History of Bucknell Railway Station

During the 19th 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.

Excursion to Shrewsbury Flower Show

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