The railway history of the County of Dorset begins with the Portland Railway Company, formed by a group of merchants to better transport Portland Stone from the quarries. The Companys records cover the entire life of the line from the Act of Parliament before the line could be constructed to the final closure in 1939 and the dismantling, sale of land and final winding up of the company in 1972. Formal minutes survive from 1825 - 1959 and there are accounts to 1972, share certificates and the Companys seal in its box
