Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Company Limited History and Facts

The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Company Limited has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It was formed in 1897 to build a railway line connecting the towns of Lynton and Barnstaple in Devon, England.

The company's primary objective was to provide a more efficient and scenic route for passengers and goods between these two towns. The railway was designed to be a narrow gauge line, with a track gauge of 2 feet 3 inches.

The construction of the railway was a significant undertaking, with a team of skilled engineers and laborers working tirelessly to complete the project. The line was finally opened on June 1, 1898.

The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Company Limited has been a subject of interest lately, with several developments worth noting. The company's financial struggles are well-documented, with the railway operating at a loss from the start.

In 1898, the company's financial situation worsened, and it was forced to close temporarily due to lack of funds. The railway reopened in 1901, but it continued to operate at a loss.

The company's financial struggles were a major concern for its investors, who were eager to see a return on their investment. Despite efforts to improve the railway's finances, it remained a burden on the company.

The railway's financial woes were exacerbated by the high cost of maintenance and the limited revenue generated from passenger and freight traffic. In 1935, the company was finally able to break even, but it was a short-lived success.

The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Company Limited was a significant player in the region's transportation history. The railway was opened in 1898 with the enthusiastic support of local landowner and publisher, Sir George Newnes.

The railway had a total of six stations, including Barnstaple Town, Chelfam, Bratton Fleming, Blackmoor, Woody Bay, and Lynton & Lynmouth. Each station provided a vital connection for the local community.

The railway's route was carefully designed to follow the contours of the countryside, with a gradient of 1:50 for much of its length. This allowed for a smoother ride and easier maintenance.

The line featured 80 bridges, with the most impressive being the 70-foot high, eight-span Chelfam viaduct. This structure is still the largest narrow gauge railway structure in the British Isles.

The railway operated with a fleet of locomotives, including three 2-6-2 Manning Wardle tank locomotives and a Baldwin 2-4-2T locomotive. These locomotives were later repainted in Southern Railway livery after the line was absorbed into the company in 1923.

The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust is currently working to restore the railway, with 0.9 miles of track already relaid at Woody Bay. The plan is to rebuild the majority of the railway in phases, with some sections already in private ownership.

Here is a list of the railway's key features: