Useful Books: Railway History

 

As always, these are books that I've personally found very useful and also enjoyable to read. I've only got five books for this category; three which are useful sources for local branch lines here in East Devon and the other two  general railway history ones. 

Unfortunately I chose the wrong day to photograph these as the sun was in and out intermittently. I could have waited for a better day but the weather can't be guaranteed and I also tend to be somewhat impatient once I set my mind to something! Apologies for them being so bad. When I've got a moment I might replace them for better ones.

Main Line To The West

The Southern Railway Route between Basingstoke & Exeter - Part Three

Yeovil to Exeter by John Nicholas and George Reeve

Irwell Press Limited 2019. ISBN: 978-1-906919-03-0

This first one is rather large, extremely heavy and chocfull of the most amazing information. It also has a very long title! I haven't read it all - just the parts concerning my local branch lines along this route as well as other bits of research.

Incredibly useful, it contains so much information all in one place together with many photos, illustrations, maps and diagrams showing the line formation along each station as well as the buildings and where they're situated.  

THE BRANCH LINES Of DEVON

Exeter, South, Central & East Devon by Colin G Maggs

Amberley Publishing 2011. ISBN: 978-1-84868-350-1

A much thinner book but with particular emphasis on the specific branch lines in these areas. This is Part One. Part Two covers Plymouth, West and North Devon, which I don't have. Checking it out I see that Mr Maggs has covered a lot of counties in other branch lines books, so it's something to look out for if anyone wants info for their own area.

The branch lines covered in my East Devon area are Axminster to Lyme Regis in Dorset, Seaton Junction to Seaton, Sidmouth, Exmouth, Exeter and the others in Central and South Devon. There are stacks of B&W photos from when they were in operation, which is lovely to see, as well as all the information.

Three of them have been preserved and repurposed, including our Seaton to Colyton line, which is now a working tramway.

It's particularly interesting to see how the ones I've explored looked back then. Below can be seen a photo of Cannington Viaduct when it was being built in 1902 and I'm so chuffed I managed to walk along it when disused and overgrown. The blog article can be seen here.

The Sidmouth, Seaton & Lyme Regis Branches by Colin Maggs & Peter Paye

The Oakwood Press 1977. No ISBN in this book.

Also by Colin Maggs along with Peter Paye, this contains a lot of written information, including interesting and useful snippets about local history and landmarks. It's a decent small size and light for carrying in a map pocket or backpack.

The central pages contain black and white photos. I was particularly delighted with the top right one seen below. A picture of Axminster railway station, the chimney stacks shown here are huge, tall things. However, they were pared down to the smaller base later on. The article about the station can be seen here. 

Apart from that there are the branch line maps, as seen below.

Victorian Railway Stations by Trevor Yorke

Countryside Books 2021. ISBN: 978-1-84674-335-1

This is fabulous for anyone who's interested in the architecture of stations built during Victorian times, many of which are still in situ, and with loads of photos, illustrations and diagrams throughout.

The first chapter deals with the history and style, followed by chapters concentrating on separate timelines, from the 1820s up to 1890s and 1900s, and culminating in stations of the 20th century, preserved heritage railways and Victorian stations to visit.

As well as lots of history there is also emphasis on the architecture and details, which is just my thing! About the author, Trevor Yorke has written dozens of books about buildings and other edifices throughout Britain. I now have 23 of his books and have read all but two. I'd thought about doing a write-up about the ones I have but it would be far too long! I might do something though as I can't praise his books too much.

Britain's Railway Architecture & Heritage by Trevor Yorke

Countryside Books 2013. ISBN: 978-1-84674-309-2

Similar to the previous book, and by the same author, this also encompasses the history of the railway and those buildings built since its conception.

It also includes some great chapters on bridges, viaducts and tunnels, with section drawings of how they were built. Many photos and illustrations are also liberally sprinkled throughout.

Other sections include hotels, which were built specifically for rail travellers, seen above, and the interesting and oftentimes lovely embellishments and small details, seen below.

Again, apologies for the photos. The little digi point and shoot camera I use for this is self focussing but it doesn't always work. I may have been too close but I also couldn't see very well with the constant shifting of the light, plus I'm also partially sighted now - which isn't very good for a photographer!

Well that's all for this one. I have lots more categories for the Useful Books section, which will be coming throughout 2026.

And finally, I'd like to wish a happy New Year / Hogmanay to everyone who celebrates it and all the very best wishes to you all. :)

Phew, just about managed to finish that while it's still New years Eve, lol. The fireworks have started already. Time to get the sherry out! ;)