|
THE
RAILWAY
When
the railway was constructed it consisted of a single broad
gauge track, the width being 7ft 1/4inch, though the cuttings,
embankment and ballast were all built to take a double track
of broad gauge. It was planned to open the 91/2 mile track
from Bradford junction to Bathampton on 20th January, 1857,
but upon inspection by Col. Yolland, the permanent way was
found to be very rough, and the opening was postponed. After
further work this stretch of line was opened on 2nd February
1857. Between 18th and 22nd June, 1872, the track was converted
to the present gauge of 4ft 8ins, but was still a single
track. Conversion to the present double track was completed
on 17th May, 1885.
The
Kennet and Avon Canal was carried over the railway line
by a timber trough on brick abutments. lsambard Kingdom
Brunel, who was responsible for building the Great Western
Railway, considered the section of track at Avoncliff one
of the most difficult on the G.W.R., because of the hazard
of burrowing under the canal.
There
was originally no station at Avoncliff, though there were
stations at Freshford and Limpley Stoke. A platform was
constructed at Avoncliff in 1906. It must have been really
busy because the quarry firm at Westwood had tracks running
from the quarry, behind Avonvilla, across the aqueduct to
a stone-yard between the canal and the railway line on the
Bath (west) side of the aqueduct. Trucks, carried stone
to the stone-yard, where 60 men worked cutting stone; the
stone was then transported by rail, from the railway sidings
in the yard.
In
the early hours of the 8th of February 1998, a goods train
was derailed at Avoncliff; fortunately there were no injuries.
Rail workers worked continuously for 3 days to clear the
line and to repair the damage to the tracks.
In
the year 2000, the line through Avoncliff is part of the
main South Wales to the South coast of England line and
trains stop on request. At those times when the main line
is under repair, the track is used by High Speed trains
to London, via Westbury. Occasionally, the Orient Express
passes through the hamlet and, even more rarely, steam trains.
Both provide a contrast to the regular commuter trains and
the high-speed Inter City Expresses.
|
INTRODUCTION
THE
RESIDENTS
THE
AQUEDUCT
THE
MILLS
THE
CROSS GUNS
ANCLIFF
SQUARE
ANCLIFF
DOWN
THE
KENNET AND AVON CANAL
THE
BOAT PEOPLE
THE
RAILWAY
______________________
Related
links
Map
www.railtrack.co.uk
|
