by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporting Service.
A plaque at Dorchester West Railway Station will mark its historic connection to engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the Great Western Railway (GWR).
The station, which opened in January 1857, was built by Brunel on behalf of GWR and played a vital role in Dorchester’s commercial and economic development. The arrival of the railway was marked by celebrations with the Dorset County Chronicle reporting “sympathizing demonstrations” including cannon fire and cheering crowds as the train passed through towns along the line.
Today, little remains of the original station complex, which once included cattle pens, coal yards, sheds and a signal box. The site was largely dismantled after the station became unmanned in 1972, and the land sold off. The only surviving structure of note is the Grade II listed building now occupied by Domino’s Pizza.
The new plaque, designed by GWR, is circular and 400mm in diameter, featuring the company’s historic green, black and white colours and will be mounted on the rear of the Domino’s building.
The initiative follows similar commemorations at other stations along the Heart of Wessex line, including Yetminster and Maiden Newton, and is part of the Rail 200 celebrations. A history poster detailing the station’s evolution was installed near the main entrance in September.
Supporters of the project say the plaque will help raise awareness of the station’s historical significance among modern-day passengers, many of whom are unaware of its Brunel heritage.
A listed building consent for the plaque is currently being considered by Dorset Council.
The application can be seen on its website using the reference P/LBC/2025/05534
Dorchester West Station plaque
Dorchester West Station