Description

Immediate dispatch from Somerset. Nice book in great condition. Pages in excellent condition. No notes or highlighting. See images. Fantastic book.

About the book >.>.> Many of the station buildings on the West Somerset Railway date from the opening of the line. The railway was built in two parts: the original West Somerset Railway from Norton Fitzwarren to Watchet opened in 1862; and the Minehead Railway from Watchet to Minehead in 1874. The West Somerset Railway Company was incorporated by Act of Parliament which received the Royal Assent on the 17th August 1857. It was empowered to build a line from a junction with the Bristol & Exeter Railway two miles west of Taunton at Norton Fitzwarren to the harbour at Watchet fourteen miles away. The founder and first chairman of the company was Sir Peregrine Acland Bt. of Fairfield House Stogursey near Bridgwater. His great great granddaughter Lady Elizabeth is still a shareholder and supporter today. The company appointed Isambard Kingdom Brunel as engineer unfortunately he was a sick man by this time and died on 15th September 1859. The Board then appointed his principal assistant R.P. Brereton as engineer George Furness & Co of London were awarded the contract to construct the line for ?120000 18 was laid out to the broad gauge of 7ft 0 in. The first sod was dug with due ceremony at the site of Crowcombe Heathfield Station on Thursday 7th April 1859. As the summit of the line at 410re above sea level is at Crowcombe Heathfield (LL)