A Tale of Two Lost Branch Lines: Rediscovering the Ramsey Branch Lines

[@CaptainScruff83]

Another wonderful & professional production, so glad somebody is documenting our railway heritage. 👍👍

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Most kind - the quest continues!

[@RHR-221b]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways Thank you..

[@bebren25]

I remember driving the locos from Somersham to Ramsey East during my school holidays when I was 12 years old, now I'm 76. They were good days. My father was the Station Master at the time. I was born on the Station at Elton and grow up on the railways until I was 16.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Fascinating, evocative memories, thank you so much for sharing them!

[@paulhaynes8045]

Thank you for this film, it's probably the only record of these two lines. You are recording history, not 'just' making KZbin videos. But so sad that lines such as these are now gone - and what happebed here was repeated all over the country. I am not yet 70, but in that relatively short lifetime I could have travelled on these lines, but they are now so utterly lost that most people who live in the areas once served would have no idea they ever existed. Not even any station buildings left - at least you usually get some of thrm remaining. Nothing but the name of a road, that probably few people ever wonder about. I wonder how many Station Roads there are across the country, where the line that station once served is now not even a memory...

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your kind words about my film and your thoughts, which I don't doubt are widely shared!

[@johnmasters504]

Great video, in 1976 I had a friend who worked in Warboys Brick Works, he was called Mark Stokes and owned a brand new Ford Capri 3000, his girlfriend was a policemans daughter called Moira Logan, I explored the 2 railways in 1973 and 1974, taking pics at Somersham, and Ramsey North, and Ramsey St Marys and Holme, I had booked on a special train hauled by a Class 08 in 1973 from Peterborough to Ramsey North but the train was cancelled due to poor condition of track, I still have the letter from British Rail somewhere cancelling it. From the 1930s to 1973 the top speed of the line was 15mph, photos of trains on the line seem extremely rare especially of diesel trains which were Class 08 hauled from Peterborough, right now the site of Ramsey North is being cleared to build housing, I have one book only on this line. I hope some one can get some photos of the station site being cleared..

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So glad you enjoyed it - and thanks for the evocative memories!

[@michaelward2082]

hi

[@johnmasters504]

@@michaelward2082 yeh

[@martinlewis6661]

Hello John. Just had to reply when I saw Mark mentioned. We lived in Benwick for many years. Mark was the sound engineer for our band (Trux) and the drummer was another Warboys man called Tim Day (lived in Old Mill Avenue). Haven't seen either of them for many years and am now living in Norfolk, so don't suppose I shall ever see them again.

[@michaelward2082]

@@martinlewis6661 Mark Stokes worked in the brickworks at Warboys in 1975, but I have not seen him since 1975...

[@brianartillery]

Excellent film. I'm fascinated by lost railways, but at the same time, filled with an odd sadness, and yes, anger at their loss. In an area as bleak and remote as the Fens, you would think that transport links to remote points would be a necessity - and what better than rail? But, if you haven't the passengers or commerce, then there's no escape from closure. But that's not always true, as we know too well. I was born in 1963, and can just remember seeing the odd steam engine. And being a bit scared of them, too!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I think you have it right that the railway simply did not earn its keep. Really glad you enjoyed the film!

[@christinaburton9297]

Me too. People gave their lives building the structures, yet they were airily discarded and dismantled with indecent haste, at a time when the baby boomers were growing up and having children so needing new homes built with good transport links.. Isolated politicians who thought everyone would have cars, cutting off and polluting rural areas with traffic and condemning people to lives of poverty. A scandalous exercise in short term fixes. Now millions are being spent bringing them back. May Beeching wait forever in the hot place, waiting on a platform for a train which never arrives..I was brought up in Cranleigh. Biggest village in England, no train service, one rubbish Aldershot and District bone shaker bus an hour to Guildford, narrow lanes clogged with traffic, cyclists and riders in danger. What a catastrophe.

[@RHR-221b]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways I believe, during the time aforementioned, that Marples (MarplesRidgway) had a more than passing interest in road transportation, investment-wise? Pelters welcome. Stay free, RLR. R 😎 Please refer to, as a starter, the following: www.conservativehome.com/thecolumnists/2014/03/from-lewis_baston-ernie-marples-yes-a-rogue-but-he-brightened-up-the-1950s-and-he-made-things-happen.html en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Marples www.railfuture.org.uk/article1448-Roads-scandal

[@philippankhurst6680]

@@christinaburton9297 Poor old Beeching gets the blame for every branch line closure. He was innocent in the case of these 2 long lost lines - they just died of exhaustion. So many other cherished lines were also closed long before he took office and yet he gets the blame. Nevertheless, apart from high rise social housing, his 'Reshaping' of the railways was arguably the biggest social disaster of the second half of the 20th century.

