Victoria Bridge, County Tyrone

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Victoria Bridge is a small village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 318 people. It lies within the Strabane District Council area.

Contents

[edit] Overview

Four homes were constructed for people who fought the Boer war and who returned to the area. These houses were named "Ladysmith".

St. Eugene's primary school is now more than 45 years old. It was opened in 1960 to replace the old school at Breen. Originally under the jurisdiction of Glenock Parish, Newtownstewart, it changed to become the responsibility of the Parish of St. Theresa in Sion Mills. Today, this primary school has more than 50 pupils, and while it is still a rural school, it is still prospering in the area.

[edit] Transport

The Great Northern Railway (Ireland) served Victoria Bridge. The station opened on 9 May 1852[1] and the last train from Omagh to Strabane passed through Victoria Bridge on 14 February 1965. Billy Anderson was the last man in charge of Victoria Bridge station. Patsy Mc Garrigle served as signalman at Victoria Bridge for the last five years. Victoria Bridge Station was unique because it was constructed from wood and was very beautiful. The closure of the railway remains controversial, especially due to the impact on the local economy.

Victoria Bridge station was also served by the Castlederg and Victoria Bridge Tramway, a narrow gauge railway linking the GNR(I) main line with the nearby market town of Castlederg. This 7ΒΌ mile long line closed in 1933.[2] This station opened on 4 July 1884 and closed on 17 April 1933.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Victoria Bridge station. Railscot - Irish Railways. Retrieved on 2007-11-25.
  2. ^ Ferris, T (1993). The Irish Narrow Gauge (Volume 2, The Ulster Lines). Midland Publishing. ISBN 1-85780-017-6. 

[edit] See also


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