Image Licensing : Purton Station on the Gloucester Line

EDITORS COMMENTS

This print from the STEAM Museum of the GWR takes us back in time to Purton Station on the Gloucester Line, when it proudly stood as a testament to the grandeur of broad gauge railway engineering. The image showcases a picturesque view of this historic station, complete with its magnificent road bridge spanning over tranquil waters. Opened in 1841, Purton Station served as a vital link between Wiltshire and Gloucestershire for over a century. This snapshot captures an approaching broad gauge locomotive, its powerful presence contrasting against the quaint charm of the station's architecture. As we gaze upon this scene frozen in time, we can almost hear the rhythmic chugging and feel the anticipation that once filled these platforms. Sadly, like many other stations across Britain's rail network, Purton Station met its demise in 1964. Yet through this photograph, we are granted an opportunity to relive its glory days and appreciate the legacy left behind by those who built and operated it. The image not only serves as a visual reminder of our rich railway heritage but also highlights how technology has evolved over time. It allows us to reflect on how far we have come since those early days of steam-powered locomotives thundering along tracks laid wider than their modern counterparts. As we admire this remarkable piece from STEAM Museum's collection, let us remember and celebrate all those who contributed to shaping our transportation systems into what they are today.