[@paulhaynes8045]

@@philippankhurst6680 It was a different time, a different planet almost. And, as always, history has to be seen in context. Railways, especially underused rural lines, looked completely outdated compared to cars and roads. I can't forgive Beeching and all the other who came before and after him, but I can understand the pressures and views of the time. All I wish, though, is that the right of way of every line had been preserved. So many closed lines are now possibly viable (or socially desirable) routes for rail links, light railway/tram schemes, or even just guided bus ways or similar. But the cost of restoring those routes is now astronomical because roads and houses have been built all over them.

[@TheGalacticEmperorOfLabels]

Thank you for making and posting these terrific videos. I only became a derelict railway enthusiast a few years ago and am staggered by the content. A particular shame that so little remains of these two lines. Why couldn't someone see the sense of mothballing lines that weren't required, rather than lifting the track and destroying all that infrastructure forever?

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My very great pleasure, thank you for saying so. In the case of these lines they were little used and cost more to operate and maintain than they took in income. But broadly speaking, I agree - lots of mothballed lines would've made reinstatement a lot easier! Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series.

[@britanniafirst1254]

Many thanks for the excellent film. I used to drive high speed trains from Newcastle to Kings Cross through Holme, so I could see the track bed branching off at Holme towards Ramsey across the fields. I appreciate the time and effort you have taken into researching the history of both branch lines to Ramsey.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure and its always good to get the approval of an insider, so to speak! Really glad you enjoyed the film.

[@philclennell]

Congratulations on rediscovering yet another pair of lost railways! The added bonus is the music of Gerald Finzi making its first appearance (I think) on your channel. Yet another atmospheric piece from the English Pastoral movement!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I think you might be right... I'm going to have to check now - beautiful music nevertheless!

[@aswler]

Another sad but great video! And keep up the calm style without shouting and any disturbing music. Greetings from a Czech railway fan!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I will, you have my word!

[@20PhantoM07]

119 years.. Heartbreaking when I think about it.. Fantastic tribute thanks for that.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So pleased you enjoyed the film!

[@20PhantoM07]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways I really did/

[@chrismccartney8668]

Enjoyable and well produced video

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very kind of you to say so, thank you

[@pauleff3312]

Damn Beeching once again. And once again I want to say that you've made a great film covering some of the country's lost heritage. You films really are excellent and poignant.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed 🙏

[@davidt3705]

I have only recently discovered your channel and what a lovely surprise it was, beautifully filmed and produced with a clear and informative narrative. I will now start to work my way through the older videos and I have also subscribed so that I won't miss any new ones. Many thanks for all the effort that you obviously put into the above video. I grew up when all trains were pulled by steam engines and although there are still many to be seen on heritage lines they do not have quite the same magic as the working steam engines did.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so glad you have found my channel. Do have a look around and let me know what you think!

[@philippankhurst6680]

Excellent film as always, and one that brought back some memories. I lived in the area from 1972 to 1988 and I walked the tracks of both lines in 1973 and went back to them several times. Somersham station was ruinous but virtually complete and would have made a fine heritage site. It was great when much of it was rescued by Sir William and reused at Fawley Hill. Ramsey North still had track at the time and I 'preserved' one or two cast iron sleeper numerals which I've still got in my shed. Both lines were always hopelessly uneconomic and neither station was near the centre of the town as I recall.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for those wonderful memories of the line! Yes, I think you're absolutely right about them being hopelessly uneconomic and it is hard to imagine them having any place on today's railway network!

[@atgordon1948]

I really enjoy your audio commentary videos: your other videos are great (and much appreciated for the information and attention to detail), but the audio just adds another dimension to the historic aspects that thoughtfully presented videos portray.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you like them! I'm really glad that I've now moved to narration and so pleased you approve. So many more films to come and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

[@gripp999]

What a truly professional and fascinating film. Beautifully filmed with an informative and excellently delivered commentary this should set the standard for all such documentaries. Well done, you made my morning.!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So kind of you to take the time to comment on my film, thank you.

[@rd4in37]

Yes another nice production.....Thanks!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure, thank you!

