Imagine a time when steam railmotors were the kings of the rails. Today we stop at the disused Wolvercot Platform. It whispers tales of a bygone era.
Wolvercot Platform served the village of Wolvercote. It sat on the Great Western Railway line. This line connected Oxford and Banbury. Today we know it as the Cherwell Valley Line or the Oxford Canal Line.
Let’s journey back to February 1, 1908. Wolvercot Platform opened its doors. It aimed to serve the local community. The name was intentionally spelt differently. The aim was to avoid any confusion. Another Wolvercote Halt existed. It was on the London and North Western Railway’s Varsity Line.
Interestingly, Wolvercot Platform was more than just a simple stop. It was once staffed. During World War I, Wolvercot Platform even boasted a stationmistress. Her name was Miss Margaret Elsden. Her brother, Mr A.H. Elsden, became stationmaster at Birmingham Snow Hill. Margaret later married Frank Buckingham. He later became stationmaster at Oxford.
Sadly, Wolvercot Platform’s service was short-lived. The Great Western Railway closed it on January 1, 1916. But the story doesn’t end there.
Even after its closure, the Wolvercot Siding signalbox remained. It was a 29-lever hipped roof structure. This controlled the level crossing over Godstow Road. It also managed vehicular access to the adjacent meadows. The down starter in Wolvercot Siding had a vital role. It carried the distant arms for Wolvercot Junction. Wolvercot Junction was just 0.5 miles to the north. Here, the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Line diverged. It split northwestwards from the Birmingham Main Line.
Services at Wolvercot Platform were unique. Steam railmotors based in Oxford provided them. Oxford was the southern terminus. The northern destinations included Kidlington, Blenheim and Woodstock, or Heyford.
Today, the platform is silent. No trains rumble past. But close your eyes. Can you almost hear the whistle of the steam railmotor? Can you feel the hustle and bustle of passengers? They eagerly awaited their journey. Wolvercot Platform may be disused, but it lives on in memory. It reminds us of a time when rail travel was truly special.