Route of the Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea Branch Railway (EHER 80742)
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Summary
The Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea Branch Railway was incorporated in 1861, although not completed until 1866 due to difficulties raising capital. The line closed in 1964.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred TM 0598 1898 (4620m by 5409m) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | ALRESFORD, TENDRING, ESSEX |
| Civil Parish | BRIGHTLINGSEA, TENDRING, ESSEX |
Type and Period
Description
Information from NRHE:
The Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea Branch Railway was incorporated in 1861, although not completed until 1866 due to difficulties raising capital. It was built as a single track and operated by the GER. The old station at Brightlingsea burnt down on the last day of 1901, and was rebuilt. The line was always susceptible to flooding and storm, and following the Great Storm of January 31st 1953, when 3 miles of track were washed away, total closure was proposed. However, the pleas of the local community forced its reopening in December 1953. Diesel units were introduced on the line in 1957, but by 1963, daily passengers had dwindled sharply, and it was closed in 1964. <1>
Sources
- <1> SEX1669 Monograph: Gordon, D.I.. 1977. A Regional History of the Railways of Great Britain - Volume 5 - Eastern Counties. pp 67-68.
Related Monuments/Buildings (1)
Other References
- National Monuments Record: LINEAR 1128