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JOU r NAL 40,0010* of the

Railway and Canal Historical Society

Vol. 10, No, 1. January 1964

PRESIDENT - Chai.Ies Fo Klapper VICE,PRESIDENTS = C.R.Clinker and H.A.Vallance CHAIRMAN - B. Baxter

HONOSECRETARY HON.TREASURER HON.EDITOR John Bryant C.P.Weaver J.G.Spence

26, Clarence Street 4, Queen's Close Tuborg Halt Ulverston Kenilworth 34, Manor Avenue Lancashire Caterham,

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THE CUT-OFFg FRUSTRATION IN HISTORICAL RESEARCH

By H.P.White

While it enjoyed the monopoly of Continental traffic through and and of local traffic to East towns, the South Eastern Railway was content with its circuitous route via Redhill, especially as fares were levied on a mileage basis, Southern Railway working time- tables gave the distance between Bridge and Tonbridge this way as 40 miles 30 chains.

The emergence of the London, Chatham & Dover and the consequent breaking of the S.E.R. monopoly led the latter company to provide the more direct route through Sevenoaks. A line from St. John's Junction on the to Tonbridge was thus authorized on 30 June 1862. From London Bridge to Tonbridge this way was given by the Southern as 27 miles

55 chains, a saving of 12 miles 55 chains. The distance between Cross and Dover (Admiralty Pier) was reduced from 89/ miles to 77, to within a few chains equal to the LOCO& D.R. route from Victoria. via Chatham and considerably easier.

But two facts about the Sevenoaks line reveal the anxiety of the S.E.R. The limited potential for local traffic and the high cost of construction would not recommend it to any company, let alone the S.E.R. 2

New Cross was then on the edge of London's built-up area. Measmes Guide to the South Eastern Railway of 1858 waxes lyrical on the beautiful green meadows on the hill between Lewisham and. Blackheath.

Beyond, the poor soils of the Blackheath gravels, which reach out to Petta Wood, and of the flinty clays of tha meant poor farming, as did the sands around Sevenoaks. The latter, with 4,878 souls counted in the 1861 Census, was the only place larger than the small villages of Chislehurst, Orpington and CheIsfield. In the 241 miles between New Cross (already served by the North Kent ) and Tonbridge, only six stations,

Chislehurst, Orpington, Chelsfield, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks and Hilden-

borough, are listed in the May 1868 issue of "Bradshaw". Today of course, there are four intermediate stations on the 61 miles between New Cross and Chislehurst.

The new line had to cross the 'geain" of rather hilly country. In its way stood the Blackheath gravel plweeau the North Downs Plateau and the narrower Greensand ridge at Sevenoaks. Unlike any other main line out of London (except the SoE.R's usual pertner in misfortune, the LOCO& D.R.) it was unable to make use of valleys leading to natural gaps through the hills. So a short tunnel was necessai- y thr.lugh the gravels at Elmatead Woods, a high embankment across the Cray '4:„ley at Orpington, a 21 mile cutting thence up to and b<

North Downs, and finally a tunnel at Sevenoaks through the Greensand. This was a formidable series of earthworks, more appropriate to a Trans- Pennine crossing than one on the edge of the London Basin.

Even so the work went on with ommendaie speed, much faster than on the original line (see H.P.White - it4r1x11151s on the South Eastern:

Railway Magazine, October 1961, p. 689). according to the S,E0R's Half- Yearly Report of 10 February 1864 the contracts had recently been let. But in that of 14 August 1866 it was reported the line was open to Chislehurst, that Polhill Tunnel was nearly finished and Sevenoaks Tunnel progressing well. "Open" to Chislehurst did not mean there was a public service to this obscure village.

The Report of February 1867 gave the :wee that the whole line had been opened for goods traffic since the third of the month, but slips,

with which the line has been plagued ever since, had delayed opening for

passengers. The Engineer's Report of 12 August 1868, signed by Peter Ashcroft, says - "This line, as you are aware, has been open for traffic since February 3rd last, since which time Jxpresses, Tidal, Ordinary and Goods trains have passed over without hindrance,"

We may assume the S.E.R. to have been eager to use its new route in order to come to grips with the L.C.& D.R. operating its shorter route since 1861, in their fight for the Dover traffic. But contemporary Bradshaxs set rather a puzzle.

That of April 1868 shows what in the circumstances was a surprisingly lavish local service. On weekdays there were four trains terminating at Chislehurst, one at Orpington and eight at Sevenoaks. That of May shows 3 four of the latter extending to Tonbridge, but only two expresses as calling at Sevenoaks, the rest called at Redhill, or were non—stop and their route thus uncertain. Although 1 May 1868 has been taken as the throughout opening date for passenger traffic, as far as the travelling public were concerned, the impact of the new route was very limited.

For, in January 1868 the timesof the boat trains to Dover were 7.30 a.m., and 8.35 p.m. from Cannon Street, arriving at Dover Town at 9.25 a.m. and 10.35 p.m. respectively. The arrival on the pier was five minutes later in each case. The evening service took slightly longer because of a Staplehurst stop, at what was then an important mail centre for Mid Kent.

Now these times remained unchanged until the March 1869 Bradshaw. Departure times were then put back to 7.45 a.m. and 8.50 p.m. from Cannon Street, with arrivals at Dover Town at 9.26 a.m. and 10.35 p.m. respectively, accelerations of 14 and 15 minutes.

While it can be taken that the boat trains were now definitely routed through Sevenoaks, it is impossible to say which way they went between 1 May 1868 and 1 March 1869. If they were regularly using the Sevenoaks route, as Ashcroft's report implies, why were their timings not cut for ten months ? If they still used the Redhill route, why the delay in changing to the shorter one ?

