Bristol might today just be served by six major railway routes - but 50 years ago, before the infamous Beeching Cuts, there were many more with evidence still visible of some of the routes now, including the Mangotsfield and Bath branch line which now serves as the Bristol to Bath railway path.
Another old line still visible is the Portishead Railway with disued stations at Ashton Gate and Clifton Bridge - however, this line could soon be brought back into use after plans to reopen it took a major step forward earlier this month.
Other routes are harder to find. The Bristol and North Somerset Railway, which included Brislington and Whitchurch among its stops, is one which only becomes clear in Pensford where the viaduct once carrying trains still stands proudly.
With each line lost many stations also went. And some stations along current lines have also gone. Here’s a look back at some of the stations, plus still some in use today, including Bristol Temple Meads:
1. Ashley Hill Railway Station
Children from the Ashley Down Orphan Homes, opened by George Muller, at Ashley Hill Railway Station in the 1900s. The station was on the Bristol and South Wales Union Line. It opened in 1864, and closed in 1964. The line is still used for trains running between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway. | Know Your Place
2. Ashton Meadows Sidings - connected to Ashton Gate Railway Station
Picture taken in 1913 shows Ashton Meadows on the lefthand side, with the River Avon and Clifton Suspension bridge in the background. The sidings came off the Great Western Railway at Ashton Gate Railway Station, between Parson Street and Clifton Bridge stations. | Know Your Place
3. St Anne’s Park Railway Station
The station was the first stop on the Great Western Main Line from Bristol Temple Meads towards Keynsham. It was opened in 1898 and closed in 1970. In 1966 19 passengers were injured when a train hit the rear of another at the station. There are calls to reopen the station. | Know Your Place
4. Brislington Railway Station
Opening in 1873, the station was a passenger and goods stop on the Bristol and North Somerset Railway. It stood in a location off Tabot Road close to where the Tesco in Callington Road stands today. The station closed in 1963. | Vaughan Postcards