge carried a farm track across the railway formation. Copyright.
Derek Brooks Collection 10 Tom Brock and his merry men - the maintenance gang. Almost certainly on the Treamble branch. Courtesy Mrs Angela Brock. Note the track is inside keyed.
Mr. Tom Brock with an unknown passenger on the Treamble branch - judging from the rusty metals this wasn't long before the lifting of the track. Copyright Goonhavern Old Cornwall Society.
As Tony Hill rightly says, the machines are P. Way motor trolleys. One is for the ganger to make his routine inspections and the other is for the gang to go to sites of work on the branches. I'm unable to identify the small trolley, although it could be Wickham manufactured, but the larger one is almost certainly a Wickham Type 17. These were introduced in 1930 and became the most commonly supplied trolley, normally with a roof and covered ends.
For some reason, the standard trolley shed, like my replica at Christow, built from sawn sleepers, is positioned alongside the Treamble Branch. The area outside the shed and between the rails is timbered to allow the trolleys to be lifted or bumped around to get them on the line; there would have been no need to use the Type 17's turntable if one were carried.
It's possible that a short length of the Treamble Branch was left as a siding at Shepherds when the line was closed, but it's safe to say that the Wickham trolley dates the picture to the branch's second incarnation from 1926.
After final closure of the Treamble Branch, the trolley shed was moved to the Perranporth end of the Down platform, where it can be seen in your gallery shot of a "63" entering the station. In a later demolition shot, the timbers can be seen but the shed has gone.
You saw the train on the branch in the year before I was born.
Best wishes, Colin. Many thanks Colin.
For some reason, the standard trolley shed, like my replica at Christow, built from sawn sleepers, is positioned alongside the Treamble Branch. The area outside the shed and between the rails is timbered to allow the trolleys to be lifted or bumped around to get them on the line; there would have been no need to use the Type 17's turntable if one were carried.
It's possible that a short length of the Treamble Branch was left as a siding at Shepherds when the line was closed, but it's safe to say that the Wickham trolley dates the picture to the branch's second incarnation from 1926.
After final closure of the Treamble Branch, the trolley shed was moved to the Perranporth end of the Down platform, where it can be seen in your gallery shot of a "63" entering the station. In a later demolition shot, the timbers can be seen but the shed has gone.
You saw the train on the branch in the year before I was born.
Best wishes, Colin. Many thanks Colin.
From Roy Hart, These pictures illustrate the 'Motor trolley system of maintenance' introduced by the GWR between the wars for the efficient maintenance of quieter single lines. At every signal box (and at intervals in between) was a key instrument, not unlike a tiny token machine. Once the key was withdrawn, the ganger had full occupation for that stretch of line, the token machines and often the signals too, were electronically locked until the occupation key was replaced.
The pictures show the trolley for the Perranporth to Tolcarn section, which lived in a hut at Shepherds. Indeed, the first two pictures show it at Shepherds station, a few yards down the branch. There was no electric key system for the Treamble branch, they just took the wooden staff for the branch with them.
This system was employed on all the Cornish branches, including Drinnick Mill. It enabled fast access in emergencies and allowed for a small group of men to cover longer stretches of line than would otherwise be possible.
Roy Hart - Many thanks Roy.
The pictures show the trolley for the Perranporth to Tolcarn section, which lived in a hut at Shepherds. Indeed, the first two pictures show it at Shepherds station, a few yards down the branch. There was no electric key system for the Treamble branch, they just took the wooden staff for the branch with them.
This system was employed on all the Cornish branches, including Drinnick Mill. It enabled fast access in emergencies and allowed for a small group of men to cover longer stretches of line than would otherwise be possible.
Roy Hart - Many thanks Roy.
The following comes under the 'must read' category. A well researched and produced paper on 'Gang Cars'.
Also HIGHLY RECOMMENDED is Colin Burges's . Gang Car' full of valuable info. on Wickhams and other things.
http://www.teignrail.co.uk/production.php#gangcar
Also HIGHLY RECOMMENDED is Colin Burges's . Gang Car' full of valuable info. on Wickhams and other things.
http://www.teignrail.co.uk/production.php#gangcar
A class 55 on the Treamble branch with a mixed assortment.
Walking the old mineral line - the Treamble branch. Picture by Mrs Maureen Glanville. Copyright.
On the Treamble branch
The track of the Treamble branch line taken about 1935. Copyright Mrs Maureen Glanville
The terminus at Treamble Mine.
The terminus of the Treamble Branch. .
