2-913-589 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the North Devon Railway - Arrival of the Train at Barnstaple, 1854. 'The opening of a further portion of this Railway will, doubtless, be fully appreciated by tourists in search of the picturesque, during the present season. The line follows the valley of the Taw, and will be of the greatest value to a large agricultural district, both for the conveyance of manures and farm produce; at the same time it will open to the tourist an easy access to the delightful scenery...of the north coast...Upon the arrival of the train at the Barnstaple Station, a congratulatory address was read by Mr. L Bencraft, the Town-clerk...The Freemasons of the district, in full costume, were assembled on the platform; and corn, oil, and wine having been poured out as an oblation, the Provincial Grand Chaplain offered up a prayer for the prosperity of the undertaking'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.