After Mary Tavy & Blackdown, the next stop on the Plymouth to Launceston branch line was Lydford.
Lydford sits in an area of outstanding natural beauty, tucked below the high slopes of West Dartmoor—and its geography is genuinely interesting. To its eastern flank and the deep glacial valley of the river Lyd.
It was the highest station on the branch line, and back in October 1874, the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) pushed its line through from Okehampton and set up a terminus right next to the existing South Devon & Launceston Railway (SD&LR) station. Anyone heading onward to Plymouth had to switch trains there. Come May 1876, the LSWR gained running rights and started sending its trains over the SD&LR and South Devon lines straight through to Plymouth.
Photos of Lydford
This is a copy of an original photograph showing the two companies’ station at Lydford and 1900. View taken from Was Tor looking eastwards towards Black Down. Image by F. Firth & Co. Ltd.
A view taken from Plymouth to Exeter train on the SR main line, just south of Lydford. The WR Launceston to Plymouth branch train heads for Tavistock past Lydford down fixed distant. Date unknown. Image by L. Crosier.
Standing on the platform at Lydford GWR station showing the down platform and associated buildings. Date unknown. Image by Lens of Sutton.
A general view of Lyford GWR station, looking south, and showing a joint signal box and island up platform with the SR main line. Date unknown. Image by Lens of Sutton.
While crossing the track, always beware of trains. An up train from Launceston running bunker first, enters the northern end of Lydford station. In the distance can be seen the SR goods shed, sidings and main line. Date unknown. Image by L. Crosier.
The simple, but effective, BR station signboard at Lydford as it existed since modified in 1948. Image by L. Crosier.
Another lovely shot, as No 4567 approaches the station with the train from Launceston, having passed an antique tapered wooden signal post. The sidings ceased to be used in 1963. Taken 1962. Image by S. C. Nash.
2-6-2 tank, No 5544 with the up goods at Lydford on the 9th of June 1962. Image by R. A. Lumber.
Overview
The ex-GWR station is on the left; that company laid a siding on the alignment of the one in the foreground in 1886. Another was laid parallel to it and a third was provided straight ahead. This small goods yard was closed in 1917. Image by J. J. Smith.
A stunning overview of Lydford, shows the connecting line between the two systems was disused between 1915 and 1935 but restored in the summer of 1943, as a wartime measure. Three sidings (centre) and five more to the east (left) were laid at the time. No 5544 is entering the loop with a train from Plymouth. Taken in 1962. Image by J. J. Smith.
A Launceston to Plymouth train departs, as one arrives from Okehampton. At that time there was a footbridge over the Southern Region lines, but not over those of the Western. No trace of the buildings now remain. Date 1962. Image by J. J. Smith.
Another overview at Lydford, the signal box was opened on the 31st December 1916 and superseded the separate boxes on the route. There were two lever frames, back to back, one for each route. The otherwise separate stations each retained its previous owner’s nameboard. No footbridge was provided on the ex-GWR side, which lost its passenger service on the 29th December 196. Image by Lens of Sutton.
The Last Days of Service
This was the SR station during the last month of passenger service. Looking east with the Exeter to Plymouth local service arriving. The destruction of the GWR branch, running away to the far left of the picture is in evidence. Taken 7th of April 1963. Image by R. A. Lumber.
Here is another from the 7th April 1963, looking west with the Exeter to Plymouth local service leaving. Again, you can see the destruction of the GWR branch, towards Tavistock, but this time, also the World War II connection to the SR. Image by R. A. Lumber.
This image was taken 1966, the booking office continued in use until May 1968, when the alternative route to Plymouth closed. The signal box opened on the 8th January 1917; it had one lever frame behind these windows and another on the other side. Image by Wessex coll.
Lydford Today
Sadly, there is very little to see of Lydford via Google Maps. As I have said, I plan to visit the route this year and try and get some better shots.
This is an odd photo from Google Maps, and it shows the entrance to Station House, which was the location of Brentor. The top circle is the location of Lydford, which sadly, has no images for me to show you.
This road leads to where the station used to be, but this is as close as I can see.
It’s also a shame that I have no movie footage of the station, all dad and I filmed at the location in 1996, but again, there is very little to see. I have left dad’s original narration on this clip, as he has a better way of putting it than I ever could.
Next Up
Next on the line was Liddaton Halt, small, but certain not forgotten.
As always, a huge thank you to Anthony Kingdom and Middleton Press for use of their images above. As I have said before, if you love the history of the railways, Middleton Press have many books on the subject.
