Remains of Victorian rail infrastructure built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel have been unearthed near Paddington station by archaeologists working on Crossrail.

Findings include foundations of a 200m long engine shed, a workshop and train turntables. The structures were used for Brunel’s broad gauge railway which first ran steam trains through the area in 1838.

Crossrail’s archaeological team is documenting the remains using laser scans to create 3D models of the buildings which were levelled in 1906 to make way for a goods storage yard.

Lead archaeologist Jay Carver said: “Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Great Western Railway is the most complete early mainline railway in the world. Using the latest 3D scan technology provides a permanent and accurate model of Brunel’s distinctive architectural legacy.”

The remains were found on a construction site known as Paddington New Yard to the east of Westbourne Park underground station. From 2018 the area will accommodate Crossrail tracks and sidings. Work is being carried out at the site by Costain.

Elsewhere, an exhibition charting the railway’s role in World War One opened on Monday at Leeds station. The free to view exhibition features photographs, documents and historical facts that explain how the railway helped transport hundreds of thousands of troops and thousands of tonnes of equipment.

The exhibition remains at Leeds until 28 October before moving to London Victoria station on 29 October. On 10 November the exhibition moves up to Liverpool Lime Street.

(Photo: Great Western Trust)

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