What remained of the terminus on 15.07.1978. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Treamble branch line - a locomotive for use at the mine being unloaded. Courtesy of the Goonhavern Old Cornwall Society.
Treamble mine and the aerial ropeway. Courtesy Mrs Maureen Glanville. Goonhavern Old Cornwall Society
Treamble Mine - the aerial ropeway. Copyright Mrs Maureen Glanville.
Treamble Mine Courtesy of Mrs Maureen Glanville. Copyright
Treamble mine, the site of. A picture taken by David Pearce, of interest is the old piece of rail used as a fencing post. Perhaps it came from the mine railways. Copyright David Pearce.
Pictures of the Treamble branch are particularly rare and we are very grateful to David Pearce for making the picture above and those below taken at various places along the line available to the website.
Rejarrah Bridge A recent find though its been there all the time!!
The Treamble branch which ran from Shepherds to Treamble mine had a chequered history - it was opened in 1873. Closed and lifted w.e.f. 1st January 1917. Relaid December 1925, reopened 16th Feb 1926. The last revenue earning traffic was carried 8th August 1949. It was finally closed w.e.f.1st Jan 1952 The track was removed on 31st March 1956. (Rlys of Cornwall C.R. Clinker)
As a schoolboy my only sporting achievement was to run for my school at Cross Country. In those days a special bus laid on for school sports was a rare occurrence. I have clear memory of seeing a train on the Treamble branch from a bridge on the original A375 at Rejarrah. Until today I thought that this bridge must have disappeared under a road improvement scheme. However, looking along the old road using Google Street View I found that the old bridge is still there, somewhat chocked with rubbish. Today 17th May 2014 the spot was revisited - the pictures are below. It is understood that the branch did see one passenger train - a troop train during WW2
The Treamble branch which ran from Shepherds to Treamble mine had a chequered history - it was opened in 1873. Closed and lifted w.e.f. 1st January 1917. Relaid December 1925, reopened 16th Feb 1926. The last revenue earning traffic was carried 8th August 1949. It was finally closed w.e.f.1st Jan 1952 The track was removed on 31st March 1956. (Rlys of Cornwall C.R. Clinker)
As a schoolboy my only sporting achievement was to run for my school at Cross Country. In those days a special bus laid on for school sports was a rare occurrence. I have clear memory of seeing a train on the Treamble branch from a bridge on the original A375 at Rejarrah. Until today I thought that this bridge must have disappeared under a road improvement scheme. However, looking along the old road using Google Street View I found that the old bridge is still there, somewhat chocked with rubbish. Today 17th May 2014 the spot was revisited - the pictures are below. It is understood that the branch did see one passenger train - a troop train during WW2
The old bridge where the original Goonhavern - Newquay road A3075 crossed the old Treamble branch at Rejarrah. Courtesy of Google Street view.
The Shepherds side of the bridge. 17th May 2014 Copyright K Jenkin
The Treamble side of the bridge - somewhat overgrown. 17th May 2014 Copyright K. Jenkin
The Treamble side of the bridge well filled with undergrowth - the Shepherds side was almost totally filled. 17th May 2014. Copyright K. Jenkin
Another important acquisition for the Alan Harris Collection which he kindly shares with us. This is the Terminus of the Treamble Branch. Many thanks Alan, copyright. ----- Colin Burges points out that this track is 'inside keyed'.
The Treamble branch is always quoted as closing in 1956 'last revenue-earning traffic 1949'. The reason for this unusual terminology is that the branch was used for the storage of wagons after 1949. Some are visible on one of the website pictures.
My understanding is that the Gravel Hill extension was laid in 1888, but without parliamentary sanction (new railways required an act of parliament). Perhaps the Cornwall Mineral Railway was just chancing it. Records seem to agree that Gravel Hill mine was abandoned in 1882, so was the railway a wild-west style attempt to revive the mine?
The OS 25 inch map for 1906 shows not the slightest trace of any railway to Gravel Hill. My guess is that the tracks lasted for no more than a year or two. It needs to be borne in mind that OS maps were not revised systematically - hence something which caught the surveyor's eye in one year, may be gone in the next.
Roy Hart
My understanding is that the Gravel Hill extension was laid in 1888, but without parliamentary sanction (new railways required an act of parliament). Perhaps the Cornwall Mineral Railway was just chancing it. Records seem to agree that Gravel Hill mine was abandoned in 1882, so was the railway a wild-west style attempt to revive the mine?