[@HowardLeVert]

Well worth the wait. Another beautifully produced video that reminded me of places I used to pass on my bike when I went for rides as a teenager. My late father often mentioned Warboys brickyard - he worked at Norman Cross in the 70s.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your kind words and memories!

[@dawspharkq6917]

I always watch your videos, and it always take me back to my child hood, I feel sad things have to change but change they must. Please please keep your videos coming so the next generation will remember these lost lines. I've reached well over three score years and ten in age and remember only to well the built over and destroyed railway lines in and around Bristol including central Bristol. Keep up the good work my boy.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You have my word that they'll continue!

[@nigelhall1961]

Another really interesting film.The music always compliments it perfectly.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So kind of you to say so, thank you!

[@Ericbryanmr]

When i went back to the UK from New Zealand in December 2018 to visit family, my grandad was driving me around cambridgeshire and norfolk and was saying "there used to be a railway line here, i remember it shortly before it closed" (most in the mid sixties). I was completely at a loss to picture a railway in these agricultural landscapes, and now built up areas, since theyre so long removed. This channel really does a great job of bringing back to life the presence of the long-gone era of railways. I can tell youre southern-based because i know of many branch lines in lancashire (where i was born) that are still very traceable and plentiful. Maybe some day when this channel really takes off and travel becomes more free.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your kind words about my film. Yes it's not easy with my job to travel too far and wide without time off, so I'm trying to chart reasonably local lines and hoping to make it up north sooner rather than later!

[@neville132bbk]

My father went to St Patrick's Timaru before WW2 on the long gone Fairlie line. I remember playing on the turntable in 1957....what a drawcard that line would have been now with the tourist numbers.

[@michaelgreaves1009]

In the 60s, Ramsey East was just over the fence at the back of our house. The station building was in a very poor state by then, but some of the storage buildings were extant & in use. The platform remained intact. About 1966 a factory making breeze blocks was built over the track immediately outside the station. The process of making them was very noisy and caused my mother to have a breakdown. The old station area is now a housing estate. The trains from Ramsey North were apparently known as the ‘Ramsey Flyer’. The red brick building at Holme Crossing replaced an earlier one which was smaller but taller. I remember desolate nights in winter coming back across the Fen from various nocturnal activities, sitting with engine off for many minutes waiting for the trains. The only sound was the occasional ‘ting-ting’ of a bell in the box. Sometimes you had to wait for up to three trains.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for sharing your evocative memories of this line!

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

It would be, the station closed to passengers in September 1930 and to freight in Seotembef 1956.

[@michael3972]

I left you a message some time ago asking if you were going to feature these lines, you were good enough to tell me you already had and would post the video soon. Well, what a treat, and thank you, these lines will soon fall into total obscurity and its right and good they should be documented with respect. You did them both credit and, as usual, the presentation just gets better all the time.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Most kind of you to say so and I'm so pleased it met with your approval - do share it far and wide!

[@RHR-221b]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways 👍

[@johnsharp8632]

Apart from a couple of bridges and an abandoned warehouse all signs of these railways seem to have been scrubbed from existence. Nature reigns. Finzis' gentle but sombre music suits the mood.

[@garydoc]

¡Hola buenas tardes! As ever, a fully detailed and fascinating look at our railway heritage. Your productions never fail to hold the viewer’s attention and, your thoughtful narration helps to enhance the often sparse or missing views which once were. I look forward to your next outing and subsequent presentation. In the meantime, stay safe and well. Un saludo. Gary.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks! Really glad you enjoyed this episode - next one is coming out in December!

[@garethmccash5986]

Well done on producing another brilliant, fascinating but sad story of a bygone railway.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So kind of you to say so, thank you. Many more films to come!

[@daystatesniper01]

Another real gem of a video ,and great too see a couple of relics still surviving ,atvb' Mick

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thanks very much indeed Mick!

[@iankemp1131]

Very interesting and well produced. It's a telling point that both lines closed to passengers long before Beeching, although parts were still useful for freight; the story of much of East Anglia. Thanks for introducing me to the Finzi piece, a very appropriate accompaniment.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Most kind of you to say so. I'm so glad you enjoyed the film.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I hope you enjoy this film. You can really help by giving it a *like* as well as *sharing* it and *subscribing* Let me know what you think in the comments below! Might you consider supporting my channel even more? www.buymeacoffee.com/rediscovering

[@TheTalisker1]

We own the site of the old st Mary’s station and the plate layers hut still remains there

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@@TheTalisker1 I wish I had known! Thank you for the information - it was a grim day when I made this film, but it was fascinating nevertheless!

