Station Name: WATTON (NORFOLK)

[Source: Glen Kilday]


Watton Station Gallery 4: March 1962 - July 2017


The attractive array of buildings seen from the station forecourt in March 1962. The two-storey building is the station master's house with single storey offices and waiting rooms alongside. An overhanging roof provides weather protection for passengers arriving or departing by road.
Photo by RM Casserley

Looking south from the single-track level crossing at Watton station in March 1962.
Photo by HC Casserley

The down platform at Watton station in March 1962. Although the station possesses a large number of barrows, (at lease six are seen here) the platform is devoid of any passengers wanting to use them.
Photo by HC Casserley

The station name board on the southbound platform in 1963. The board shows the station name as Watton (Norfolk). The station was originally called Watton but the Norfolk suffix was added 1 July 1923. This is usually done to avoid confusion with another station of the same name but there was no other Watton station. The coal yard is seen to the rear of the platform.
Photo from John Mann collection

A  clean ‘Derby Lightweight DMU waiting for departure to Thetford in April 1964 just a couple of months before closure of the line to passenger trains.
Photo from John Mann collection

A few passengers have alighted from a two-car Metropolitan Cammell DMU at Watton.  This afternoon train was from Swaffham to Thetford on 16 April 1964, just two months before closure.
Photo by David Pearson

The deserted northbound (Swaffham) platform in 1964 shortly after passenger services ceased to run. Goods traffic continued until 1965 between Swaffham and Watton. The gas lights are clearly seen. The windows on the upper floor of the station house have been bricked up for many years.
Photo from John Mann collection

The last passenger train - (left to right) Stanley Clarke (Station Master) watches Bernard Warren (Signalman) exchanging single line tokens with the train driver, David Grant.
Photo from Julian Horn collection

Unveiling a commemorative plaque on the industrial unit on the site of the railway station. Stanley Clarke the last station master is hidden except for his face. John Hill MP pointing at the plaque. The plaque survives in 2017, not quite covered by a tea stall!
Photo from Julian Horn collection

The industrial units at the junction with Norwich Road straddle the site of the platforms.  This scene in 1982: fortunately in 2017 the vicinity is tidier - the end unit is occupied by a company selling used Minis which are displayed on the grassed area, now well maintained.
Photo by John Mann

The former Railway Hotel in July 2017.  The railway crossed the road at an angle emerging down the side-road on the left and crossed Norwich Road.  The line was where the lower-roofed, nearest to the camera, part of  the modern apartment now sits.  Crossing gates protected the railway and road.
Photo by Glen Kilday

In July 2017 an industrial estate covers the station site.  This view is taken from the site of the signal box looking south.  The northbound platform would have been on the right hand side of the image.
Photo by Glen Kilday

 

 

 

[Source: Glen Kilday]




Last updated: Monday, 18-Dec-2017 17:01:22 CET
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