Shropshire Routes to Roots

5. Your project

Introduction

Why don't you start your own project? By using maps, books, photographs, plans and drawings you can discover and explain the history of a disused railway line near you.

To give you one possible idea, on this page we are looking at the old Bishop's Castle Railway. If you are interested, you could try to find out more about this line. Alternatively, discover one nearer to your house or school.

Bishop's Castle Railway advert Larger image, in a new window [32kb] [Shrewsbury Chronicle; Friday August 17th, 1866]

Bishop's Castle Railway

Bishop's Castle station. The railway was opened on Tuesday, 24th October, 1865. The original idea was to link the growing railway town of Craven Arms with Montgomery, Bishop's Castle being joined via a short branch line from Lydham Heath.

Bishop's Castle Station Larger image, in a new window [41kb] [Shropshire Archive reference: PH/B/16/10]

Bishop's Castle Station, oval. Larger image, in a new window [30kb] [Shropshire Archive reference: PH/B/16/10]

The line branched off the Shrewsbury-Hereford line about three quarters of a mile north of Craven Arms. Craven Arms was originally no more than a junction, near to the old posting inn the "Craven Arms". The town grew in importance because of the junctions of the railways.

"Between Lydham Heath and Plowden. Damaged by floods 13/5/1886".

Bishop's Castle floodwork Larger image, in a new window [38kb] [Shropshire Archive reference: PH/B/16/10]

When you have chosen a disused railway line or site near you, ask yourself the following questions about it:

• Who built the line?
• When was it built?
• Did it carry passengers, freight, or both?
• What did the local people think about the coming of the railway?
• Why did it fall into disuse?

Then use maps, photographs and documents like those in this theme to find out the answers for yourself.

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