Obviously the questions would be solved at once if a run of working timetables was available. Unfortunately, while the Transport Archives at Royal Oak have almost complete runs of LOBO& S.C.R., L.C41D.R. and S.E.& C.R. working timetables, there is none of the S.E.R. Should any member be able to help in tracing the relevant issues, the author would be very glad to hear from him.

Meanwhile, a small point remains obscure. It is a small point, but it provides an example of an opening date alone being insufficient evidence to enable an assessment of the immediate impact a new line would make.

* * * * * * * * * * 4 * * * * * * * *

LOCAL GROUP SECRETARIES

LONDON: J.A.,Hall, Flat 3, 110 Crouch Hill, London N.8.

NORTH WESTERN: D.G.Rimington, 11 Cherry rree Walk, Stretford, Lancashire.

NORTH EASTERN:*R.J.Hunter, Granby Lodge, 3carcroft Road, York. (*acting).

WEST MIDLANDS: J.H.Denton, Marchmont Houses, Church Road, Codsall, . EAST MIDLANDS: K.E.Spurge, 31 Elvaston Road, Nottingham. SOUTH WESTERN: D,Garnett, Pear Tree Cottalge, Little Somerford, near . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * THE OPENING OF RAILWAYS: CENTENARIES IN 1964 Compiled by M.D0Greville 41. NOTE DATE RAILWAY SECTION OPENED MILES BELOW JAN 1 SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE Hinckley to Wigston Junction 11 # *JAN 1 VALE Ystalyfera to Brynamman 54 JAN 11 SOUTH EASTERN London Bridge to Charing Cross 2 FEB 1 CALEDONIAN Broughton to Peebles 11 FEB 1 WHITEHAVEN, CLEATOR & EGREMONT Frizington to Rowrah 31 FEB 15 LONDON & NORTH WESTERN Edgehill to Speke Junction 41 FEB 17 KIRCUDBRIGHT Castle Douglas to Kircudbright 104- A

FEB 25 LLYNVI VALLEY to Maesteg 84 B MARCH 1 LONDON & NORTH WESTERN Brynmawr to Nantybwch 44 MARCH 21 LANCASHIRE & YORKSHIRE Royton Junction to Royton 1 4 , MARCH 28 CARMARTHEN & CARDIGAN Conwil to Pencader 8 MARCH 28 HULL & HORNSEA Hull (Wilmington) to Hornsea 13 APR 1 CALEDONIAN (Lanark to Douglas ) (Silvermuir Fork ) 1 4 C APR 1 SOUTH EASTERN New Beckenham to Croydon (Addiscombe Road) 4 APR 14 GREAT WESTERN Savernake to Marlborough 51 *APR 18 GREAT WESTERN Quaker's Yard to Middle Duffryn Junction with Vale of Neath 5 D APR 25 BRIDGE OF WEIR Johnstone to Bridge of Weir 31 E MAY 1 MIDLAND Ashchurch to Evesham 11 F MAY 16 MIDLAND Tewkesbury to Great Malvern 111

JUNE GREAT WESTERN to Clifton Maybank (Goods) 1 JUNE 1 GARSTON & Garston to Liverpool (Brunswick) 31 JUNE 1 GREAT WESTERN Uffington to Faringdon 31 JUNE 1 INVERNESS & ABERDEEN JUNCTION Invergordon to Meikle Ferry 151 JUNE 1 LONDON, & SOUTH COAST Barnham to Bognor 34 JUNE 1 LONDON, CHATHAM & DOVER Elephant & Castle to Blackfriars 1 *JUNE 1 MIDLAND Swadlincote Junction to Swadlincote 21 JUNE 1 NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE Milton Junction to Congleton Upper Junction 9 JUNE 3 CARMARTHEN & CARDIGAN Pencader to Llandyssil 31 JUNE 11 WANSBECK Scots Gap to Knowes Gate 3i JUNE 13 HAMMERSMITH & CITY Westbourne Park to Hammersmith 21 JUNE 23 ABERYSTWITH & WELSH COAST Borth to Aberystwith 8 J JUNE 2 27 BLYTH & TYNE (North Shields to Tynemouth 4 (Monkseaton to Newcastle 9

JULY 1 HAMMERSMITH & CITY Latimer Road to Road JULY 4 NORTH BRITISH Leadburn to Dolphinton 10 JUL 11 HEREFORD, HAY & BRECON Eardisley to Hay 7 JULY 13 NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE Etruria to Hanley 12 JULY 27 , ELLESMERE & WHITCHURCH Oswestry to Ellesmere 7' AUG 1 LONDON & NORTH WESTERN Winwick Junction to Golborne Junction 21 *AUG 1 SOUTH YORKSHIRE Woodburn Junction to Meadow Hall 31 AUG 9 PEMBROKE to TENBY Pembroke to Pembroke Dock 2 AUG 13 GREAT WESTERN Tenbury to Bewdley 151 AUG 16 DARTMOUTH & TORBAY Brixham Road to 31 L AUG 23 Ryde to Shanklin 71 *AUG 24 LUDLOW & CLEX HILL Ludlow to Clee Hill (Goods) 6 *swr 1 CALEDONIAN Blackwood to Cotcastie 41 SEPT 1 CALEDONIAN (Crew Junction to Leith 21) (Dairy Junction to Coltbridge Junction) N SEPT 1 LONDON & NORTH WESTERN (Eccles to Wigan (Springs Branch Junction) 121 (Tyldesley to Pennington 31 SEPT 1 LONDON & SOUTH WESTERN Petersfield to Midhurst 9' SEka 1 MID to Talyllyn Junction 4 0 SEPT 2 NEATH & BRECON Neath to Onllwyn 101 P SEPT 19 HEREFORD, HAY & BRECON Hay to Three Cocks 51

