Somerset & Dorset Railway

The railway was originally formed by the amalgamation of two separate companies: The Somerset Central Railway, which opened in 1854 and operated between Glastonbury and Highbridge and The Dorset Central Railway, which opened in 1860 and ran between Wimborne and Blandford Forum. In 1862, the two companies merged to form the Somerset & Dorset Railway, later extended to Bath and Bournemouth. By 1875, the line was leased jointly by the Midland Railway and the London and South Western Railway (LSWR). The S&D became known as “The Slow and Dirty” due to its steep gradients, numerous curves, and heavy coal traffic. However, it also earned the affectionate nickname “The Holiday Line” because it carried large numbers of tourists to the south coast, particularly Bournemouth. The line traversed challenging terrain, with famous sections like the Mendip Hills, Masbury Summit, and the Bath Extension, completed in 1874. It primarily served freight (coal and agricultural products) and passengers, connecting rural areas to larger towns and cities. By the mid-20th century, the S&D faced declining traffic due to road competition and changes in freight transport. The Beeching Report of the 1960s identified the S&D as uneconomical, leading to its closure. Despite local opposition, the last trains ran on 7 March 1966, marking the end of an era for this iconic line.