A History of the Berks and Hants Line Volume 2: Westbury to Taunton (RCTS)

£30.00

“Berks and Hants Line Volume 2 – Westbury to Taunton” is the author’s follow-on to his volume, produced in 2014, which covers the Reading to Westbury section. Peter Simmonds, is a member of the RCTS and has spent over 25 years researching the line’s history, visiting numerous archives, libraries, parliamentary archives and making endless requests for information from sources mentioned in this title.

The detailed information presented in this book follows the development of the route, starting with an overview of the area before the railways came, then covering the ideas proposed, and the ones that progressed to fruition. The story commences with the 1830s and follows the evolution of the line up to and including 1993. The line in its reduced form now serves as part of the main line to the west of England.

The data is supported by a myriad collection of historical material, posters, notices, tickets, plans, local announcements and public concerns or expectations. Maps of each defined area are included, plus information on all relevant Acts of Parliament that pertain to each section of railway opened or closed. All the known facts regarding GWR and LSWR involvement have been incorporated into the story and cover the progression of works, some in competition, some in agreement. 

27 colour and 80 black & white photographs, 42 miscellaneous images. Hardback. 160 pages.