SEPT 21 MID WALES Talyllyn Loop *SEPT 22 DENBIGH, RUTHIN & CORWEN Ruthin to Corwen 111 OCT 1 EDINBURGH & GLASGOW Bathgate to Morningside 14 Q OCT 1 INVERNESS & ABERWFEN JUNCTION Meikle Ferry to Bonar Bridge 11 OCT 1 NORTH BRITISH Peebles to Innerleithen 61 OCT 16 LONDON & NORTH WESTERN Hest Bank to Morecambe 21 OCT 24 WYCOMBE Thame to (Kennington Junction) 13 NOV 1 COCKERMOUTH, KESWICK & PENRITH Penrith to Cockermouth 301 *NOV 1 WENLOCK Buildwas to Coalbrookdale I *NOV 1 GREAT WESTERN Lightmoor to Coalbrookdale 1' NOV 1 LONDON & SOUTH WESTERN Twickenham to Shepperton z NOV 1 MIDLAND Whitacre to Nuneaton (South Leicester Junco) 111 *DEC 1 CALEDONIAN Newarthill to Morningside 52 *DEC 5 GREAT WESTERN Much Wenlock to Presthope 3 DEC 20 LONDON, CHATHAM & DOVER Blackfriars to Ludgate Hill 4801 Less opened in previous years 35. 445 6

NOTES

A Goods: for passengers, Kircudbright to St. Andrews 7 March; St. Andrews to Castle Douglas 15 August. B Passengers: for goods in 1861.

C Passengers: for minerals several months previously. D Goods: for passengers 5 Oct. E Goods: for passengers 20 June. F Goods: for passengers 1 Oct. G Passengers: for goods in 1851.

H Passengers: for goods in 1860. J Note spelling of Aberystwith: correct in name of railway and of station at that time. K Passengers: for goods in 1862. L Passengers: for goods in 1866. M Goods: for passengers (to Stonehouse) in 1866. N Goods: for passengers in 1879. O Minerals: for passengers and goods 21 Sept. P Goods: for passengers in 1867. • Passenger reopening: service withdrawn in 1853. R Goods: for passengers in 1865. S Goods: for passengers in 1867. * From best available sources — no contemporary information

The compiler wishes to thank all those from whom he has received help, especially Mr R.M.Hogg of the B.R.B. Historical Records in Edinburgh, and Mr H.V.Borley.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * From Officers' Meetings: Paddington 30.8.1876

Minute 2767. Employment of Women as Clerks: .... it was the opinion of the meeting that Female Clerks might be employed with advantage, but their employ— ment should be confined to offices (such as goods or abstract offices) where they could be employed separately from the men clerks, except when the member of a stationmaster's family might be employed at the same station as himself

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PRINCIPAL RAILWAY ACTS OF PARLIAMENT OF 1864

By Geoffrey Webb

The year 1864 saw the birth of the and the Metropolitan , but the most important advances were made by the Great Northern Railway in Lincolnshire. The North Staffordshire and the London, Brighton & South Coast each secured four Acts and several other companies received three each, swelling the total to 209, 59 more than in 1863.

Local authorities, particularly those in the metropolitan area, became more assiduous in securing banal protective clauses, requiring, for example, the erection of additional lamp posts. These clauses have been omitted from the summary which follows, but all Acts incorporating new companies, and granting important powers to old companies have been included. Some of the companies listed are not railway companies; where this is not obvious the name has been marked with an asterisk. In addition to the initials of the well known pre-grouping companies, the following abbreviations have been used: Inc. new company incorporated. B.G. Broad Gauge cons. may construct line(s) M.G. Mixed Gauge jou, junction with. N.G. Narrow Gauge r.p.s. running powers. (i.e. 4ft.81in.) stn. station.

Acts up to cap. 35 are 27 Vict, and the later ones are 27 and 28 Vict. For convenience arabic numerals have been used instead of small romans.

CARMARTHEN & CARDIGAN. Cons. Kidwelly (jcn. ) - Velindre, B.G. or M.G. (cap. 13, 28 Apr)

SOUTH YORKSHIRE RLY.AND RIVER DUN, Cons, Ardsley station in township of Monk Bretton -jou. in same township. (cap.19, 13 May)

NORTH EASTERN, Cons. Church Fenton to Micklefield, (cap 20, 13 May)

EDGWARE, HIGHGATE & LONDON, Cons. branch to Alexandra Park, (cap 29, 13 May) LANCASHIRE & YORKSHIRE. Cons, near site of Bradford reservoir (jcn. Ardwick branch) to Bradford Road, Bradford, (cap 32, 13 May) LONDON, BRIGHTON & SOUTH COAST. Cons, Kemp Town branch (cap 35, 13 May) LLYNVI VALLEY ) OGMORE VALLEY ) Shall manage Forth Cawl Harbour jointly and construct new dock. 0.V.2, shall be N.G. L.V.R. to lay N.G. rail from jcn, to harbour. (cap. 48, Jun 23) 8

NORTH EASTERN. Cons. York and Doncaster branch from York to Barlby and Selby to Owstan, with c.onnecting lines to L.& Y.R. at Heck and to authorized West Riaing & Grimsby It Thorpe—in—Balne. R.p. to G.N.R. (cap 49, June 23)

COWES & NEWPORT. Cons. Newport to Whippingham (jcn. authorized Isle of Wight Rly.) and jetty on River Medina in parish of Northwood. May make working agreements with I.W.R. (cap 58, June 23)

CALEDONIAN. Cons. Bredisho/me to Tennochside. (cap 60, June 23)

