From the
Hampshire Chronicle, 2nd May 1844
Mr Hayter, M.P. one of the Directors of the Great Western Railway Company, with Mr. Brunel and Mr. Saunders, paid Devizes a visit on Saturday, with the view of making arrangements for bringing a branch railway there.
They were met by about 30 gentlemen of the town and immediate neighbourhood; and Mr. Hayter explained, at great length, the proposal of the Great Western Company, which is to make a railway from Thingley, near Corsham, through Melksham to Staverton factory, Trowbridge and Bradford -- thence to Dilton's Marsh in Westbury, to Warminster, (with a branch to Frome) and through Heytesbury and other places to Salisbury. Mr. Hayter also stated that the Company were ready to bring a line from the neighbourhood of Melksham to Devizes.
A survey of this line, it will be recollected, was made by Mr. Brunel about eight years ago. The maps and plans then made were laid before the meeting on Saturday, and the line marked out appeared to be the most desirable one. Mr. Brunel said that the proposed railway should not be looked upon as a branch, as he was arranging a plan by which all the branches would meet, and be connected with every train which passed on the main line. He proposed that the terminus should be in the Market-place, near an old building now used as a Temperance Coffee-shop.
After some conversation, it was thought desirable that a public meeting should be held, and the Mayor convened one for this day, at which Mr. Hayter and Mr. Brunel were to fully explain the objects and intentions of the Great Western Company. As soon as their plans are matured, a prospectus will be issued, and the shareholders will be guaranteed 3 1/2 per cent on their deposits, and an apportionment of the profits. The expense of making a line from Melksham to Devizes, is estimated at £10,000 a mile.
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