Image Licensing : Bristol and Exeter Railway Station, Bristol, 1870

EDITORS COMMENTS

This evocative image captures the bustling activity at Bristol and Exeter Railway Station in Bristol, as it appeared in the late 1870s. The station, based at Temple Meads, was the headquarters for the Bristol and Exeter Railway, a significant railway company that played a crucial role in connecting the South West of England to the national rail network. The photograph showcases the grandeur and complexity of the railway station during this era. The main building is dominated by a large, ornate clock tower, which stands proudly at the centre of the station. Trains of various sizes and shapes are visible in the foreground, ready to depart or arrive at the platform. Passengers can be seen milling about, some waiting on the platform, while others are boarding or disembarking from the trains. To the right of the image, the Great Western Railway (GWR) station can be discerned, with its distinctive red-brick façade and tall chimneys. The GWR was a major rival to the Bristol and Exeter Railway, and the two companies often competed for passengers and routes. However, this image demonstrates the coexistence and integration of the two stations within the same complex. The photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing a window into the daily life of a bustling railway station during the Victorian era. The intricate details, from the passengers' attire to the trains themselves, offer a wealth of information about the social and technological context of the time. This image is an essential addition to any railway or social history collection and a testament to the rich heritage of the railways in the South West of England.