BEDFORD & CAMBRIDGE leased to L.N.W.R. in perpetuity from date of Act. (cap 62, June 23)

NORTH EASTERN. Cons. connecting line at Bishop Aukland and at Dacre in parish of Stainton. (cap. 67, June 23)

CHICHESTER & MIDHURST, Inc. cons. Chichester to Cocking (jcn. Mid & Midhurst Rly. ) with branch Woolavington to Midhurst. To be wholly in tunnel between 6 miles 7 furlongs and 7 m 2 f in parish of Singleton. Station to be erected at Levant at point agreed with Duke of Richmond and Lennox and all passenger trains to stop there. (cap 75, June 23)

EAST & WEST JUNCTION. Inc. cons. Towcester to Stratford on Avon. 'tops. over Northampton & Banbury Rly. to Blisworth. (cap 76, June 23)

SOUTH YORKSHIRE RLY. & RIVER DUN leased to M.S.L.R. for 999 years from date of Act. (cap 77, June 23)

MANCHESTER, SHEFFIELD & LINCOLNSHIRE may subscribe to and work jointly with G.N.R., Stockport & Woodley Jcn. Rly., Cheshire Midland Rly., Stockport, Timperley & Altrincham Rly„ and West Cheshire Rly. (cap 78, June 23)

RIBBLESDALE. Inc. cons. Settle stn. of N.CR. to Whalley stn, of L.& Y.R.

L.& Y.R. and M.R. may work line. (cap 80, June 23) ALVA amalgamated with Edinburgh & Glasgow Rly. from 31 July 1864. (cap 81, June 23)

ALYTH leased to Scottish North Eastern Rly. in perpetuity from 1 Feb 1863. (cap 82, June 23)

PERTH ALMOND VALLEY & METHVEN may sell undertaking to Scottish North Eastern Rly. (cap 83, June 23)

NORTH BRITISH. Cons. Holme Cultram (jcn. Carlisle & Silloth Bay Rly.) to Wigston. Powers deferred until end of 1865 session and shall not be exercised if Dumfrieshire & Cumberland (Solway) Junction Rly. Co. is incorporated and that co. obtain power to deviate their line from Kirtlebridge to Aspatria through High Cultram. (cap 84, June 23)

ELY, HADDENHAM & SUTTON. Inc. cons. as title. G.E.R. may subscribe,

appoint directors and work line. (cap 86, June 23)

LONDON & SOUTH WESTERN. Cans. Chertsey to Egham. (cap 87, June 23)

WEST NORFOLK JUNCTION. Inc. cons. Heacham to Wells. G.E.R. may subscribe, appoint directors and work line. (cap 909 June 23)

WEST RIDING & GRIMSBY, Cons. station at Wakefield. West Yorkshire Rly. may subscribe capital. W.Y.R., M.R., M.S.L.R., and South Yorkshire Rly. may use station. (cap 91, June 23)

KENT COAST may lease line to L.C.D.R. (cap 93, June 23)

CRYSTAL PALACE & SOUTH LONDON JUNCTION. Cons. St. Giles, Camberwell to St. Paul, . (jcn. L.C.D.R.) (cap 94, June 23)

GREAT EASTERN. Cons. Leyton (jcn Loughton branch) to near Fairmead House,

Highbeech Green. (cap 95, June 23)

LONDON CHATHAM & DOVER may work steam vessels from Ramsgate to ports between Boulogne and Rotterdam inclusive. (cap 96, June 23)

SOUTH EASTERN. Cons, Otford to Westerham. (cap 98, June 23)

SOUTH EASTERN. Cons. Brenchley to Cranbrook and Sandling Bridge through

Hythe and Sandgate to Shorncliffe Camp. (cap 99, June 23)

BELFAST & NORTHERN COUNTIES. Cons. tramway to pier at Portrush. (cap 106, June 23)

SCOTTISH NORTH EASTERN. Cons. connecting line to G.N.S.R. and joint station at Aberdeen. not to use steam whistle when entering or leaving tunnel near Infirmary "except only for the Prevention of inevitable Accident". Noise to be lessened by laying rails directly on longditudinal sleepers, or by some better means. G.N.S.R. to pay two—thirds of cost of station or £125,000 whichever is greater. (cap 111, June 23)

DOWNS DOCK. * Inc. cons, dock channel etc at Sholdon, near Deal and tramway from S.E.R. (cap 112, June 23)

SCOTTISH NORTH EASTERN. Cons. Newtyle to Meigle stn. (cap 115, June 23)

NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE. Newcastle under Lyme Caaal leased in perpetuity from

1 July 1863. (cap 118, June 23)

WEST SHROPSHIRE MINERAL may subscribe capital to Shrewsbury Bridges Co. (cap 119, June 23)

LYMINGTON HARBOUR & DOCK * Inc. cons. dock and rly thereto. L.R.Co. may lease line. (cap 120, June 23)

EAST NORFOLK. Inc. cons. North Walsham to Thorpe—next—Norwich. G.E.R. may subscribe capital and work line. (cap 122, June 23)

LONDON BRIGHTON & SOUTH COAST. Cons. from near Ouse Viaduct to Uckfield and Hailsham. (zap 123, June 23) 10

GREAT NORTHERN. R.ps. over G.E.R. from Shepreth to Cambridge where separate accommodation is to be provided. By agreement G.E.R. is to double branch line befre 31st March 1866. (cap 124, June 23)

WEST SHROPSHIRE MINERAL. Cons. through Llanyblodwel to Oswestry, (cap.128,June 30).

