Bristol and Exeter Railway

The Bristol and Exeter Railway was a railway company in South West England.

The Company was incorporated on 19 May 1836 to build a 137.6 km long railway track with 2.14 -meter wide track from Bristol to Exeter. The initiated by a businessman from Exeter company was soon in financial difficulties. Therefore, the Great Western Railway ( GWR ) leased the Bristol and Exeter Railway. On June 14, 1841 opened the way between Bristol and Bridgwater, on July 1, 1842 to Taunton and finally, on 1 May 1844 to Exeter. 1845 was a bid by the GWR, this was rejected, so that the lease expired on April 30, 1849. 1859 the company started to manufacture its own locomotives in Bristol.

In the following years, the company began to expand. 1863 took over to the Chard and Taunton Railway, 1865, the Cheddar Valley and Yatton Railway and 1875 the Exe Valley Railway. Finally, the Bristol and Exeter Railway operated a network of 353.5 km railway line, of which 223 km in one's own possession.

With effect from 1 January 1876, the company was re- leased to the GWR, Bristol and Exeter Railway that the final took over on 1 August 1876.