The Station Building
Embedded Files
The iconic station here was erected for the opening of the south line on 2nd August 1874 and the building was of the same design as that established at Port Erin Station but in local limestone whereas the latter was of slate; this limestone was quarried from the nearby Scarlett Point and was used in many local structures, notably the castle, town gasworks and many of the houses. It is the sole surviving original station from the opening and is a remarkable survivor largely in its original condition to this day.
A canopy and ornamental veranda were added in 1901 at the same time as the present goods shed was constructed. The building remains largely unchanged from its original condition today, save for the model railway room which was once the open-topped gentleman’s urinal, and later a store room after flat roof added in 1980. The current toilets originally formed the ladies waiting room and toilets as illustrated in the floorplan below showing the original configuration plus canopy which was removed in 1993 prior to restoration.
The classic view of the station in the summer of 2024, largely unchanged save for the new platforms and tree removals in more recent times, this is a popular viewpoint which has been used many times over the years.
The approach to the station from Station Road showing the modern archways which, until 1993, were window apertures with access via the now bricked-up door to the right into the waiting room, now a window.
This view dates from 1968 and shows the canopy and the open-roofed gents toilet block to the right before the flat roof was added, in need of repairs at the time, and retaining some of the decorative ridge tiles on the roofs.
The fireplace in the station master's office was reinstated by the Friends Of... in late 2011 and now forms the atmospheric period backdrop to the gift shop complete with period glazed tiles and brass triskelion completing the scene.
The modern partition wall splitting the office in two just prior to removal by the Friends Of.. volunteers in November 2011; this is now the gift shop area and the modesty screen retained to emulate the original which one stood here.
Period atmosphere achieved by the addition of replica notice boards and signage by the Friends Of... volunteers giving an authentic feel. The removal of the canopy in 1993 allowed a more original viewpoint such as this.
The annual floral displays on the up platform with the station prior to the removal of trees on the approach road in 2021, a welcome splash of colour. Tree roots were found to be causing damage to the footings of the historic structure.
Period luggage, weighing scales and old signage make for a picturesque view courtesy of the Friends Of... volunteers in this 2023 view with fire lit in the waiting room; this is a typical scene on any given operational day.
The original counter in the office with ticket hatch to the right during winter 2011-2012 workings by the Friends Of... volunteers; much of the interior is original only blighted in more recent times by modern operational equipment.
The bay window with its period displays in the window and integral clock facing the platform are part of the scene and have been overhauled by Friends... in recent times, including a replica of the original clock face since this view was captured.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse