Railway station at Mary Tavy

This station was opened in 1865. It was originally known as Mary Tavy station but by the time this photograph was taken in 1914, it was known as Mary Tavy and Blackdown station. When first built, this was a crossing station and had up and down platforms on either side of the track for the London and South Western trains travelling on the line between Lydford and Tavistock, and on to Devonport. When this traffic ceased in 1890, the loop was taken out, and the down side platform closed. The signal box (which can clearly be seen in the photograph) was redundant from this time. The station building at the centre of the platform was probably designed by Peter J. Margary. In the early days there was a booking constable working here. Later this post was replaced by a station master of the lowest grade.