Princetown railway station, which commenced operations in 1883, served as the terminus for a 10.5-mile long single-track branch line in Devon, England, originating from Yelverton. Over time, the line incorporated four intermediate stops, including three halts and a fully-fledged station at Dousland.
The authorisation for the branch line was granted in 1878, and it officially opened on 11th August 1883. Princetown station boasted a single platform, a passing loop, a goods yard, a signal box, a goods shed, an engine shed capable of housing two locomotives, a carriage shed spanning 180 feet, and a turntable. At the time of the station’s opening, Yelverton served as the junction for the line. Three additional stations were later added to the line: Burrator and Sheepstor Halt in 1924, King Tor Halt in 1928, and Ingra Tor Halt in 1936. The route of the branch line closely followed the path of the former Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway. Freight transportation on the branch line included the conveyance of granite from the rail-served quarries at Swelltor and Foggintor, both of which ceased operations in 1906.
Until 1st January 1922, the Princetown Railway held ownership of the line, after which it merged with the Great Western Railway (GWR). In 1934 and 1938, the station provided accommodation for a GWR camp coach. With the nationalisation of railways in 1948, the line came under the control of British Railways (Western Region). Unfortunately, on 3rd March 1956, the line ceased operations and was subsequently closed. During 1960 all the station buildings were demolished.
“PRINCETOWN [GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY] opened 11 August 1883 (Tavistock 17th); closed 5 March 1956 (T 5th)” (source: here).
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