History of Bucknell Railway Station

 

During the 19^th century the railways were developed, and a line was opened in 1863 through central Wales from Shrewsbury via Craven Arms, to Swansea and Carmarthen. This was constructed by various gangs of men. In some places the track had to be pickaxed through solid rock.  Bucknell's station was opened in 1865 and th station was a very busy place. 

The line was in constant use for both goods and passenger traffic after the completion of the project.

Special Inspection Train c 1890
Inspectors working the line from Shrewsbury would make regular (unannounced) visits to check on maintenance standards along the line

The railway must have brought a very altered life to the village of Bucknell; now there was access to almost any part of the country.

Bucknell station staff c1909
L-R Back row: Jim Johnson (signalman), Cedric Wilcox (porter), Bill Wilcox, (warehouseman) (front row) Charles Bowen (station master) Oswald Davies (booking clerk) William Stephens (head ganger) Oscar Evans (porter) Arthur Price (lengthman)

Bucknell station staff c1910

Various industries were started, a bark yard commenced (in the First World War) which later dealt with timber felling and a saw yard. A coal depot was formed in the station yard. Animals were transported, also horses and ponies for the famous Bron Fair.

The outlet by rail was invaluable, giving employment to a village which has been growing ever since.

The Beeching axe in the late 1950's very nearly finished off the railway for good and in spite of many local protests the goods traffic was removed; and although the passenger trains were saved, the line became a single track.

Bucknell railway station before the removal of the crossing gates and signal box

From being a thriving station, with a full staff, Bucknell is now an unmanned halt. However we are thankful we still have a railway.

Bucknell railway station today

Bucknell Station (panorama) Click inside the above picture, hold and drag the view to pan around use + & - keys to zoom in or out

Current  Train times (updated 03-Jun-08)


Please check local timetables before starting your journey or contact Kelsham Hanna at the Heart of Wales Line Travel Centre

at Llandrindod Wells Mon-Fri 06:45-16:30, Sat 006:45-12:00 (01957) 823607
or click here for  National Rail Enquiries

or click here for the new government Transport Direct website, the first complete transport journey planner for Great Britain

Real-time Information for Travellers - the station has a little blue box with a button that allows you to access real-time information about the arrival of your train.

Heart of Wales Line Arriva Trains

Trains on the Heart of Wales line run through this area, and stop at Bucknell and Hopton Heath.