The Bristol and North Somerset Railway company opened a branch from Marsh Junction, near Bristol Temple Meads station to Radstock station in September 1873 later to be taken over by the Great Western Railway,
A single track route climbed out of Bristol through Brislington and Whitchurch, sweeping across Hursley Hill, through Pensford Station and crossing the 1000 foot long viaduct (100 feet high with 16 arches). Via the Chelwood Roundabout through Fry’s Bottom and down to Clutton Station.
Down Cloud Hill and Highbury Hill to Hallatrow Station, the line then began a gradual descent through the back of Tescos at Old Mills, through Welton station and into Radstock station, where it met the Frome branch, forming a 24 mile through route.
Clutton Railway Station c. 1959
Clutton Railway Station
The stations were all built by William Clarke of Westminster to his standard 4 or 5 bay configuration with tall chimneys and large flat canopy with toilets on the end, mostly in red brick with Bath Stone and lintels.
The branch had a passenger service and a daily connecting express off the Channel Islands boat train, which passed through 6:25 pm, but was built primarily to tap into the large Somerset coalfield, serving pits at Pensford, Frys Bottom, Greyfield, Farrington, Old Mills, Welton and Radstock along with stone traffic.
The line closed passengers in October 1959 before the Marples/Beeching cuts of 1963 to 1966. Steam hauled coal trains continued until May 1964 when diesels took over, with the Radstock to Bristol section of the line being closed on 10 July 1968, four days earlier than planned due to the great storm which washed away the road bridges at Pensford and Keynsham and did a great deal of damage.
The track was lifted in May 1969. At Clutton Station the road girder bridge was cut out in May 1970, the 63 foot long station building knocked into rubble and the signal box burnt down. The fencing and waiting shelter had already gone and finally the 500 foot platforms were filled to the brim with 4000 tons of rubble and earth.
Tim Venton's Model layout of Clutton Railway Station
Exhibited in "The Cabin" in 2005
Photograph - Alan Gray