THE STATION
of the United Railway Companies opens to view.
This striking and handsome building is in a late perpendicular English style, and presents a frontage of upwards of 150 feet in length, and two stories in height, with a large square tower nearly 70 feet high, in which is one of the principal entrances, through a large four-centered arched doorway, above which is an oriel window projecting from a richly ornamented base, and a circular opening, within which is an excellent eight-day clock, with the latest improvements, manufactured by Messrs. Joyce and Son, of Whitchurch, in this county. A richly carved battlement, with octagonal turrets at the corners, of considerable elevation, terminates the summit.
On either side of the tower extends a large wing, divided into four equal spaces by projecting turrets, corresponding with those of the tower, surmounted with ornamental caps. These spaces are subdivided again horizontally above the heads of the upper and lower windows by enriched string-courses. Above the cornice a rich embrasured parapet runs the whole length of the edifice. The ridge of the roof is finished with an ornamental cast-iron crest. The windows are divided by stone transoms and mullions, with projecting drip-stones, terminating in corbel heads.
The ground floor is appropriated to booking offices, ladies’ and gentlemen’s waiting rooms, and a large refreshment room. Beneath the ground-floor are a large kitchen, cellars, &c. A board-room and offices for the various officers and clerks, occupy the upper floor.
In the left wing, as the visitor approaches, is a door opening into the booking and parcel offices: At the end of the right wing an entrance to the arrival and departure
PLATFORMS,
respectively 600 feet and 450 feet in length, and 16 feet wide. A wrought-iron roof of 70 feet span covers the platforms and lines of rails for a space of 450 feet.
The water required for the use of the Station, Engines, and Carriages, is conveyed in iron pipes along the rim of the railway from high ground in the neighbourhood of Hencott, (60 feet above the level of the rails at the Station,) to a large iron tank near the Station, whence a constant supply can be immediately obtained in the event of fire breaking out.
The Goods, Engine Station, and Coal Depôts of the Shrewsbury and Chester Railway are situated between Coton Hill and the General Passenger Station, with convenient access from the Castle Foregate Street, where an abundant supply of Welsh Coal and Lime is always on hand.
Branch lines diverge from behind the railway platforms, which pass under Howard Street to the Canal Wharf, where is the Depôt of the Shropshire and Staffordshire Coals and Cokes.
The Station House and Offices were designed by Mr. Thomas Penson, jun. of Oswestry. The Engineering works by Messrs. Robertson and Baylis. The former cost £6,000, the latter about £45,000, and the Goods, Engine, Station, and other necessary works, above £20,000.
The total cost of the above works, together with the Viaduct over the river Severn, and the brick Bridge over Cross Street, including land and buildings, exceeds £100,000.
The whole of the works have been executed by Mr. Brassey, the Contractor, under the direction of Mr. James Baylis, the resident Engineer, at the joint expense of the four Railway Companies whose lines unite in Shrewsbury.
The Railway to Chester was first opened October 12th, 1848. The line to Birmingham, November 12th, 1849. The line to Hereford was opened to Ludlow, April, 1852; and throughout, October 31st, 1853.
Turning on the left, immediately opposite the entrance to the Railway Station, we pass on the same side, the Road leading across the Raven Meadow to Mardol. This meadow is now converted into a spacious and convenient