[@TheTalisker1]

Next time if you come by, knock at the door and we will take you down

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@@TheTalisker1 that I will do, thank you

[@TheTalisker1]

No problem

[@davidkitchen7941]

Enjoyable and informative thank you. During the course of my employment I occasionally visited this area by car but I had no idea then that these lines had once existed.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

It's always striking to learn these things are hidden in plain sight. Thank you for your kind words about my film.

[@andrewholloway231]

Thank you very much for this. Excellent film, superbly presented. Superb content.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thanks Andrew - really glad you enjoyed the film!

[@johnmehaffey9953]

All these disused track beds could be brought back to life and where needed used for light railways ie, trams,

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I think there are many cases where this would be a fine idea!

[@EandEFC]

Fantastic video keep up the good work enjoyed that one

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many many thanks indeed!

[@alannewman85]

These are cool vids. I'm the same as you, I have an interest in this kind of industrial heritage, I find it amazing how so many man hours and indeed lives went into building a railway, only for it to become bankrupt. I call myself a 'closit trainspotter' but thanks for providing me with my 'fix' and now I know there must be more of me than just me!!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Really glad you enjoyed the film and I agree with your remarks. Such an enjoyable hobby, so don't stay in the closet too long!

[@mirutanable]

Short but one hell of a good watch my good sir

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Most kind of you to say so, thank you!

[@michaelpilling9659]

What a wonderful film. It's a shame that there is so very little left to see of both the branch lines. I hope that the bridge structures and that little piece of line can be retained for prosperity. Thanks so much for virtually taking me along with you - I really enjoyed it.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure - yes, very little left to find - hopefully they'll endure for years to come!

[@robertewins1112]

Superb! Quality presentation as per usual, you do spoil us. Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very kind of you to say so, thank you

[@nouvalari]

This was one of the most enjoyable series of mini videos i have ever watched. A credit to your research, delivery and content.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Really very kind of you to say so!

[@majorbloodnok6659]

Thank you, a really enjoyable film.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you so much for saying so!

[@tobyrosoman7438]

Thank you for yet another excellent video

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure, thank you for saying so!

[@Nivshin53]

Amazing how you can work any of it out at all since we see very little - if any - sign of either rail link, albeit 50 odd years after cessation of services. Excellent film nonetheless!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes - very little by way of discernible traces! Thanks so much!

[@jaundicedoutlook7247]

Superb work once again. Thank you. Nice music also, never delved into the work of Mr Finzi...might have to.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You won't regret it - some wonderful music! Very glad you enjoyed the film!

[@stevewilson336]

Yet again a great production. You’re improving with each one. Looking forward to seeing the Kings Lynn to Hunstanton film when it’s ready. So glad to see someone recording what’s left before it gets swamped away by the plough.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You're very kind and it's my pleasure. The King's Lynn film will be my next upload at the beginning of December, just in time for Christmas!

[@albertvieira6635]

A video I just saw is outstanding keep up the great work read the Lord's blessings be with you and all that produced this keep up the good work I give it an A plus for a job well done

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Most kind. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!

[@peterg957]

Yet another extremely interesting video from you... Thank you my friend...

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure! Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@ryantheirishgamer1.030]

OH MY GOD AM IN TEARS. I enjoyed this. Living near there as well. Thanks.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment - you've got a lot of lost railways in your area! Best wishes.

[@1258-Eckhart]

Ah! The atmospheric dankness of the English autumnal countryside!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

It was particularly 'atmospheric' that day!

[@chrisgosling5408]

This one is local and I only discovered the track bed to Ramsey from the other side having covered nearly all the rest, this being the Somersham to Chatteris line from St Ives. If only these railways where in existence today it would solve so many transport issues.I really like the steam engine sound running as a ghost of the past when viewing what has become the last vestiges of the railways existence.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Ah thank you. It was a very grim day when I made this (October 2019 I think) but it was a delightful route to film. So many fenland towns are without a connection by rail.

[@ianr]

Fantastic video again! Well researched,superb photography and narration. Good to see your subscriber count increasing! 🙂👍

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very kind of you to say so, thank you!

[@MetalheadWX]

Wonderful work and amazing choice of music for the background Very entertaining and educational A great piece of work once again as per usual You never fail to amaze me

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So pleased it met with your approval, thank you!

[@leec2317]

Excellent!!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed!

