Redbrook on Wye railway station explained

Redbrook on Wye
Status:Disused
Borough:Redbrook, Forest of Dean
Country:England
Grid Name:Grid reference
Platforms:1
Original:Wye Valley Railway
Pregroup:Great Western Railway
Postgroup:Great Western Railway
Years:November 1876
Events:Station opened
Years2:January 1959
Events2:Station closed to passengers
Years3:January 1964
Events3:Station closed completely

Redbrook on Wye railway station was a station serving the village of Redbrook on the now disused Wye Valley Railway. It was opened on 1 November 1876 with the rest of the line and remained open for 83 years, it closed in 1959.[1] The sidings and passing loop remained open until late 1961 to serve the Tinplate Works in the village.[2]

History

The station was opened in 1876 as one of the four stopping places on the line, the others were Tidenham Station, Tintern Station and St. Briavels Station. The station complex consisted of a platform, station building, goods shed, signal box, passing loop and sidings; the signal box controlled the loop and sidings.[2] The signal box was only used when needed as the sidings were only occasionally used.

Throughout its life, the station won many awards for its flowers and decorations, its climbing roses especially. The staff were often in competition with Tintern Station to be the best kept station on the line.

Nine years after the stations opening, a new company re-opened the old Tinplate Works. The Shareholders of the railway were informed that the new tinplate company would provide a reliable source of income. The Tinplate Works managed to produce a steady amount until it finally closed in 1961.[2] The railway was completely demolished soon afterwards to make room for a restaurant. However, Penallt Viaduct, which led up to the station is still standing, it now carries a public footpath over the Wye.

External links

51.7876°N -2.6748°W

Notes and References

  1. Book: Quick, M. E.. Railway passenger stations in England, Scotland and Wales – a chronology. 2002. Railway and Canal Historical Society. Richmond. 360. 931112387.
  2. B. M. Handley and R. Dingwall, The Wye Valley Railway and the Coleford Branch, 1982,