SEVENOAKS, & TUNBRIDGE may lease or sell line to L.C.D.R. (cap. 129, June 30)

GLASGOW & SOUTH WESTERN ) CALEDONIAN ) Cons. Ibrox to Govan. (cap. 132, June 30)

MID WALES. Cons. connecting line to Mid Wales Rly. at Llanelwedd. May lease whole undertaking for not more than 21 years to John Watson and James

Overend, jointly or severally. (cap 142, June 30)

HALIFAX & OVENDEN JUNCTION. Inc. cons, Halifax to Netherton Mill. G.N.R. and L & Y.R, may subscribe capital, appoint directors and work line.

(cap 143, June 30)

MISTLEY, THORPE & WALTON. Cons. Tendring to Thorpe-le-Soken or Weeley. Tendring Rly.) (Cap 144, June 30)

GARSTANG & KNOT END. Inc. cons. as title. (cap 147, June 30)

LONDON, BRIGHTON & SOUTH COAST may run steam vessels from to

Havre, Honfleur, St. Malo, Caen, and Jersey. (cap 154, June 30)

WEST SHROPSHIRE MINERAL. Cons. Kinnerley to Alderbury and Kinnerley to Great Ness. Flops. to L.N.W.R. Name changed to Shrewsbury & North Wales

from date of Act. (cap 1569 June 30). SOLWAY JUNCTION. Inc. cons. Kirtlebridge station to Aspatria across Solway Firth with connecting lines to G.S.W.R. at Annan to Carlisle Dock & Rly to Bowness, and to Carlisle & Silloth Bay at Home Cultram. Co. shall in 1865 Session use its best endeavours to obtain powers to deviate line via High Cultram and N.B.R. shall not oppose Bill. (cap 158, June 30)

NEWMAY & JUNCTION. Inc. cons. Burngullow station to Hendra. (jcn. Railway) Cornwall Rly and owners of Treffrey's Estate (Newquay Rly) may work line. (cap 163, July 14)

MIDLAND. Cons. Mangotsfield to Bath and Yate to Thornbury. May acquire tramway belonging to G.W.R. from Mangotsfield to Bath with branch to South- well Colliery. (cap 164, July 14)

LEEDS BRADFORD & HALIFAX JUNCTION. Cons. connecting line to L.& Y.R. at

Bradford. (cap 165, July 14)

LONDON & SOUTH WESTERN. Cons. Kensington stn. (West London RlY)to Hammer- smith Hammersmith & City Rly.) and liammersmith to Richmond with branch 11

Chiswick to Acton (jcn North & South Western Junction Rly). Branch not to be constructed if N.& S.W.J.R obtain same powers in 1865 and purchase land before 25 March 1866. Stn. to be built at Kew and joint stn. at Hammersmith on H.& C.R. G.W.R. and H.& C.R. reps. Acton to Richmond. Co. shall convey trains from N.& S.W.J.R. to and from Kingston. Co. shall apply in 1865 to cons. Kew Curve to connect Kensington & Richmond line with their loop liarso as to afford connection from Hammersmith to Brantford and Hounslow. (cap 166, July 14)

BODMIN. Inc. cons. Bodmin Road Stn. to Bodmin. B.G. Cornwall Rly may work line. No building except platforms to be built between junction and river crossing. (cap 170, July 14)

LONDON BRIGHTON & SOUTH COAST. Cons. Rotherfield to Hailsham.and line to connect Hailsham branch with branch. Co. shall run trains Eastbourne — Tunbridge Wells (S.E.R. stn) and S.E.R. shall run connecting trains to and from London. (cap 172, July 14)

SCOTTISH NORTH EASTERN. Cons. Dundee to Forfar. (cap 173, July 14)

SOUTHAMPTON & NETLEY may amalgamate with L.S.W.R. from 1st Jan 1864. (cap 174, July 14)

SWANSEA & ABERYSTWITH JUNCTION. Inc. cons. from Vale of Towy Rly. to Llanio (jen. Manchester & Milford Rly.) and branch Llanfair Clydogau to Pencarreg M.M.R.) Flops. over V.T.R. to Llanelly Rly. who may work line. (cap 175, July 14)

WELLINGTON & DRAYTON may be leased to G.W.R. for 50 years from date of Board of Trade approval of line for working of public traffic.

(cap 176, July 14)

HAILING RAILWAYS. Cons. extension to Esplanade, Dock & etc. LOBO& S.C.R. and. L.& S.W.R. may work line. (cap 177, July 14).

CHEDDAR VALLEY & . Inc. cons. Wells to Yatton. Gauge same as & Rly. between Bristol and Yatton. B.& E.R. may work line. (cap 181, July 14)

WENSUM VALLEY. Inc. cons. from two jcns. G.E.R. at East Dereham to

Norwich. G.E.R. may subscribe capital and work line. (cap 182, July 14)

PEMBROKE & TENBY, Cons. Penally to Whitland stn. with connecting lines to tramway leading from Thomas Chapel to Saundersfoot. (cap 183, July 14)

BRISTOL & EXETER shall purchase and may abandon canal between Firepool Bridge and Loudwell Lock. (cap 184, July 14)

CARVARVON & LLANBERIS,, Inc. cons. as title. Not to use any stn. within one mile of Carnarvon Castle other than that of Carnarvon Rly. L.N.W.R. and C.R. may work line. (cap 186, July 14) 12 VALE OF CRICKHOWEL. Inc. cons. Llanfoist to Crickhowel. Merthyr Tredegar & Abergavengy Rly and L.& N.W.R. may work line. Goods, passenger and mineral stn. to be erected at Llangrivyney and at least two passenger and one goods shall stop each way daily. (cap 188, July 14).

