All photographs on this page have been published elsewhere and are presented here as low-resolution images for information purposes only, to illustrate the points being made about how the station developed. Credit has been given for the photographs where known.
Helston Station History
Originally designed as a through station with a view to bridging the road at the end of the embankment and continuing to The Lizard village, this idea was abandoned with the advent of the first commercial motor bus service. A carriage shed was built at the end of the embankment.
c.1900
Helston Station at the turn of the Century. Note the original track layout with a diamond crossing for entry into the engine shed, to prevent the need for a facing point, the single point for entry to the goods yard with a subsequent junction for the loading bay and goods shed lines. At this stage the loading bay was short – extending to a point in line with the signal box – and was stone-built (according to other photographs). The crane is an early model, as is the loading gauge which was situated on the goods shed line at this period. Early rotating ground signals were in use and the platform starter had no bracket due to the diamond-crossing engine-shed entry, and was positioned in advance of the signal box. In the 1915 work on the track layout, the author believes that all of the above aspects were changed – see other photographs. Note also that this original Type 3 signal box had steps descending parallel to the tracks. These were later repositioned – the author believes this was between 1930 and 1935. Helston Folk Museum
c. 1910
Helston Station around 1910. Note original crane in the yard. Lens of Sutton Collection. [2]
1920
View from the overbridge at the station throat on 10th June 1920 after the track layout changes in 1915 that affected all the pointwork in this view. Note the tandem 3-way turnout at the throat, separate entries into the goods shed and loading bay from the loop, and rare views of the early coaling stage and sleeper-built ash bin. The loading gauge has been moved to the end of the loading bay but the steps to the signal box still seem to appear parallel to the tracks at this time. This was the track layout from 1915 to some time in the late 1930s when the tandem point was changed to two single ones. The loading bay has been extended with a brick-built extenson to a point level with the new engine-shed road facing point. L&GRP, David & Charles and Lens of Sutton. [6]
c. 1940
The author believes this photo to date from the late 1930s or early 1940s. This is one of the few photographs showing the following:- original coaling stages, a small platelayers hut (or ticket platform?) and gas lamp near, and to the right of, the bridge. But by this time the tandem turnout at the station throat had already been converted to two turnouts (mid 1930s), the ‘stone chute’ siding had been lifted (1930s), the loading gauge with lifting sections had been put near to the loading bay, and the Signal Box steps had been repositioned to be perpendicular to the tracks. G N Southerden.
1948
This photo is recorded as dating from 1948. J H Moss / R S Carpenter
1957
This photo was taken on 21 July 1957 as 2-6-2T No 4505 backs onto its train. Offers a clear view of the loading bay where the original stone structure (from just above the loco’s lamp) was extended to the left using brick to the length shown. Peter Gray.
At the end of steam – 1960
Photo show the last days of the branch terminus. Note the more modern style of Shunt Ahead signal under the main Advance Starter signal and the ‘stone chute’ siding still in existence. John Strange
Two photographs of unknown origin but taken towards the end of the branch line’s operation showing the interesting buildings on the south of the goods shed. The large arch-roof building was used as a garage, possibly for the motor bus to the Lizard. Photos courtesy of David Collings.
Cornwall Railway Society Photographs
Helston station. 4588 leaving on a lengthy train at 16.10 on 7th May 1955. Probably Helston Flora Day. N.B. Flora Day is normally on 8th May but, in the event of it falling on a Sunday, the date is changed. Copyright: J. Wood Collection.
Left: Helston railway station. Right: 4552 ready for the right away with a passenger train. Copyright: Graham G. Matthews.
4564 stands at the head of its train ready for the run to Gwinear Road. March 1962. Copyright: Sid Sponheimer. 
Helston plays host to both 4566 and 4588 which have arrived on the same working. Later 4588 took the passenger train back. 27th Dec 1960. Copyright: Mike Roach
There is a wealth of detail in this picture by Sid Sponheimer. A wagon stands below the shute at the Serpentine stone-chute siding. March 1962. Copyright: Sid Sponheimer.
The refreshment room was quite popular with both passengers and pupils at the local school. A local bus stands awaiting passengers. A lady can be seen leaving the station (between the telephone box and post box) – it was quite a walk down the hill to the centre of town. March 1962. Copyright: Sid Sponheimer.
5537 has arrived with a train from Gwinear Road and is yet to run round. March 1962. Copyright: Sid Sponheimer.
Waiting outside the station was this fine Bristol ready to provide the bus link to The Lizard. The station had been built as a through station with a rail extension to the Lizard in mind. 3 Nov. 1962. Copyright: Mike Roach.
Helston station from the bridge at the throat of the station. The engine shed to the right whilst to the left lay the ‘surpentine siding’ served by a shute. The locomotive has come off the train and is commencing the ‘run round’. 3 Nov. 1962. Copyright Mike Roach. 
The train is still waiting, time for a shot of the fine station building complete with its Refreshment Room. A footpath led alongside the cutting to the bridge at the throat of the station. 3 Nov. 1962. Copyright Mike Roach. 
It is 1960 and an unidentified ’45’ has just arrived at Helston. Copyright Andrew Jones, Steamindex.
Evocative photographs of Helston whilst the branch was still used for freight. September 1964. Copyright: Laurence Hansford.
Helston station building after complete closure of the line. July 1967. Copyright: Doug Nicholls.
© Copyright Robert A Smith, 2005-18