The OS 25 inch map for 1906 shows not the slightest trace of any railway to Gravel Hill. My guess is that the tracks lasted for no more than a year or two. It needs to be borne in mind that OS maps were not revised systematically - hence something which caught the surveyor's eye in one year, may be gone in the next.
Roy Hart
Gravel Hill Tramway
Colin Burges
Colin Burges
With many thanks to Colin Burges who provided much of the information and all of the photographs, it was only by his exploration in recent years we have gained more knowledge of this very short lived line.
Possibly the least photographed and documented railway outpost in Cornwall lies at the end of the former extension from Treamble serving the iron mines on Penhale Sands, abandoned in the late 19th century.
Much of the area was M.O.D. property attached to Penhale Camp. It is still private and the only permitted way to reach the terminus is by means of the coast path.
On a miserable day last summer (2016) I ventured out from Holywell, walking twice the distance I would have done had I entered the camp. Last month (August 2017) I left my bike in the car park on the far side of the holiday camp and went down to the wonderful expanse of Perran Sands.
Much of the area was M.O.D. property attached to Penhale Camp. It is still private and the only permitted way to reach the terminus is by means of the coast path.
On a miserable day last summer (2016) I ventured out from Holywell, walking twice the distance I would have done had I entered the camp. Last month (August 2017) I left my bike in the car park on the far side of the holiday camp and went down to the wonderful expanse of Perran Sands.
The tramway extended from Gravel Hill Mine out on the coast to the left to run up to the Treamble terminus bottom right hand side of this map.
The Gravel Hill Mine end of the line. It split into two with one siding continuing on the the mine engine house. The other line descended towards the mouth of the mine by means of a rope worked incline. The incline was powered by a 11.5" steam engine. From Old Maps - OS 1880,s
At Gravel Hill the lode was developed from a beach level adit (tunnel) and also from shafts on the cliff top. The lode was also worked about 170 yards inland in an opencast pit called the 'Big Iron Pit'. The Iron lode is crossed by a N-S lead lode worked a short distance to the north in Wheal Phoenix, and East Wheal Golden.
You can see 'The Big Iron Pit, an evil looking working by clicking below - https://www.aditnow.co.uk/Mines/Gravel-Hill-Mixed-Mine_5842/
The Treamble branch terminus - the branch from Shepherds comes in from the right. The Gravel Hill Tramway rose up alongside to make a trailing connection with the main branch. Colin Burges kindly advises us that - I hadn't noticed before that the Treamble line's mileage was originally measured from Fowey, the furthest reach of the C.M.R. Look for M.P. 32 on the first map. In later years, possibly after the line was re-laid, the mileage was measured from Shepherds.
Production - Originally the mine was known as Penhale Iron Mine, Gravel Hill is known to have been at work before 1728, also in the 1840's; and from 1874-82. Output figures are only available for the last working. When it produced about 8000 tons of iron ore, and 30 tons of zinc ore.
In excess of 35,000 tons of 'Spathose' ore was extracted during the life of the mine.
In excess of 35,000 tons of 'Spathose' ore was extracted during the life of the mine.
Notes re Colin's photographs :- My shots of the bridges - railway and stream - were taken where it says "Ford" on the map. The old M.o.D. gate is where you see "Spring" and "Weighing Machine" at the bend in the road. The road beyond the gate is not the tramway but I'm sure it joins the formation a little way along.
The Gravelhill tramway must have made a level crossing of the road up to Trebellan just beyond the bridge. Note Colin's bike! Copyright Colin Burges.
From the bridge that was a ford when the tramway was open, the remains of the Treamble Branch bridge can be seen centre left. Copyright Colin Burges.
Recent work on the bridge on the right has made possible this view of the former level crossing near Treamble. The gate marks the course of the tramway. Copyright Colin Burges.
The easiest way of getting to the mines would be to go through this gate. However, it is private beyond this point. The road beyond joins the course of the tramway. Copyright Guy Burges
At Treamble - gates to Penhale Sands. These are thought to be an earlier set of gates to Penhale Sands to those shown above these were taken back on the 2nd March 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen N.B. It serves to show just how natural vegetation takes over. Colin points out that although these may look like level crossing gates the railway didn't pass through here.
The former tramway incline dropping down towards the beach level entrance to the mine. Copyright Colin Burges.
Another look down the tramway incline. Copyright Colin Burges
The incline can be seen descending almost to beach level before turning to the mine workings in the cliff face. Copyright Colin Burges
A closer view of those workings. Copyright Colin Burges.
