The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust WSRHT

About the Trust

The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust is concerned with the historical and educational aspects of railway preservation in West Somerset.

Since 1984 the Trust has made financial contributions to the restoration of GWR steam locomotives 4561 and 4160, rescued a unique GWR sleeping car, established a GWR Museum, registering system and archive, published information leaflets and advised on historical matters. The newsletter, Trust News, is sent to members and associate members occasionally and contains news, information, comment and historical articles.

  • Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

    Heritage Trust Aim One

    Preserving and displaying heritage items relating to railways and the West Somerset Railway (WSR) in particular, and interpreting and curating all the heritage assets owned by the Trust

  • Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

    Heritage Trust Aim Two

    Restoring the heritage carriages owned by the Trust for display and operation on the railway

  • Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

    Heritage Trust Aim Three

    Managing the museums at Bishops Lydeard and Blue Anchor

The Trust is administered by voluntary directors and cannot dispose of items it owns, so gifts and bequests remain safe for the future. In the unlikely event of the Trust being wound up, its property could only be passed to another similar trust. Because of this, people who have collected railway items, rolling stock or shares etc., which they wish to remain safe for the future may feel that a charitable body such as the Trust is the best organisation to which to bequeath them. The Trust may also be willing to accept certain items on loan for exhibition purposes, and these would normally be registered and covered by existing insurance arrangements.

Loans can only be accepted from Accredited Museums or recognised Heritage Sites. Loans from individuals cannot be accepted; only bequeathments or permanent gifts to the museum. Any loans from Accredited Museums or recognised Heritage Sites are accepted for a maximum period of 12 months; this is renewable by written agreement. Long-term loans may be accepted subject to prior written agreement – WSRHT museum staff are the only individuals on the railway that can scrutinize artefacts and give agreement for their acceptance.

Please contact the Curator for details.

Heritage Trust documents