From Brislington to Clifton Bridge to Portishead - these stations all closed more than 50 years ago
Before the boom in car travel, people in Bristol could take a train from the city centre to all four corners of the city and surrounding area. Whether it be jumping on the Midland Railway to Staple Hill, or boarding the Bristol and North Somerset Railway to Brislington, the railways, along with the tramways, were a viable, if not sometimes unreliable, option to get around the city.
Today, it’s a different story with many of the tracks pulled up and stations demolished and replaced with other developments. Oh wouldn’t hindsight have been helpful as now city leaders look for ways to introduce greener transport schemes to reduce congestion and pollution in the city. This includes the planned opening of eight new railway stations in the city.
But enough of pondering the demise of the old railway network - here’s a chance to look back at the glory of the railways in Bristol, and the many stations across the city. Some of which you’d struggle today to find where they were even located.
If you know of any we have missed, or have pictures you’d like to share, contact us at [email protected]
More famous for its viaduct, the village of Pensford also had a station from 1873 to 1964. It was a stop on the Bristol and North Somerset Railway, and was situated between Whitchurch Halt and Clutton.
10. Portishead
The main stop in the town on the Bristol and Portishead Pier and Railway. It was opened in 1867 - but closed in 1954 to make way for Portishead B power station. A replacement town station was built, but closed in 1964. There was also a Portishead Pier station, which opened 1970, and closed in 1904.
11. St Anne’s Park
The station opened in 1898 on the main railway line from Bristol to London. It was situated near Wick Road. Its closure left the constituency of Bristol East with no railway stations - however, plans are afoot to reopen the station with campaigners waiting on the Government on a potential business case for the project. it is claimed it would help relief pressure on the A4 Bath Road.
12. Bristol St Philip’s
This small station was opened on the Bristol and Gloucester Railway in 1870. It had a single platform and was a stop for services heading between Bristol and Bath Green Park via Mangotsfield. It was close to Old Market, which was badly damaged during the Second World War. It closed to passengers in 1953, and to freight in 1967.
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