On your way to find the Gravel Hill Tramway you may come across St Pirans Oratory on Penhale Sands - Colin did and has asked us to include his pictures with this section. Copyright Colin Burges. If your're not sure where it is find a map and take a compass it is easy to get lost in that wilderness. Happy hunting
A Postscript to Treamble. Paul Burkhalter
Hi team,
Some comments on the image shown on the 8th May of the narrow gauge loco being taken from Dolcoath Mine to Treamble. ( See below). The Industrial Railway Society South West England book records two loco’s at Dolcoath as being 1ft 10in gauge Kerr Stewart works numbers 812 of 1903 and 1169 of 1911. The records also state that they were moved about 1920 to Treamble, when the mine workings closed. Hence the image may be dated earlier than stated. Treamble Works produced Fullers Earth from about 1920 to closure before 1942. It is thought the narrow gauge loco’s were then scrapped.
Hope this helps, Kind regards, Paul Burkhalter Many thanks Paul
Some comments on the image shown on the 8th May of the narrow gauge loco being taken from Dolcoath Mine to Treamble. ( See below). The Industrial Railway Society South West England book records two loco’s at Dolcoath as being 1ft 10in gauge Kerr Stewart works numbers 812 of 1903 and 1169 of 1911. The records also state that they were moved about 1920 to Treamble, when the mine workings closed. Hence the image may be dated earlier than stated. Treamble Works produced Fullers Earth from about 1920 to closure before 1942. It is thought the narrow gauge loco’s were then scrapped.
Hope this helps, Kind regards, Paul Burkhalter Many thanks Paul
From the Paddy Bradley Collection
The back of the above postcard - the writing I am assured is that of the late Jack Trounson.
Location of the above picture of a locomotive in transit to the Treamble Iron Mine near Perranporth
We are greatly indebted to Andrew Jones who spent quite a bit of time trying to track down the location of the above picture. Andrew found an almost identical location at the foot of East Hill Tuckingmill, near Camborne. However having taken Andrews deductions and findings to the owner of picture Paddy Bradley. Paddy did some more research and found the site is much closer to home, in Redruth in fact.
Gents, The Paddy picture of the traction engine etc fascinates me. Dolcoath mine closed down in 1920, yet here we have the engine sold off and moving., maybe 18 years later. The location is obviously urban, with a very substantial building behind (chapel? Office block?). I am at a loss to think of such an ensemble between Dolcoath and Perranporth. Truro maybe? Perhaps the little engines were not stored at Dolcoath. It's Jack Trounson's handwriting, so the facts given are reliable.
All the best to you both,
Roy Hart
All the best to you both,
Roy Hart
An aerial view of Redruth station and the town dated late 1950's. This view from the Paddy Bradley Collection shows many things of interest particularly to 'Redruthians'.
Note the station with the goods siding having been recently removed - there is no sign of the signal box which closed in 1955.The bare earth of the fairground top centre shows where roundabouts and dodgem rinks were located. Just beyond this lay the Redruth Old station. More clearly can be seen the route of the Tresavean branch which came in at the top left and descended to pass under Trevingey Road to make a junction with the main line facing Penzance. Also clearly visible is the old gas works with its gas holder. However, concentrate on main road into Redruth from the Camborne direction - just above the middle of this picture can be seen four pitched roofs - these are in two sections. These roofs are of the West End Departmental stores a fine shopping area which gave lot of class to this end of Redruth. this was twice destroyed by fire and now has been rebuilt as flats though retaining the fine frontage. However the area of interest in this case is just below this and Chapel Street which heads off to the right in this picture. Note on this road a white building with three upper windows.
This view concentrates on Chapel Street. Redruth West End is the street heading towards the top of the picture, Fore Street is in the foreground. Note two way traffic flowing freely. Very noticeable in this view is Manuell's Shop the white building with three windows on the upper floor. Thurston Hoskins Solicitors Office did not exist at that time. There have been considerable changes to the frontages since that time. However it can be seen that West End Departmental stores dominates the view in the back ground in the as seen looking at ground level across the font of the shop.
Now look once again at the picture of the traction engine and trailer and particularly concentrate on the lettering on the shop front behind - you can see part of the shop name which was Manuell. Below is a view of Manwell's shop front.
Manuell's Shop Front - note the three upper storey windows. Courtesy the Paddy Bradley Collection.
Manuell Shop front now the Emporer's Garden. Thurston Hoskin Solicitors is the building alongside - West End Departmental Store - now flats can be seen almost hiding behind the modern day scene. 13th April 2019. Photo by Keith Jenkin