CRIEFF & METHVEN JUNCTION. Inc. cons. as title. Scottish Northern Eastern Rly. may work line. (cap 189, July 14)

MIDLAND & SOUTHWESTERN. Inc. cons. Hendon to East Acton (jcn North & South Western Rly.). M.R. may subscribe capital and work line. Stn. to be erected not less than 200 yards nor more than half a mile from road numbered 81 in direction of Edgware Road, at least four trains each way shall call there (or all trains if fewer than four are run). No entrance to be made from road no. 81 to station. No train to be run past road no. 81 or Willesden Parish Church during Morning Service on Sundays, Christmas Day or Good Friday. (cap 190, July 14)

LONDON, CHATHAM & DOVER. Cons. various connecting lines with L.B.S.C.R., L.S.W.R., and West London Extension Rly at Battersea; from L.B.S.C.R. to Herne Hill stn; from Greenwich branch to S.E.R. and from Snow Hill to Metropolitan Rly. S.E.R. r.ps. to Crystal Palace. L.CMA. r.ps. over S.E.R. to Arsenal and over Met. to G.N.R. and M.R. Met. to construct interchange stn. at Farringdon Street. Locomotives running over Met. to use only best quality coke. Workmen's trains to be run from Loughborough Park & Peckham Junction stations to Ludgate Station. (cap 195, July 14)

SHREWSBURY & WELCHPOOL may sell or lease to L.N.W.R. or L.N.W.R. and G.W.R. jointly. (cap 196, July 14)

HELSTON & PENRYN JUNCTION. Inc. cons. as title. B.G. Cornwall Rly. may work line. (cap 197, July 14)

KINGTON & EARDISLEY. Cons. Lyonshall to Presteign with connecting lines to Leominster & Kington Rly. at Pembridge. May make working agreement with L.& K.R. (cap 199, July 14)

SOUTHAM. Cons. (jcn. G.W.R.) through to Birdingbury. (jcn. L.N.W.R.) B.G., M.G. or N.G. Station to be erected at Birdingbury. (cap 200, July 14)

GREAT NORTHERN. Cons. East Barnet to Monken Hadley and enlarge Kings Cross station. ( cap 202, July 14)

MACCLESFIELD, BOLLINGTON & MARPLE. Inc. cons. as title. R.ps. to N.S.R. and MOS.L.RO who may subscribe capital and work line. (cap 204, July 14)

WATFORD & EDGWARE JUNCTION. Inc. cons. as title. (jcn. with Watford &

Rickmansworth Rly). G.N.R. may work line. (cap 205, July 14) SUNNINGDALE & CAMBRIDGE TOWN. Inc. cons. as title. R.ps. to L.S.LR. who may work line. (cap 207, July 14) 13

BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER. Cons. Bourton-on-the-Water to Whittington. (cap 210, July 25)

LONDON CHATHAM & DOVER. G.N.R. may subscribe to and run over City lines. (cap 212, July 25)

SCOTTISH CENTRAL may improve Dundee & Newtyle Rly. (cap 214, July 25)

EARITH TRAMWAYS. Inc. cons. Earith ballast pits to , and connecting line to S.E.R. at Crossing. Maximum speed of trains 10 miles an hour. S.E.R. r.ps. to River Thames. (Preamble states that 500,000 tons of ballast and 30,000 tons of coal are conveyed annually to ships in Thames, over existing tramway which has been in use upwards of

60 years) (cap 215, July 25)

WATERFORD & WEXFORD RAILWAY & HARBOUR. Inc. cons. as title. Dublin, Wicklow & Waterford Rly may work line. (cap.216, July 25).

LLANELLI RAILWAY & DOCK. Cons. at Loughor (jcn.G.W.R.) B.G., N.G., or M.G. R.ps. thence to Llanelly over G.W.R. who shall add N.G. rail if required. (cap 218, July 25)

LONDON & BLACKWALL. Enlarge Fenchurch Street stn. (cap 219, July 25)

STAMFORD & ESSENDINE. Cons. Stamford to Sibson stn. L.N.W.R. (cap 220, July 25)

TOTTENHAM & HAMPSTEAD. Cons. Holloway Road to Islip Street (jen. authorized M.R.) G.E.R. and M.R. may subscribe capital and G.E.R. may work line. (cap 221, July 25)

WILTS & GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Inc. cons. Christian Milford (jcn. G.W.R.) to Nailsworth. Reciprocal r.ps. with Stonehouse & Nailsworth Rly. May lay B.G. rail on S.& N.R. and S.& N.R. may lay N.G. rail on W.& G.R. (cap 222, July 25)

CARMARTHENSHIRE. Inc. cons, Llanelly St.Davids branch of Llanelly- Ray.) to Mynyddmawr (jcn. Mountain branch of L.R.). L.R. may work line. (cap 224, July 25)

CORRIS. Cons. Corris to Garthgyfawr (ph. Dolgelly). Gauge 2ft 3 ins. May use locomotives. Maximum 10 miles an hour. Name changed from Corris, Machynileth & River Dovey Tramroad from date of Act. May abandon line Ffynon Garsiwn to Garrig on River Dovey. (cap 225, July 25)

LONDON & NORTH WESTERN. Cons. deviation of Chester line at ; curve at Hereford from G.W.R. to Newport, & Hereford Rly; and lines connecting Hampstead Junction Railway with L.N.LR. and H.J.R. with West London Railway. Heads of agreement with for joint station at Hereford confirmed. (cap 226, July 25)

(to be continued) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

14

RECENT LITERATURE

William J. Skillern

BANKES, Joyce H.M. A Nineteenth-century colliery railway tilrom Winstanley to Wigan. 1963_7. (Historic Society of Lancashire & Cheshire, 1 Funchal Avenue, Formby, Liverpool, 4/9). (Also in "Trans. Hist. Soc. Lancs. & Chesh." Vol.114, 1962

CASSERLEY, B.C. British names of the twentieth century. 1963. (, 30/-). CRAIG, Robert Some aspects of the trade and shipping of the River Dee in the eighteenth century. /-19632. (Historic Society of Lancashire & Cheshire, 1 Funchal Ave.,Pormby, Liverpool, 5/-).(Also in "Trans. Hist. Soc. Lancs. & Chesh.", Vol. 114, 1962). DOUGLAS, Hugh. The Underground story. /In London] 1963. (Hale, 21/-) FELIXSTOWE DOCK & RAILWAY ACT, 1963. (Eliz.2,1963, Cho xxxvi). (H.M.Stationery

Office, 2/6; by post 2/10).

