The Clutton Railway Lines
North Somerset Railway 1873
Greyfield Colliery Railway 1876
Frys Bottom Siding 1876
Camerton Branch Line 1882
Saturday 30 August 1873, Bristol Times and Mirror
We are happy to be able to inform the many thousands of persons interested in the progress and completion of the Bristol and North Somerset Railway that the Government Inspector, Col. Rich, has been over the line, and sanctioned its being opened for public traffic. The directors anxious to lose no time, have therefore announced that the railway will be opened on and from Tuesday next, the 2nd September. The line, as may be remembered, is to be worked by the Great Western Railway Company; and there are stations at Brislington, Whitchurch, Pensford (For Chew Magna, Chew Stoke, &c.) Clutton, Welton (for Midsomer Norton, Farrington Gurney, and Paulton), the terminus being Radstock.
Friday 5 September 1873, Shepton Mallet Journal
Clutton - The North Somerset Railway from Bristol to Radstock, was opened on Wednesday the 3rd inst, and as the weather was fine, a large number of passengers, not a few of whom had never been on a railway before, entered the trains from all the stations. The last train from Bristol, which starts at 7.30. was scarcely equal to the requirements of the numerous holiday people returning to their homes, but the day passed off very happily and without any mishap. It is probable that some public entertainment will be arranged, and a general holiday given in this village to celebrate the completion of this important work.
Saturday 6 September 1873, East Somerset Telegraph and General Advertiser
OPENING OF THE NORTH SOMERSET RAILWAY - This line, in connexion with the Great Western Railway Company, was formally opened Wednesday morning, when four trains travelled during the day from Radstock Bristol, the first starting at 6.15 in the morning; and four trains left Bristol for Radstock and intermediate stations of Brislington, Pensford, Clutton, Hallatrow and Welton, the first starting at 7:40 a.m. The amount of traffic was very promising, about 600 persons availing themselves of the day's trains, and for the last train back to Radstock there quite rush at the ticket office. The Great Western Railway Company have been issued time bills, with fares.
Clutton Railway Bridges
There is very little information available regarding the three Railway Bridges in Clutton (below). The maps below show the location of the bridges -
Bridges crossing Station Road and the bottom of Clutton Hill
Bridge leading from Greyfield Pit used to dump
the waste on the large spoil heap
Bridge demolished, now only the abutments remain
King Lane Bridge - Photograph Eric Brain
1844 to 1888 OS Map
1844 to 1888 OS Map
Burchills Bridge - Photograph Eric Brain
The one built by Evans of Paulton dated 1871 just past the scout hut and its partner (photograph above) nearby that also carried the B&NS (GWR) line over Clifford Maggs' cattle creep to the fields beyond Batch Farm.
1844 to 1888 OS Map showing the North Somerset Railway Bridge
Photograph - Alan Gray
Photograph Alan Gray
1844 to 1888 OS Map GWR Camerton Branch Railway Bridge