Bockhampton Level Crossing
Photo : A. Attewell
Bockhampton Crossing was Sited approximately one mile East of Lambourn and it was here that the B4000 and the Lambourn line crossed each other. This was the only crossing on the line that included wicket gates for the use of pedestrians. There was also a crossing keepers hut at lineside. The gates were normally kept locked accross the railway requiring a junior member of staff to be sent from Lambourn on the station bicycle in time for every train. He would also be required to tend to the road and gate lamps where necessary. The brick built hut was on the Lambourn side of the crossing and had telephone connection to all the manned stations along the line. This connection was powered by batteries housed in a cupboard at the rear of the hut.
 
 
There were no crossing controlled signals, instead, the standard fixed distants were provided. In the 'down' direction this also served as the fixed distant for Lambourn.
The fixed arm for the 'up' direction was in later years affixed to the same post as the Lambourn advanced starting signal. This being 715 yards from the crossing.
pictured right -The driver of  Dean Goods number 2573, poses for the camera having just passed the fixed distant signal
Photo : J.F Russell-Smith
Photo : L Nicholson Photo : L Nicholson
1956 and the afternoon goods train negotiates Bockhampton Crossing before  beginning it's final climb to the terminus at Lambourn.
Photo : P.J Garland
A Dean Goods approaches the  crossing with a Lambourn train  in the summer of 1950. The Sunday train crews were officially supposed to open and close the gates themselves, but it became an accepted practice to wait for a member of the traffic department to arrive.
One occasion after arriving early the crew were discovered in the first compartment sound asleep.
The gates were shattered on at least two occassions - all three sets along the line having been demolished by the buffers of the same engine.
 
Photo : Reg Tarbox Photo : Unknown
Opposing views of the crossing - left approaching the crossing for Lambourn in 1959 and - right heading for Newbury, date unknown
Photo : A. Attewell
Photo : D Fereday-Glenn
A two coach train heading for Newbury in September 1959. Engine crews were instructed to warn of their impending arrival by sounding the whistle when nearing the crossing from either direction. It was customary for Lambourn to ring a bell in the hut to warn the crossing attendant that the train had left Lambourn and was on its way.