Signalling history
The Severn Valley Railway was opened to traffic on 17 January 1862 from Shrewsbury to Hartlebury. Thereafter connections were opened to Tenbury in August 1864, from Bewdley to Kidderminster on 1 June 1878. Branches were also constructed from Buildwas to Much Wenlock and Coalbrookdale. There were originally five places on the line between Hartlebury and Kidderminster where trains could be crossed, Stourport, Bewdley, Bridgnorth, Ironbridge, and Buildwas. Trains were signalled by telegraph. This required each Station Master or Signalman to seek permission for a train to enter a section by exchanging beats on a telegraph instrument and “pegging” the instrument to a particular indication. The late 19th century was a time of major…
Running In
Running in boards show the name of the station, to inform passengers of their location when the train enters the station. A two-platform station has a board on each platform, situated near that end of the platform to which trains serving the platform run in – hence running in board. During the second world war, running board were removed or obscured to prevent discovery of their location. A major project for our maintenance team has been the creation of a new running in board for platform 1, in matching long-lasting materials to that recently made for platform 2. The backboard is of tricoya, a high-performance exterior mdf panel with…
Welcome
Welcome to the spiritual home of the Severn Valley Railway, where it all began in 1965 when a group of enthusiasts chose this location to try to reopen a closed line that had originally opened in 1862 – and became one of the first in the country. We are now the northern terminus of a world renowned heritage steam railway with an industry leading collection of beautifully restored carriages, expertly maintained locomotives, and loving recreated stations and artefacts. Bridgnorth Station building is unique in being Grade II listed and sited in the conservation area. This brings challenges and responsibilities, which we embrace with enthusiasm and pride. We warmly welcome…
