Whitwell Station, on the Ventnor West branch of the Isle of Wight Central Railway, was opened on 20 July 1897 along with the other stations on the branch (with the exception of Ventnor West which opened in 1900). It was equipped with a passing loop, two platforms, a signal box and a substantial station building.
History
The station was opened on 20 July 1897, and was originally named Whitwell. At the time of opening the route was popular featuring a passing loop and two platforms, the only station on the line to have this. It was renamed Whitwell Halt on 1 July 1941.
Stationmasters
James Cooper ca. 1899
Samuel John Urry ca. 1907 (afterwards station master at Freshwater)
F. Newland from 1908 (formerly station master at Freshwater)
Mr. Hawkins ca. 1935
Present
Former station buildings, with some modern alterations and additions
The station is now a private dwelling house, but a good deal of its original railway-station features remain, such as the waiting shelter on the old up platform, which has been restored.
Location
Unlike neighbouring Godshill, the station was closer to the community it was meant to serve. It also served the nearby villages of Niton and Chale.
^"Ex-convicts suicide". Portsmouth Evening News. England. 8 October 1907. Retrieved 31 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
^"New Station Master". Isle of Wight County Press and South of England Reporter. England. 3 October 1908. Retrieved 31 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
