The Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway (the S&D was known affectionately as the Swift & Delightful or Slow & Dirty) was a rural railway that once ran through the heart of the West Country, linking Bath and Bournemouth. Shepton Mallet played a key role in the history of this iconic line, serving as an important stop along its scenic and often challenging route.
The Arrival of the Railway
The railway reached Shepton Mallet in 1862 when the Somerset Central Railway extended its line from Glastonbury. A year later, the company merged with the Dorset Central Railway, forming the Somerset and Dorset Railway. The line was originally intended to improve transport links for local industries, particularly agriculture and quarrying, which were vital to the town’s economy. The railway provided a crucial link for goods and passengers alike, enabling faster and more efficient transport than had previously been possible.
Shepton Mallet’s Railway Stations
Shepton Mallet was served by two stations:
- Shepton Mallet (High Street) – This was a small station on the original Somerset & Dorset route, located near the town centre. It primarily handled passengers and local freight but was closed to passengers in 1905 and later to goods in 1963.
- Shepton Mallet (Charlton Road) – Opened in 1874, this station was part of the extension towards Bath. It was larger and more significant than High Street station, serving as the primary railway hub for the town. Charlton Road station handled both passenger traffic and goods, particularly stone from the nearby quarries.
Doubling of the Somerset & Dorset Line
As traffic on the Somerset and Dorset Railway increased, sections of the line were upgraded to accommodate growing demand. The stretch of railway passing through Shepton Mallet was originally built as a single track, but it was later doubled in 1892 to include separate up and down lines, allowing trains to pass more efficiently and improving overall capacity. This work included modifications to existing infrastructure, such as widening embankments, strengthening bridges, and altering station layouts. The doubling of the line was crucial in handling both passenger and freight transport, particularly as the demand for quarried stone from the region grew.
The Viaducts of Shepton Mallet
The Somerset and Dorset Railway’s route through Shepton Mallet required the construction of several impressive viaducts to navigate the town’s challenging terrain. Three significant viaducts were built:
- Ham Wood Viaduct – This viaduct carried the railway across a deep valley near Ham Wood. Built with solid stone piers and elegant arches, it was a key structure enabling the line to maintain its gradient through the area.
- Bath Road Viaduct – Spanning one of Shepton Mallet’s main thoroughfares, this viaduct was a well-known landmark in the town. It provided an elevated crossing over Bath Road, allowing trains to pass above the busy street without disrupting local traffic.
- Kilver Court Viaduct – Perhaps the most famous of the three, Kilver Court Viaduct is an architectural masterpiece. Originally constructed by the Somerset & Dorset Railway, it has since been preserved as a striking feature of the Kilver Court gardens. The viaduct’s grand arches and imposing presence make it a defining feature of Shepton Mallet’s railway heritage.
These viaducts were essential to maintaining a smooth and efficient railway line through Shepton Mallet, and they remain important historical structures, with some still accessible for public viewing.
Construction of the Shepton Mallet Tunnels
One of the most impressive engineering feats along the S&D was the construction of the Shepton Mallet tunnels. These tunnels were necessary to navigate the hilly terrain surrounding the town. The longest of these, Windsor Hill Tunnel, stretches for over 500 yards and was excavated through solid rock. Built using manual labor and early mechanized techniques, the tunnels required significant effort, with workers enduring tough and often dangerous conditions.
The work involved drilling and blasting through limestone, with frequent collapses and water ingress presenting considerable challenges. Despite these difficulties, the tunnels were successfully completed, providing a vital link through Shepton Mallet and allowing the railway to continue its route towards Bath.
During the construction of the first tunnel, four navvies lost their lives in a rockfall on 18 August 1873. They are buried in Shepton Mallet cemetery, and their tombstone is made from part of the stone that killed them.
Winsor Hill Signal Box
Just north of the Winsor Hill tunnels , situated between both lines, remain the foundations of the only stone built signal box on the S&D. The signal box controlled the entrances to the sidings serving quarries on both side of the tracks. Both quarries closed soon after the end of the Second World War, and the signal box closed in 1948.
Post-Railway Use of the Shepton Mallet Tunnels
After the closure of the railway in 1966, the Shepton Mallet tunnels found new uses. Windsor Hill Tunnel, in particular, has been repurposed for a variety of purposes over the years. It has been used for storage and as a secure facility for maturing cheese, taking advantage of its naturally cool and stable conditions. Additionally, the tunnels have been explored by railway enthusiasts and urban explorers fascinated by their history.
In 1968 Rolls Royce used the longer down tunnel to test their Olympus jet engine for Concorde. Both ends of the tunnel were covered with massive steel doors and its enclosed, controlled environment made it ideal for running high-powered engines without disturbing nearby communities. They ran an engine without oil, expecting it to blow up within 20 minutes. Apparently the engine ran for over two hours before it was destroyed.
The Role of the Railway in Local Industry
Shepton Mallet’s economy was historically tied to industries such as brewing, agriculture, and quarrying. The railway was essential for transporting stone from the nearby quarries, which supplied high-quality limestone used in construction across the country. The ease of transporting these heavy materials via rail rather than horse-drawn carts transformed the industry, allowing for expanded production and trade. Additionally, Shepton Mallet’s brewing industry benefited from access to wider markets through the railway.
The Decline and Closure
Despite its importance to local communities, the Somerset & Dorset Railway faced increasing financial difficulties throughout the 20th century. Competition from road transport and declining passenger numbers led to its inclusion in the infamous Beeching cuts of the 1960s. Shepton Mallet (Charlton Road) station closed along with the rest of the main line in 1966, marking the end of an era. The last ever train ran on March 6 1966.