Local history

Some may know it as the bottom end of the Devon Coast to Coast cycle route, but the stretch between Plymouth's Millbay and Tiverton used to be the South Devon and Tavistock railway line.

The line, constructed by Brunel, passed through the Plym and Walkham valleys, ending at Tavistock South station. There were stops in between - such as Bickleigh and Horrabridge.

There were also some of Brunel's amazing architectural features, including Walkham Viaduct.

Horrabridge Station (Dartmoor Archive)

The line was officially opened on 21 June 1859 - 150 years ago - but passenger trains stopped running in 1962.

Remnants of the railway line remain along the route and you can still take a two-mile train ride from Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge, thanks to the hard work of the Plym Valley heritage railway which bought it from the British Railways Property Board.

To mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the line, an exhibition is being held at Tavistock Library and Plymouth's Central Library - some of the photos on show have never been on public display before.

The exhibition is organised by Graham Kirkpatrick, a third generation railwayman. He says that although the line has long since gone, it is part of the area's history.

"It was a Brunel design," said Graham. "He took over the construction from another chap who died unfortunately. Brunel always had several jobs on at the same time, and this was no different.

Clearbrook Halt on the Tavistock Line (Peter Gray)

"It was typical of that time for a company to be set up by local people, with the support of the Great Western, who always wanted to extend their routes. And so the South Devon and Tavistock Railway Company was set up.

"Great Western supported them with locomotives and in due course took over entirely.

"The line has some of Brunel's remarkable features. Walkham Viaduct was one of his timber viaducts. It's gone completely except for one abutment.

"And there is absolutely nothing left of the Tavistock South station either, unlike Tavistock North which is now holiday accommodation.

"We've had a lot of support from the libraries, which have dug out old books and photos, and there is a lot of interest in the exhibition."

The exhibition is at Tavistock Library from 20 June 2009 for an unlimited time. Some of the Plymouth exhibits will also be on show in the local studies centre at the city's Central Library.