2-913-590 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

High-Street, Barnstaple, 1854. Celebrations at the opening of the North Devon Railway. 'The day was set aside for general rejoicing throughout the whole district...A procession, headed by a troop of the North Devon Mounted Rifles, then formed, which included the Mayors and Town-councils of Exeter, Barnstaple, Bideford, Torrington, Southmolton, the Lodge of Odd Fellows and Freemasons, trades unions, railway directors, magistrates and gentry of the county, accompanied by several bands of music, and appropriate flags, banners, and devices. The procession marched through the principal streets of the town, which were spanned by triumphal arches, gaily decorated, and crowded with thousands of spectators, who came from far and near to witness the arrival of the first train'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.