The Lambourn Valley Railway line opened on the 2nd of April 1898. It ran from the village of Lambourn to Newbury where it connected with the mainline railway line from Devon to London. Along the 12 miles of line stations or halts were constructed at Lambourn, Eastbury, East Garston, Shefford, Welford Park, Boxford, Stockcross and Bangor, Speen, Newbury West Fields, Newbury.
Whilst the railway itself does not exist any more there is still some evidence of its existence in Lambourn and along its original track. Station Road and Station Yard in Lambourn will remain permanent reminders of the days when steam trains would arrive and depart from near the centre of the village.
More information is available at http://www.lambournvalleyrailway.info/
The line can be clearly seen on this map from the 1940’s
The handbill above announces the last journey of the Lambourn Valley Railway in 1973
A ticket for the last journey of the Lambourn Valley Railway
A 3rd class ticket from Lambourn to Eastbury issued in 1955
Although the line has long gone, there is still some evidence of the railway line such as embankments, bridges and cuttings.
The picture gallery below is a collection of photos of the Lambourn Railway from various sources. A big thanks to Mike Dowdswell for sourcing many of the pictures and to Jim Bradshaw for turning black and white photos into colour photos in a process called Colourising.
I am talks secretary for Hanney History Group, a very active local history club just North of Wantage. I am starting to plan our next year’s programme and wondered if you know of anyone who would give an illustrated talk on the history of the Lambourn Valley Railway.
Hi Andy. I can certainly ask for you. I can add your question to the Lambourn Community Facebook page if you wish.