A PLAQUE to mark Dorchester's historic connection to engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the Great Western Railway (GWR) has been agreed for the town's West rail station.

The station, which opened in January 1857, was built by Brunel on behalf of GWR and played a vital role in Dorchester's commercial and economic development. The arrival of the railway was marked by celebrations which included cannon fire and cheering crowds.

The original station complex once included cattle pens, coal yards, sheds and a signal box, much of which was lost when the station became unmanned in 1972, and the land sold off. The only surviving structure of note is the Grade II listed building now occupied by Domino's Pizza.

Dorchester West rail station

The new circular 400mm diameter plaque, designed by GWR, will feature the company's green, black and white colours and will be mounted on the rear of the Domino's building.

The initiative follows similar commemorations at other stations along the Heart of Wessex line, including Yetminster and Maiden Newton, and is part of the Rail 200 celebrations. A history poster detailing the station's evolution was installed near the main entrance in September.

Supporters of the project say the plaque will help raise awareness of the station's historical significance for modern-day passengers, many of whom are unaware of its heritage.