CONTENTS

Foreword Page 4
Introduction Page 7
Map of West Somerset and its Railways Page 8

1. The Attractions of Watchet and its Harbour Page 11
2. Onward to Minehead Page 35
3. The Railway in the 19th Century Page 47
4. The Minehead Branch in the 20th Century Page 65
5. Signalling and Infrastructure Page 83
6. Traffic and Train Services Page 103
7. Camp Coaches Page 125

8. The Route Described ­ Part 1: The West Somerset Railway
Watchet Junction to Watchet
Watchet Junction and Norton Fitzwarren Page 131
Norton Siding Page 140
Bishop¹s Lydeard Page 141
Crowcombe Page 166
Leigh Wood and Roebuck Crossings Page 179
Leigh Bridge Loop Page 183
Stogumber Page 191
Williton Page 205
Watchet Page 227

9. The Route Described ­ Part 2: The Minehead Railway
Watchet to Minehead
Kentsford Loop Page 253
Washford Page 261
Blue Anchor Page 279
Sea Lane Crossing Page 301
Dunster Page 303
Minehead Page 325

Bibliography and Sources Page 362

APPENDICES
1. Summary of the Finances of the WSR and MR Companies Page 365
2. Minehead Branch Block Sections and Modes of Operating Page 369
3. Acts of Parliament Associated with the Minehead Branch Page 371
4. Board of Trade Reports on the Minehead Branch Page 371
5. List of Bridges and Culverts on the Minehead Branch Page 377
6. A Selection of Tickets and Luggage Labels Page 382
7. Minehead Branch Employees Page 383

Index Page 387


Back