The West Somerset Railway (WSR) traces its origins to the mid-19th century, when local businessmen and dignitaries sought to connect the coastal town of Watchet to the national rail network. In 1862, the line opened between Taunton and Watchet, engineered by James Burke under the guidance of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Initially built to the broad gauge of 7 feet and a quarter inch, the railway was later converted to standard gauge in 1882 to align with national standards.

In 1874, the line was extended from Watchet to Minehead by the Minehead Railway, a nominally separate company that operated in practice under the Bristol and Exeter Railway. This extension was driven by the growing popularity of seaside holidays, with Minehead being developed as a resort town. The railway was absorbed into the Great Western Railway in 1890, which expanded station facilities to accommodate increasing tourist traffic.

During the 20th century, the line saw further development, particularly in the 1930s as part of work creation schemes during the Great Depression. Minehead station’s platform was extended to nearly a quarter of a mile, reflecting the surge in passenger numbers. However, by the 1960s, declining usage and changing transport patterns led to the line’s closure by British Rail in 1971.

Preservation efforts began swiftly. In 1975, a Light Railway Order was granted, and the line was gradually reopened between 1976 and 1979, culminating in full service from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. The WSR became the longest standard gauge heritage railway in the UK, operating steam and diesel services across 22.75 miles of scenic Somerset countryside.

Today, the West Somerset Railway is supported by organizations such as the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust and the West Somerset Railway Association. It serves as both a tourist attraction and a living museum, preserving the legacy of Victorian engineering and rural rail travel. Educational programs, museum exhibits, and volunteer opportunities continue to enrich its cultural impact.

This historical summary was generated using AI and draws on publicly available sources including the West Somerset Railway official history, Wikipedia, and the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust.