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OF all the beautiful scenery of which this county contains such endless variety, and which the numerous railways in other parts of the kingdom have opened to the view of. the Tourist, there is none that can outvie in novelty and picturesque effect that which the present line developes throughout its whole length. The South Devon Railway commences at the Exeter Station and Terminus of the Bristol and Exeter Railway, and reaches Plymouth within the distance of fifty-three miles. It is principally a single line, but with portions of it double, and with the electric telegraph laid along its whole extent. I. K. Brunel, Esq., the constructor of the Great Western Railway, was also the Engineer of this line, who in carrying out the work, availed himself of the abilities of our scientific townsman, Robert Dymond, Esq. The bill for its construction received the royal assent on the 4th of July, 1844; and it was commenced the same year, The first portion, as far as Teignmouth, was opened on the 31st of May, 1846; and the whole completed and opened into Plymouth on the 2nd of April, 1849. This line, originally constructed for the application of the atmospheric mode of traction, was., for some months, worked upon that principle between Exeter and Newton; but being found to be more expensive than locomotive power, it was abandoned. We leave the Exeter Station at the Terminus of the Bristol and Exeter Railway, crossing the River Exe in a skew direction, by a wooden bridge. We then continue on a gradual rising embankment to the old Okehampton road, which is crossed by another bridge. We have on our left the ancient and prominent remains of the old city walls and the numerous buildings which are thickly studded over the steep declivity that falls to the bank of the river Exe. On the right ,we observe the St. Thomas Union Workhouse, - the hills of Cleeve, and the grounds of Haccombe and Barley House, rising immediately behind it. From the bridge over the old Okehampton road, across Cowick-street, and on to the Alphington turnpike-gate, the line is carried on a viaduct, a quarter of a mile in length, consisting of sixty-two arches, about twenty feet from the level of the ground. In Cowick-street is the
This station affords accommodation to persons on the western and southern side of Exeter, and is much used, although every train does not stop here. Passengers can- not take tickets at this station to proceed upward on the Bristol and Exeter, or for the North Devon Lines. We cross the Alphington turnpike road by a skew bridge, constructed of stone and brick, a fine specimen of the skill of the talented engineer. We now proceed on an embankment gradually diminishing in. height till it approaches within two or three feet of the ground. We here have a fine view of the south and western sides of the city; with the noble cathedral standing out boldly and above all the surrounding buildings -the vessels at the quay - and the high cliff on which Colleton Crescent stands, are all prominent objects. The country on our right becomes more open.-Haldon is seen in the distance; and the church and village of Alphington much nearer. |