Burnham-On-Sea is to mark the 160th anniversary of the first passenger train arriving in the town with several historical events today (Thursday).
Thursday 3rd May is the exact anniversary of the first passenger train coming to Burnham railway station.
The station was located in what is now Burnham’s Pier Street and Old Station Approach – as pictured here.
To commemorate the event several activities are planned by local historians and the North Sedgemoor Local History Group.
Shortly after 10am, a steam-driven traction engine will arrive at the Buffer Stops at the top of Pier Street.
At 11am, there will be a ceremony to unveil a memorial plaque on the Buffer Stop commemorating the important date 160 years ago.
The Burnham Railway Heritage Group also have a model of Burnham’s railway, made by Burnham & District Model Railway Club, on show in the tourist information centre on the seafront.
There will also be a guide available for people wishing to ‘walk the old line’ as far as Apex Park and find out more information.
The commemorations will continue on Sunday May 6th when the West Huntspill Model Engineering Society will be running Somerset & Dorset Railway themed miniature trains on their site at West Huntspill Memorial Playing Fields, New Road, West Huntspill from 12 midday until 4pm.
BBC Somerset will broadcasting from the seafront during today.
John Strickland from the North Sedgemoor Local History Group, says: “In May 1858 there was a full day of celebrations with a gun salute from the Pier Hotel and a celebratory lunch at the Clarence Hotel to mark the occasion.”
“There was a procession around the streets with bunting and banners flying from shops and houses, and entertainment on the seafront.”
“There was much celebration and Mr George Reed publicly opened the new jetty when the first steamer, Iron Duke, came along side with visitors from Cardiff and welcomed the arrival of train passengers from the Somerset Central Railway and the Bristol and Exeter Railway.”
