Bridport’s Late First Train

Bridport Station opened on 12th November 1857 and a large crowd gathered in fine weather to view the first train’s departure for Maiden Newton due to leave at 8.15am. Many took the opportunity to travel on this train as Yeovil Fair was taking place on the same day. Unfortunately departure was delayed so the connection at Maiden Newton was missed. The Bridport station master was unable to issue all the tickets in time because of the numbers desirous of travelling. Next train connection to Yeovil did not arrive there until mid-day.

To celebrate the opening, a Grand Dinner was held at the Bull Inn in Bridport on the following Tuesday commencing ‘punctually’ at 5 o’clock. Tickets were priced at ten shillings and six pence (52.5p) to include wine. Mr Knight of the Bull Inn arranged a two horse omnibus for the convenience of passengers arriving and departing. A general holiday was declared in Bridport and most shops closed to enable the shop assistants to enjoy the celebrations.

A first special excursion train took passengers from Bridport directly to Paddington Station on the 8th December to visit the Great Cattle Show. Described as highly successful, around 50 people bought tickets.

It was expected that the railway would reduce the cost of coal brought from the Somerset coalfields and also bring more visitors to the town. From 1887 to 1902 this station was known as Bradpole Road to distinguish it from Bridport - East Street. The latter opened in March 1884 together with Bridport-West Bay. Bridport Station closed in 1975.

(Source: Bridport News - Saturday 21 November 1857.)

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