The Great Western Railway, a marvel of engineering and history, weaves stories not only of steam engines and pioneering spirit but also of the supernatural. As trains whistle through picturesque landscapes, they carry with them whispers of phantom apparitions and eerie encounters, creating a tapestry where reality and the otherworldly intersect.
The Phantom Train of Watchet
In the quaint town of Watchet, nestled along the tracks of the West Somerset Railway, there's a whisper of a phantom train. Passengers and railway personnel have reported glimpses of a spectral locomotive, materialising out of thin air before vanishing into the night. Chillingly, the station has also echoed with the laughter of unseen children, their presence a mystery that lingers in the air like a wisp of steam.
The Haunted Goods Shed of Dunster
Dunster is the penultimate station on the lengthy branch line from Taunton to Minhead. Dunster, with its historic charm, hides a chilling secret within its goods shed. It is said that a dark figure roams the shadows, a spectral reminder of a tragic past. The apparition is believed to be that of a driver who met his end in this very spot. As night descends, the air grows thick with an otherworldly presence, and the shed becomes a stage for the ethereal, a performance that keeps the memory of the departed alive.
The Tale of the Bride at Stogumber
Stogumber station, a seemingly tranquil stop, is the site of a mysterious legend with a connection to the heroic mariner Sir Francis Drake. Born in humble circumstance and parentage when he began to court Elizabeth Sydenham her aristocratic parents frowned upon the match and forbade the marriage. Devastated, Drake returned to sea and Elizabeth prepared for marriage to a man chosen by her parents and of a more favourable pedigree that matched her station. The legend has it that as the wedding party guests arrived at Stogumber for the ceremony that there was a sudden flash of lightning and a sonorous clap of thunder. Hurtling through the air and falling through the sky was a large cannonball which landed and rolled up to the bride’s feet. This was perceived as evidence by Elizabeth that her true love Drake had found out about her imminent marriage and was showing his displeasure from across the ocean- the shot from his bow was a sign of his outrage. Naturally, Elizabeth defied her parents and left her groom standing at the altar and went onto marry Drake upon his return where they lived happily ever after. A nearby stately home exhibits a meteorite sized cannonball which is claimed to be the offending weapon used by Drake that day to make his feelings known.
From Reality to Stage: The Ghost Train
The allure of the supernatural has not only gripped the Great Western Railway but has also inspired artistic creations. "The Ghost Train," a play written by Arnold Ridley (of Dad’s Army fame) in 1923, draws its inspiration from a nightmarish experience at Mangotsfield railway station. Ridley's stranded night at the station, coupled with the illusion of an unseen train passing through, birthed a timeless theatrical work. This stage comedy-thriller, with its blend of suspense and the unknown, paved the way for a new genre, influencing iconic films such as "The Lady Vanishes" and "Night Train to Munich."
As you journey along the tracks of the Great Western Railway, keep your senses alert to the whispers of the past, the inexplicable laughter, and the shadows that dance at the edge of your vision. The history and the supernatural intertwine, creating an enigmatic experience that transcends time and space, leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to explore its haunted tales.
