Station still open but included for completeness

[Source: Darren Kitson]

Looking at the vehicles present, this south-facing view from the road bridge was taken at a different time to the previous view but not too far apart and still 1937 or later but likely prior to the outbreak of war in 1939. The siding branching off on the right splits into the two mileage sidings on the site of the former tramway wharf while a third siding serves the north end dock. The roof of the original goods shed can be seen beyond the right hand side of the footbridge and along with the sidings on the Up side of the line an idea of the quite extensive goods facilities can be had. The mileage sidings had no connection with the goods yard proper at the south end of the station other than via the main line, the open area at right centre background being the station forecourt. Arguably, therefore, not the best use was made of the available land and this was a legacy of the OW&WR inheritance of the former horse tramway, its wharf and the need to divert the tramway into its station.
Photo from John Mann collection

A good comparison with the previous view is this one taken on a rather gloomy day in May 2023. While the station retains its brick-built building on the Down side it is otherwise now a very basic affair and the extended Up platform makes it hard to appreciate it was once an island platform. The former creamery buildings now form part of Fosseway Business Park, formerly Great Western Business Park as indicated by the now-dilapidated imitation BT totem sign on the fence. The wooden building on the left is not as ancient as it may appear, having been built around the time United Dairies took over the operation in 1937. What looks like a section of platform below the dilapidated sign may have been precisely that or it may have merely been a retaining wall, this is unclear and it can be seen in the aerial views. The 1930s building, with the creamish coloured walls, has had its front elevation altered since rail traffic ceased although this change is out of view due to camera angle. The chimney still stands but is gradually becoming engulfed by trees. On the right a supermarket and its car park now occupies the site of the former tramway wharf. Note, centre right, the surviving concrete lamp post which was no doubt a product of the railway's Taunton Concrete Works. Similar in style to the Southern Railway's examples, Moreton-in-Marsh station was re-equipped with these lamp posts when electricity replaced gas for lighting. The gas lamp which this particular concrete example replaced can be seen in the previous photograph.
Photo by Greg Wheeler


 

 

 

[Source: Darren Kitson]

 




Last updated: Thursday, 18-Apr-2024 15:40:45 CEST
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