Cannington Viaduct
Cannington Viaduct
![Cannington Viaduct enjoys a unique profile thanks to the strengthening of one of its western arches.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-255.jpg)
![The structure was one of the first to be built from concrete.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-255.jpg)
![The brick infilling itself comprises two arches.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-255.jpg)
![The additional support is provided by two substantial structures tied together with iron rods.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-252.jpg)
![Contrary to appearance, the viaduct is actually straight.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-248.jpg)
![Around the arches, the concrete is dressed to look like masonry.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-239.jpg)
![There are refuges on both sides of the structure above each pier.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image7-226.jpg)
![The deck offers fabulous views over the Devon countryside.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image8-199.jpg)
![Locomotive 30582 crosses the viaduct with a Lyme Regis train in 1956.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image9-169.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-255.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-255.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-255.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-252.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-248.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-239.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image7-226.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image8-199.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image9-169.jpg)
The Axminster & Lyme Regis Light Railway was authorised in 1899, built from 1900 and opened in 1903.
Close to the village of Uplyme, it was carried by Cannington Viaduct which was something of a pioneer, being one of the first to be constructed from massed concrete. It comprises ten elliptical arches on tall, slightly battered rectangular piers with projecting blocks at impost level. Concrete parapets with recessed panels give ways to refuges over the piers.
The westernmost arch has exposed brick whilst the third arch from the west end has been reinforced by an infilling of two tied brick structures which are themselves arched. They are said to date from the time of construction – a consequence of subsidence.
The line should have been the subject of a Board of Trade inspection on 18th May 1903 but this had to be postponed because heavy rains had caused damage to the structure. A train carrying local dignitaries finally christened the line on 24th August 1903.
The branch was succumbed to Beeching’s Axe on the 29th November 1965. but the viaduct survived and is now protected by a Grade II listing.