Warboys Railway: A Lost Link Between Two Market Towns
Warboys Railway was a railway station and a line that connected the village of Warboys, Cambridgeshire, with the market towns of Somersham and Ramsey. The railway was opened in 1889 by the Great Eastern Railway, and was later absorbed by the London and North Eastern Railway in 1923. The railway was mainly used for passenger and freight traffic, and also served the Warboys Brickworks, which opened in 1893. The railway was closed in 1964, as part of the Beeching cuts, and was dismantled soon after. ¹
The railway station was located on the south-eastern edge of the village, near the Warboys Brickyard. The station had two platforms, a station building, a signal box, and a goods shed. The station was also equipped with a water tower and a turntable, which were used to service the steam locomotives. The station was staffed by a station master, a porter, and a signalman. The station was a busy and lively place, where villagers could catch trains to nearby towns, or travel further afield to London, Cambridge, or Peterborough. ¹
Photo from the Collection of Penny Noble
Warboys Station in 1930 with the Station Master, Charles Swannell.
Photo from the Collection of Penny Noble
Warboys Station Platform in 1930 showing the Station Masters House on the right and a train in the station.
Photo from the collection of Angela Wyatt
Photo of Warboys Station in 1948. Warboys Station was on the Somersham to Ramsey branch line. Warboys Station closed to regular passenger traffic in September 1930. It continued to be used for goods and occasional passenger excursions. It finally closed to all rail traffic in 1964.
The railway line was a single-track branch line, which branched off from the main line between Ely and Peterborough at Somersham. The line ran for about 10 miles (16 km), passing through the villages of Pidley, Old Hurst, and Wistow, before reaching Warboys. The line then continued for another 4 miles (6 km), crossing the River Nene, before terminating at Ramsey. The line had several level crossings, bridges, and curves, and was known for its scenic views of the countryside. The line was operated by a variety of steam locomotives, such as the GER Class Y14 and the LNER Class J15. The line also had a few diesel locomotives, such as the British Rail Class 04, in its final years. ¹
Photo © Evan Tringham 2012
The Warboys Station sign can be found at Kidderminster Station, part of the Severn Valley Railway.
Photo from the Collection of Penny Noble
Warboys Station Master Davies and his staff around 1912.
Photo Courtesy of Angela Wyatt
Level Crossing located in Heath Road, Warboys in 1950; it was opened and closed by Mrs J Hatcher.
The railway was a vital link between Warboys and the surrounding areas, providing transport, trade, and communication. The railway also brought social and cultural benefits, such as tourism, education, and entertainment. The railway was a source of pride and joy for the villagers, who often organised outings, picnics, and celebrations around the railway. The railway was also a part of the village’s history and heritage, and a witness to many events and changes, such as the Warboys Witches, the Warboys Airfield, and the World Wars. ¹
Photo from the Collection of Penny Noble
The Station Master, Charles Swannell, standing by the station sign in 1930.
Photo from the Collection of Penny Noble
Warboys Signal Box in 1930.
Photo from the Collection of Penny Noble
Warboys Signal Box in 1930 with Isabel Swannell (Station Master’s daughter) standing outside.
Today, Warboys Railway is a lost link between two market towns, and a memory of a bygone era. The railway station and the line have been demolished, and the land has been reclaimed for farming and industry. The only traces of the railway are a few signs, plaques, and photographs, which can be found in the village and the nearby towns. The railway is also remembered by the villagers and the enthusiasts, who cherish the stories and the experiences of the railway. The railway is a part of the village’s identity and culture, and a valuable asset for the village’s future. ¹
Photo from the collection of Angela Wyatt
Warboys Station about 1948 with the chimneys of the brickworks in the background. Regular passenger traffic stopped in 1930 although excursions still took place from the station.
Photo © Alan Mott 1969
Warboys Station was on the Somersham to Ramsey branch line. Warboys Station closed to regular passenger traffic in September 1930. It continued to be used for goods and occasional passenger excursions. It finally closed to all rail traffic in 1964. This photo shows the station 5 years after closing.
Photo © Evan Tringham 2013
All that remains of Warboys Station Platform as seen in 2013.
Sources:
(1) Warboys railway station – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warboys_railway_station.