Harwich Branch Railway (EHER 80741)

Harwich Branch Railway was opened in 1854 by the Eastern Union Company which was also engaged in developing Harwich as a port. In 1863, the ECR began to run a steamship service from the Harwich Town Quay, and the combination of railway services and good natural features at the port increased the importance of Harwich port.

Information from NRHE: Harwich Branch Railway, opened 1854. Although authorisation for the railway was granted to the Eastern Union Company in 1847, financial difficulties and opposition from the Eastern Counties Railway delayed completion until 1854. The company was also engaged in developing Harwich as a port, but until 1863, lost heavily on the railway. In that year, the ECR began to run a steamship service from the Harwich Town Quay, and the combination of railway services and good natural features at the port increased the importance of Harwich port. A double track was provided to Mistley in 1866 and throughout in 1882. A new terminus at Parkeston Quay was created in 1883 requiring a loop of new track, making 1.75 miles of track between Wrabness and Dovercourt redundant. It was subsequently lifted. Some of the smaller intermediate stations have closed. <1>