Location type

Name and dates

Note: text in square brackets is added for clarity and was not part of the location's name.

Description

This was the terminus of the Launceston and South Devon Railway an extension from Tavistock [GWR] of the South Devon and Tavistock Railway from Plymouth (Tavistock Junction). It was a generously built terminus in the north of Launceston, with the line approaching from the east. The passenger station was to the south of the layout, with an engine shed to the east and goods yard to the north.

The North Cornwall Railway, with its competing Launceston [LSWR] station, opened in 1886. The new station, a through station after extension in 1892, was built to the south of the terminus.

A connection was put in between the lines in 1943 by the Railway Executive. This allowed trains approaching from the east on the Tavistock [GWR] line to enter the Launceston [LSWR] station. The connection was made between the station and where the lines crossed to the east.

Launceston [GWR] station closed to passengers in 1952 and completely in 1962. (Launceston [LSWR] survived until 1966.)

The site of both stations is now an industrial estate. Launceston station, terminus of the Launceston Steam Railway, opened to the west of Launceston [LSWR] on the former trackbed.

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