Station History

Edited from ‘The Building of the Plymouth, Devonport & South Western Junction Railway’ by Stephen Fryer; published by Stephen Fryer 1997

The first railway line opened in England in 1825. Tavistock (North) Railway Station opened to much acclaim and fanfare in 1890, as part of the Plymouth Devonport & South Western Junction Railway. The inception through to the construction of the line (Plymouth to London) and Tavistock (North) Railway Station took nine long years, 1881-1890.

Work began in 1887 at a cost of £793,000 (about £110 million today). During the construction of the station and line it was estimated there were 2,000 navvies (Irish workmen), 7 locomotives and 150 horses at work. As a work of engineering skill the line was unsurpassed in its day. There were 76 bridges, 3 tunnels, 6 viaducts and numerous cuttings and embankments along its length.

Tavistock Viaduct spans several streets in the town below. There are five spans of 50 feet and three spans of 32 feet. Tavistock (North) Station was the second largest on the line, covering about five acres. The Station differs in design from the others on the line. It was built from Dartmoor granite, with dark mortar and blue brick facings, from Gunnislake. The roof slate came from Mill Hill Quarry and the ragstone from Princetown.

Following the Beeching Report Tavistock Station closed its doors in 1968. The Station Master and his wife remained, living in the Station Master’s house, renaming it Beeching’s Folly. A portion of the land was purchased by the council and offices now stand in the old station grounds, along with a small residential development. The viaduct is now a nature reserve and cycle route.

In 1999 the Station was sold to a family. During the sale English Heritage listed the building as Grade II – a site of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it.

In 2007 the next chapter in the Station’s eventful history began when it was purchased by Jenny and Codge Rogers.

Station Historical Timeline

July 19 1889 - Tavistock Station completed.
April 1890 - Major Mandarin from the Board of Trade examined the line and passed it.
May 1890 - Line opens for freight traffic.
June 2 1890 - Official opening of the Plymouth, Devonport and South Western Junction Railway.
1923 - PDSWJR incorporated in the Southern Railway.
1 Jan 1948 - British Rail created.
post 1948 - The suffix North was added to the name of the station, to distinguish between the ex GWR and SR stations.
1963 - Southern Region (SR) lines transferred to control of Western Region.
6 May 1968 - The last trains left Tavistock Railway Station.
May 1999 - English Heritage listed the Station.
May 2007 - Tavistock Station sold to private purchasers.
May 2008 - Tavistock Station renovated and remodelled into three holiday houses.