[@Byzmax]

I have had the pleasure of standing on Somersham Station at the Fawley Hill railway. It was a grand day out as they say and I got a footplate ride up the insanely steep hill into the station. It is a truly wonderful place and a railway lovers dream. Oh and fantastic film as always 👌

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'd love to visit myself at some point - very glad you enjoyed the film!

[@dazt103]

Another fascinating insight. Never ceases to amaze me just how blinkered and short sighted government policy was and still is in some ways..

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Maybe so, though I fear it is fair to say the line just didn't end up paying for itself. So glad you enjoyed the film!

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

The LNER cut both passenger services to Ramsey and not the government. The LNER had go make a profit to survive. They knew that 2 branch lines to such a small place were extravagant (the census of 1931 shows the population of Ramsey as 5180, some 148 people lower than in 1911 and apart from a rapid rise linked to WW2 the population was decreasing from census to census). The shift of the only regular freight flow other than coal, the bricks from Warboys, to road by 1930 except for bulk shipments, would have been devastating for the LNER's income from the Somersham branch.

[@jfreelan1964]

Nicely done!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Most kind, thank you!

[@atticbrowser9698]

Another fascinating video. Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure, thank you!

[@asdsdjfasdjxajiosdqw8791]

I love these types of videos. The topographic map you use occasionally to show the lines (such as at 1:10, after the Google Earth shot), is that a physical scanned one or is it an online service? I'd love to take a look at the area myself as well. Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Go to Bing Maps and, once there, select Ordinance Survey from the drop down :)

[@kinglemming]

try here this is one of the sites I use for old maps maps.nls.uk/os/6inch-england-and-wales/

[@davidharris6527]

My Father grew up in Warboys from 1943 I'll give him a call tomorrow and ask him what he remembered about it. I still have family there, I never knew it had a station... Thanks for your latest film but I do miss the dramatic classical music

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I know - but such music will always have a place in my films :)

[@richardgreenwood5919]

I was brought up in Ramsey during the 1960s and recall watching the last days of the Northern branch line to Holme from my bedroom window. On most weekdays a small shunter would bring one or two freight trucks across the fens. The flat landscape enabled me to follow the train almost throughout its journey with binoculars. At night we could see the lights of the expresses on the mainline just South of Holme. If I might make a small correction based on local knowledge: on the East branch the bridge on the golf course crosses “Bury Brook” which flows through the town in a North Westerly direction in a culvert beneath the Great Whyte. See riverlevels.uk/flood-warning-bury-brook#.X-srIi3fWhA It emerges close to the site of the North station where it becomes known as High Lode, joining the old course of the River Nene in another mile. Our school cross country run used to cross this bridge. Happy days!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for sharing your evocative memories of this line - I'm stunned that services of any kind remained on it for so long given how underused the railway was throughout its life. And many thanks for the correction - local knowledge is most welcome!

[@HenrysAdventures]

Another very interesting video! Ramsey is a town I'd quite like to visit to see the abbey gatehouse.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You should! And thank you!

[@pjorgensen1661]

Great video!! Thanks 🇳🇴🇸🇪

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed!

[@pureboxofscartcables]

Fascinating

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you!

[@davidharris6527]

Just spoke to my Father and he said my Grandmother used to take the train to school..... And she was born on Station Road Warboys..... He used to see the steam from the trains across the fields when he visited his Granny

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

What fine memories - the fact it has now all gone make them all the more striking.

[@Mykbyker]

A bit late viewing this time as the notification bell has ceased to function! But well worth waiting for as usual, thank you, Mike.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it - your notification bell may be set to receive only 'some' updates from my channel as opposed to all...otherwise, I have no idea - but I'm happy you found the film in the end!

[@Fordsonjames]

I believe you can walk most of the track bed from Somersham to Chatteris, I think the road from Chatteris to March is on the trackbed most of the way then splits off close to March, worth a look maybe? Unless you already have of course. Love the videos especially the ones in Cambridgeshire as they're so close to home.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I think you are right, but yes, I'd have to take a closer look - I'm running out of lost railways in Cambridgeshire to explore!

[@peterheath9002]

I did enjoy your video as Ramsey and Holme are fairly local to me. Indeed I often video steam specials on the ECML at Holme, after they pass Offord and I race to Holme to get a second view. these videos are on KZbin

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

A good place to spot trains for sure! Glad you enjoyed the film!

