Extracts from 'The
Barnstaple to Minehead Railway'. Published 1935 by
L.T.Catchpole
The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway (L&B) opened as
an independent railway in May 1898 as a single track narrow-gauge
railway just over 19 miles (30 km) long running through the rugged and
picturesque area bordering Exmoor in North Devon, England. Although opened
after the 1896 Light Railways Act, it was authorised under its own Act of
Parliament and built to higher (and more costly) standards than others of the
time.
Following the opening of the Devon and Somerset
Railway to Barnstaple, there were calls for an extension to serve the twin
villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, which were popular with holiday-makers.
Through the middle of the 19th century, several schemes were proposed, from
both established railway companies and independent developers. One scheme
suggested electric power, while another proposed a line from South Molton.
None of these schemes offered sufficient prospects to encourage investment,
and few got further than initial plans.
the original device
Due to the difficult terrain, one scheme suggested a gauge of 1 ft 11.5 in
(597 mm), already in use on the Festiniog Railway and elsewhere, to ease
construction. This scheme was supported by local landowner Sir George Newnes,
who became chairman of the new company. The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Bill
was passed on 27 June 1895, and the line opened on 11 May 1898 with public
service commencing on 16 May.
Sir George Newnes
This scheme did not however meet with universal enthusiasm. From the
beginning there were doubts as to the intentions of the promoters. Although
often attributed to the difficult terrain, many of the sinuous curves and
deviations were due to resistance by local landowners along parts of the
route.
early days at Blackmoor Station
A guide published whilst the line was being built stated:
“ On the highest point at Lynton a pretentious mansion has been built for
himself by the proprietor of a certain well known publication, whom some look
on as the benefactor and others as the evil genius of the place. Through his
enterprise it is that the "lift" was made in 1888, to be cursed by
conservative and artistic souls, but blessed by unwieldy bodies and rheumatic
limbs; he has also favoured the railway, now a 'fait accompli', and the pier
which seems so much wanted. Yet whatever may be said of the railway, there is
good reason for doubting if the pier would be a real advantage. It would
certainly flood the place with a class of excursionists for whom there is
little accommodation, and on whom, for the most part, its characteristic
beauties would be thrown away.”
The line was a modest success and earned a small return for its shareholders.
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