Last week’s mystery photograph generated plenty of lively discussion on social media and congratulations to everyone who guessed it correctly.
The photo was in fact, Clutton GWR Station.
One lovely message we received from Edward Oldman said: "I believe the mystery photograph is of GWR Clutton Station. I remember it well because I proposed to my late wife, Mabel, there just before it closed in 1959."
Eric Brain wrote in and added: “I knew immediately where this picture was taken, as its location is just 100 meters from my house. It’s a well-known view of Clutton GWR Station looking South West, with Marsh Lane Bridge visible in the background. The picture is in fact one of a series of "Collinson" postcard photographs, now prized by collectors.”
Clutton railway station, located in Somerset, served the village of Clutton from its opening in 1873 until it closed to passengers in 1959. Part of the Great Western Railway’s Bristol and North Somerset line, it was a key link for local commuters and played an important role in transporting coal from the nearby Somerset Coalfield.
The station had a classic GWR design, with a large canopy and ornate chimneys typical of the era. However, with the rise of more efficient bus services and financial difficulties in the 1950s, the station saw a decline in use. It eventually stopped all services, including goods traffic, in 1964. Despite its closure, the station remains a point of local interest, especially for railway enthusiasts and historians.
There are several proposals to reopen the railway line, including the branch line from Frome to Radstock. A 2014 consultation report estimated that reinstating service on this branch would cost around £40 million. The possibility of opening a heritage railway line has also been discussed.
Congratulations to all who identified the station correctly, best of luck with this week’s mystery photo challenge. We look forward to seeing your guesses and appreciate your continued participation