Swanage
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Standard 4 tank 80011 has just arrived with its train at Swanage on 24
March 1966. Note the name "Swanage" laid out in stone on the low
embankment opposite the platform.
photograph by Ray Soper |
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The branch line to Swanage from the LSWR main line at Worgret Junction opened on the 2nd May 1885 with the first passenger service being on the 20th May. Both the station building and overall site were initially smaller than what they became at their peak. The original station building, built of local Purbeck stone, and which still exists, was basically the Station Master's cottage with a small canopy on the platform. A run-round loop to the main platform road was not provided until November 1897 and the goods yard was expanded in 1899 by acquisition of the former Panton's Brewery site. Given the extent to which the station site grew it has only ever had an incredibly compact engine shed and originally a 50ft turntable nestled alongside the local graveyard. The original stone arch to the engine shed from the turntable was demolished when a M7 one day overran the turntable and it was replaced by a simple lintel arrangement. |
| The station frontage from the forecourt. This faded
photograph taken in spring 1983 illustrates a camera angle which is difficult
to get now that the surroundings have been developed. It has also been included
for the "period" automobiles!
photograph by Colin Duff |
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The station was rebuilt in 1938 adding a long low stone building to the town side of the original. A gable was provided to the forecourt side of the new booking hall to provide additional natural light within. A long glass and metal canopy was constructed along the platform, but otherwise there was use of SR precast concrete structures. Long associated with push-pull services at peak times the branch was also served by through coaches attached to the local and also by through trains. Larger than the usual engines on the branch could be turned on the turntable - just - and sidings in the goods yard were pressed into service for coach storage. When the M7s were withdrawn they were replaced by BR Standard tank engines and tanks of LMS origin - ironically then working the branch in a less efficient manner having to run round at each end. |
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The local Purbeck stone built Station Master's cottage, an original
part of the station, pictured on 16 September 2000.
photograph by Colin Duff |
| The matching 1938 single storey addition showing the gable
window above the booking hall. This part of the station is now the Wilts and
Dorset bus station.
photograph by Colin Duff |
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The goods shed pictured in spring 1983. It now serves as the Swanage
Railway's carriage and wagon restoration works.
photograph by Colin Duff |
All photographs are copyright
First | 2nd
This page was last updated 19 February 2003