GREVILLE, M.D. and A Handbook to closed passenger lines of Scotland up to SPENCE, Jeoffry 1939. 1963. (Railway & Canal Historical Society, 34 Manor Avenue, Caterham, Surrey, 3/6d) HUDSON, Kenneth Industrial : an introduction; rwith a chapter on railways, inland waterways and 7 1963. (John Baker, 36/-) INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS. Engineering heritage: Highlights from the history of mechanical engineering. Vol. 1; rwith chapters on Trevithick; the Stephensons; ; and Landmarks in design 7 1963. (Heinemann, on behalf of the Inst.Mea. Eng., 30/-) MULLINEUX, Frank The Duke of Bridgewater's underground canals at Worsley. 1963. (Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 88 Grange Avenue, Oldham, 3/6d). (Also in "Trans. Lancs. & Chesh. Antiq. Soc." Vol. 71, 1961. 1963). RAILWAY CORRESPONDENCE AND TRAVEL SOCIETY. North Wales rail traffic survey, Saturday, 4th August 1962; compiled. by C.W.F.Smith. 1963. (R.C.T.S., Merseyside branch, 2/6d. Available from J. Cashin, 321 Kingsheath Avenue, Knotty Ash, Liverpool 14). Duplicated typescript. SANDSTROM, G8sta E. The history of tunneling: underground workings through the ages. 1963. (Barry & Rockliff, 45/-). THOMAS, Gilbert, and Double headed: two generations of railway enthusiasm. THOMAS, David St.John. 1963. (David & Charles and Macdonald, 25/-). TOMLINSON, V.I. Early warehouses on Manchester waterways. 1963. (Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquariin Society, 88 Grange Avenue, Oldham 4/-).(Also in "Trans. Lancs. & Chesh. Antiq. Soc." Vol. 71, 1961. 1963). TUPLIN, W.A. NorthWestern _Steam. 1963. (Allen & Unwin, 35/-). WHITE, H.P. Greater London. 1963.(Phoenix House 35/-). (Regional History of the Railways of Great Britain, Vol.3) 15 ARTICLE

The Admiralty gave a quarter of a century reprieve to dying line: the story of the Cleobury Mortimer to Ditton Priors Railway. (In "Shropshire Magazine", Vb1.159 No.6, June 1963).

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CORRESPONDENCE

Book Review - The Severn & Railway

Sir, - Since the Second World War there has developed a fetish - perhaps quirk would be a better word for it - that railway history must appear in the industrial and/or social framework of the area which the line served. Every railway history which does not measure up to this new-fangled criterion is severely criticized by those who appear unable to rid themselves of the "background" bogey.

This book - which I rank among the half dozen best of its kind in the last 15 years - is the railway history of a very small area. It sets out to tell the detailed story of the railways, an extremely complex subject as anyone who knows the Forest is aware, and succeeds most skilfully in hold- ing the balance between the many facets of its subject. The suggestion that the book is "marred by a blinkered determination to limit itself to the Forest of Dean and nothing but the Forest of Dean" appears to me as an injustice to the author. Of course it is limited to the Forest of Dean. That was the author's obvious intention and he probably had considerable difficulty in keeping the length within bounds without going outside.

Those who wish to read the industrial history of the Forest should go elsewhere and not complain if a purely railway history fails to satisfy their needs.

Co R. CLINKER.

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BOOK REVIEWS

INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION by Kenneth Hudson. 179 pages, 59 photographs, 2 plans, bibliography, index. John Baker Publishers Ltd, 5 Royal Opera House Arcade, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1. 1963. 36/-. As the publisher remarks on the dust-jacket, "Industrial Archaeology can be define:I as the study of early industrial buildings and machinery, 16

particularly of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It has become a subject of lively interest and controversy among archaeologists, historians,

architects and engineers, as well as among the growing number of industrial— ists, businessmen and members of the general public who have been surprised and fascinated to discover how much of this early material still survives, often in the most unlikely places".

In his Foreword, the author, who is BBC West Region Industrial Correspondent and member of the Industrial Archaeology Research Committee of the Council for British Archaeology, recalls that the book has had a curious history, "which reflects Industrial Archaeology's struggle to get official recognotion as a reputable study". It does not set out to be an encyclopaedia; its aim is the more modest one of "attempting to draw attention to the surviving memorials of our industrial past and to help to create a public opinion which is sufficiently well—informed to approve of money being spent on recording and preserving tangible evidence of some

of the most remarkable achievements of a country which was, in its time, the leading industrial nation in the world".

It must be straightway said that Mr Hudson has entirely succeeded

in his aim. This pioneer book could easily have been done badly, spoiling the hopes of further books extending the subject into its more detailed

aspects. Instead, a balanced plan of campaign has been prepared to cover all angles of this new (and almost suspect) branch of archaeology.

