Midland & South Western Junction Railway Through Time

The Midland & South Western Junction Railway was formed in 1884 by amalgamation of the Swindon, Marlborough & Andover and the Swindon & Cheltenham Extension railways. It provided a north–south link between the Midland and the London & South Western railways through the heartland of the Great Western Railway. It joined the Banbury & Cheltenham Direct Railway at Andoversford with running rights to Cheltenham; its junction with the L&SWR was at Andover. It was closed by British Railways in 1961, but the Swindon & Cricklade heritage railway is recreating some of the line from its base at Blunsdon.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2018
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The Midland & South Western Junction Railway, a historic transportation network, came into existence in 1884 through the merger of the Swindon, Marlborough & Andover and the Swindon & Cheltenham Extension railways. This strategic amalgamation established a vital north-south connection between the Midland and the London & South Western railways, traversing the heartland of the Great Western Railway. In addition to its commercial role, the railway played a crucial role in supporting numerous military establishments in Wiltshire, ensuring the smooth movement of personnel and supplies.

The railway's strategic location allowed it to connect with the Banbury & Cheltenham Direct Railway at Andoversford, granting it running rights to Cheltenham. Its junction with the L&SWR was situated at Andover, further enhancing its connectivity. As the railway passed west of the GWR station at Swindon, it was occasionally referred to as "Swindon's Other Railway," although it eventually became part of the GWR in 1923.

Unfortunately, the line faced closure in 1961, with British Railways opting to discontinue its operations. However, a glimmer of hope emerged with the establishment of the Swindon & Cricklade heritage railway, which is diligently recreating portions of the historic route from its base at Blunsdon. The restoration efforts have been remarkable, with several sections of the trackbed transformed into picturesque walking and cycling routes, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of this former railway.

The Midland & South Western Junction Railway's legacy continues to resonate, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of its founders and operators. While the physical railway may be no longer in operation, its spirit lives on through the dedicated efforts of the heritage railway, ensuring that the history and significance of this vital transportation network are preserved for generations to come.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 165 x 234 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445663364