The Maiden Newton to Bridport branch line was opened on 12 November 1857. The branch line passed through Bradpole. In the 12th/13th centuries Bradpole was centred around a Manor House and Church. The Manor House was built by members of a French Norman family named the de Morevilles who came from the Caen area of Normandy and had connections with the 11th century Abbaye de Montebourg which exists today as an Agricultural College. The Manor at one time was in the ownership of Catherine Parr.
The Parish Council took ownership of a strip of land and crossing gates in stages during the 1970’s / 80’s following the line closure in 1975. The gates are maintained as part of the Parish heritage and the adjoining land at Caley Way is maintained as a small amenity area together with a few allotments.
You are looking for a medium sized tube, bring your own pen. You can search from the grass side, there is no need to stand in the road to find the cache!
Bradpole level Crossing 1963
Bradpole level Crossing 2018
Remaining track and the route the train used to take
Bradpole level Crossing 1970s
Many thanks to the Bridport Museum for allowing me to use their old photos to illustrate this cache, if anyone is interested, they have an extensive photo collection of the area on Flickr.
You can find more information on the SideTracked series at http://www.sidetrackedseries.info