Mr Hudson's opening chapter, "What is industrial archaeology ?", traces the rise of interest in the subject, including the first occumonce in speech and in print of the now—accepted phrase which gives his book its title. Subsequent chapters deal with the urgency of the need to preserve or record, particularly where destruction is likely, or, indeed, inevitable, and with the approach to the actual study of industrial remains, taking as examples recording and preservation work by various individuals on windmills, lead—smelting works, abandoned railways, the block—making firm of Taylors of , and early cranes. These case—histories show just what can be achieved.

A longer chapter entitled "The pace and pattern of the Industrial Revolution" provides, in compression, a model background for the six chapters which follow under the general heading of "What to look for". In these, the subjects briefly but soundly dealt with are: coal, iron and steel, lead, tin, copper, zinc; animal—, water—, wind—, and steam,

power; textiles, pottery, glass, brewing and distilling; railways, inland

waterways and roads; building materials, such as cement, bricks, roofing tiles, iron and steel, wood; and finally, farm buildings and the Industrial Revolution.

The last chapter is on "Documentation and recording" and it could, with advantage, have been a few pages longer. The 8 pages of the bibliog— raphy perhaps rely too heavily on the Transactions of the Newcomen Society, treasure—house of information though they are. 17

Notable points for commendation in the book are (a) the opening paragraphs of each subect-section, which set out, very clearly and con- cisely, the technical processes behind the buildings and machinery under study; (b) the striking but careful use of the occasional local or trade term, e.g. shordruck . pottery waste tip; and (c) the graphic sense of characteristic, plans and architectural and structural details to be dis- covered in premises built, or adapted, for particular manufacturing processes. In its practical approach this book may be compared with Francis Celoria's "Local History" in the Teach Yourself series (E.U.P. 1958) or with Islay Doncaster's "Finding the history around us" (Blackwell 1957). Mr Hudson's work is warmly recommended to the attention (and the purses) of members of the Railway & Canal Historical Society, which is itself given generous mention in chapter 8.

As with any pioneer work covering broadly a field strewn with potential specialized pitfalls, the expert in any one discipline may possibly spot minor errors; only the pedan.4.iz, however, will make a fuss when the basic scheme is so ably comprehended. That being so, one hopes that it is not ungracious to suggest that the illustrations might have been referred to in the text. For example, it seems odd to describe the Bunawe Furnace, Taynuilt, Argyll and not to draw the reader's attention there and then, to the fact that plates XXII - XXV show four excellent photographs of the ironworks. And a final small point: the National Buildings Record and the Royal Commission on Historical Mon- uments for (of which, from 1963, the N,B.R. is a department instead of a separate body), is now to be found at Fielden House, Great College Street, London, S.W.1., and not at the address given on page 163. But these points in no wise detract from the total value of "Industrial Archaeology: An Introduction".

M. I. B.

A HANDBOOK TO CLOSED PASSENGER. LINES OF SCOTLAND UP TO 1939 by 1LD.Greville and Jeoffry Spence. Obtainable from the Railway & Canal Historical Society, at "Tuborg Halt", 34, Manor Avenue, Caterham, Surrey. 8 in. x 10 in. 12 pp. Stiff paper covers. Price 3s-6d post free.

This pamphlet enumerating lines in Scotland that have been closed to passenger traffic is the companion of a similar work covering the railways of England and Wales, published by the authors in 1955. The seine form of arrangement has been adopted, and the neat tabular presentation of the data facilitates quick reference, a point that will be much appreciated by those engaged in historical research. The information is collated under the headings of pre-grouping ownership, and the lines are listed in order of their dates of closing. In every case, the mileage of lines closed is given, together with the dates of opening and closing, and the stations affected. The information is supplemented by notes as necessary. Were it has not been possible to 18 establish dates exactly, the first or last month in which the passenger services appeared in Bradshaw are quoted. Except as indicated, the infor— mation has been taken from contemporary sources, and failing these, from the most authoritative source.

The period covered ends with the outbreak of the second world war on 3 September 1939, and perhaps some regret will be expressed because the scope of the record was not extended to include the few years remaining before the railways were nationalized on 1 January 1948. However, this omission does not detract seriously from the merit of the work.

The authors are already well known in the field of railway historical research, and they deserve congratulation on the way in which they have thoroughly sifted a mass of material (much of it of considerable age) to to obtain such comprehensive details. The publication of the results of

their researches is all the more welcome at a time whenit is to be feared, the number of closed lines throughout the country is likely to be considerably

augmented.

H. A. V.

THE RAILWAYS OF CORNWALL 1809-1963 by C.R.Clinker. David & Charles, Dawlish 10s-6d,

As stated in the introduction the aim of this booklet is to provide a complete and accurate record of the principal events connected with the railways of Cornwall and Mr Clinker has certainly done this extremely well.

Commencing with the Great Western Railway, followed by the London & South Western Railway and finally other railways Mr Clinker gives details of various Acts of Parliament and dates of opening of each portion of lines

within the county.

This is followed by lists giving dates certain passenger services were withdrawn; lines closed; stations and halts opened subsequent to the opening of the line on which they were situated; stations closed; principle changes in names; lists of viaducts and tunnels and finally details of changes of gauge. There is also a map showing clearly the railways of the county.

The booklet is well worth purchasing by all those interested in the railways of Cornwall, indeed it is difficult to find anything to criticize with the possible exception that by treating Sunday as a dies non one cannot

be sure whether the last train ran on the Saturday or the Sunday.

H. V. B. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * FOR GROUP SECRETARIES S1 PAGE THREE

Published by the Railway & Canal Historical Society at Tuborg Halt, 34 Manor Ave,,

Caterham, Surrey and printed by J.H.Denton at the Cottage Press, Codsall, Staffs.