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Dawlish, Devon, c1860
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Dawlish, Devon, c1860
Dawlish, Devon, c1860. This viewshows the track of Isambard Kingdom Brunels (1806-1859) South Devon Railway. The South Devon was an example of an atmospheric railway, which did not use locomotives, the carriages being moved along the tracks by air pressure, a system devised by Samuel Clegg Jnr (1814-1856) and Joseph Samuda (1813-1885). The engine house visible in the right middle distance provided power to exhaust the tube. A daily service of four trains began between Exeter and Teignmouth in September 1847, and was extended to Newton Abbot in January 1848. By June 1848 the difficulties with the tube made conversion to conventional steam trains inevitable. The railway later became part of the Great Western Railway (GWR) Illustration after George Townsend for Views of Devon and Cornwall by Henry Besley. (Exeter, c1860)
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Media ID 14865742
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Air Pressure Beach Brunel Clegg Coastal Resort Dawlish Devon Engine House Great Western Railway Henry Innovation Invention Isambard Kingdom Isambard Kingdom Brunel Oxford Science Archive Resort Samuda Seafront Seashore Seaside Townsend Atmospheric Railway Besley South Devon Railway
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the charming coastal town of Dawlish in Devon, circa 1860. The image showcases the impressive track of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's South Devon Railway, a groundbreaking example of Victorian innovation and technology. Unlike traditional locomotives, this atmospheric railway utilized air pressure to propel carriages along the tracks, thanks to the ingenious system devised by Samuel Clegg Jnr and Joseph Samuda. In the middle distance, we can spot an engine house that provided power for exhausting the tube. This historic railway commenced its daily service between Exeter and Teignmouth in September 1847 before extending further to Newton Abbot in January 1848. However, due to challenges with the tube system, conversion to conventional steam trains became inevitable by June 1848. The photograph also captures the picturesque bay with sailboats gracefully gliding on its waters. The bustling seafront is dotted with buildings that complement the scenic landscape beautifully. It's fascinating how this once-innovative transportation marvel has now become an integral part of Dawlish's history. As we gaze upon this monochrome snapshot from over a century ago, it serves as a reminder of Britain's rich heritage in science and invention during the Victorian era. This print is truly a testament to Isambard Kingdom Brunel's engineering prowess and his lasting impact on transportation systems across England.
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