[@peterheath9002]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways I certainly enjoyed your film,many thanks

[@bryannewman5012]

Lovely video and up to the usual high standards.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Most kind of you to say so, thank you

[@SnifflyWhale]

Never thought you'd get to us so soon. I've always felt saddened by the fact that in my lifetime at least, very little remains of this line. Much like the abbey, I suppose.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, it's striking how little remains. Really glad you enjoyed the film.

[@tracya4087]

lovely

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed!

[@tracya4087]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways many thanks to you . your films chill me out and just for a little while take us to a place in our daydreams .

[@petesspark]

well filmed, if you have a look on google satellite the Holme to Ramsey line can be seen clearly, Ramsey to Somersham can also be seen , but has quite large sections ploughed out.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, there's very little left at all!

[@sturmtigerking4263]

These videos are amazing. Great history. Do you walk the route or cycle?

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

On this grim day I drove from point to point and walked a few short stretches!

[@sturmtigerking4263]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways ok thank you

[@jgee5094]

I live on the Holme road to at Mary's part of the track. My barns are made from the old sleepers from the track👍🏻

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That's wonderful, I wish I had seen them!

[@MrRobovision]

Could you do a video about a town in Cheshire called Winsford, we once had 3 railway lines in the town one of them used to service the Salt Mine (the UK's only salt mine) to transport the salt that was mined (and still is to this day) there along with barges before lorries were introduced as well as 2 passenger lines but sadly only one exists now which is along the mainline that connects Liverpool Lime Street with Birmingham New Street, Could you look into it?

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Always happy for recommendations, so I will certainly look into it!

[@Kulla1berg]

This video that even a small village like Ramsey has an interesting railway history

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, agreed!

[@BrianSeaman]

What a fascinating subject this is, but also tinged with sadness of so much loss. We had a railway system that was underused, as I believe road transport became the flavour of the period from parliament / Department of Transport. Why weren't the branch lines just mothballed and the routes protected for future use I wonder? Thank you for looking back at that period and sharing your knowledge in an interesting format.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So glad you enjoyed the film. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!

[@BrianSeaman]

Thank you Rediscovering Lost Railways I’ve subbed, and shared your link with the East Surrey N Gauge model railway group 👍

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

The passenger service were lost long in 1930 from Ramsey East and 1947 from Ramsey North, long before the motor car had eaten in to railway passenger numbers.

[@BrianSeaman]

Neil of Longbeck I was commenting on the overall loss of branch lines, rather than this particular episode, but thank you for ensuring that I’m aware of the facts in this case.

[@neildahlgaard-sigsworth3819]

Brian Seaman road traffic levels had been rising since 1918 and it was the public that was the driving force and the Ministry/Department of Transport only responded to the need of the public. Take for example the brickworks at Warboys which went to road transport for the dispatch of bricks by 1930 and then only used the railways for bulk dispatch. As for mothballing line that is an expensive option as you have to spend some money on maintaining it whilst getting no income from it. And for how long can a business (private of nationalised) support such ha drain on resources?

[@richardwakeley2192]

An interesting video, with accompanying detailed history. Much preferred to the uninformed ramblings of some other well known explorers.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very kind of you to say so!

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

2:10 Demolished or dismantled? Also a perfect opportunity to show it reconstructed at the museum.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, probably the latter. I couldn't find a decent photograph that was out of copyright of the museum.

[@andrewmeadows2596]

Isn't the house on the cross roads at warboys the original station house. It's near the haunted road bridge.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm not sure, I don't *think* it is, but I'm happy to be corrected!

[@teetee2799]

You know I really love your videos and I'm guessing that maybe and in the far future that these abandoned railway lines will be reopened and they will be connected to each other in the near future like 2050 or something

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you! It would be nice to think some might be reopened...but I won't hold my breath!

[@charitycharity3316]

Great work have you done media work before.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

No, my channel is all that constitutes my media output. Glad to hear you enjoyed the film!

[@charitycharity3316]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways your voice and tone is far Better than crap we have on the TV, you should do radio.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@@charitycharity3316 most kind of you to say so. My next film will be published tomorrow, so do subscribe if you've not already done so and let me know what you think!

[@christinaburton9297]

Ah,lovely..as I knew it would be.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed!

[@RicktheRecorder]

Wonderful, as always with your films. (N.B. At 8:41 you mean "the late 1800s", not 1900s.)

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Ah - thanks for the correction - these things just slip through the net!

[@user-jt1jv8vl9r]

Why was it that the bed was allowed to flood?

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I don't know, for a nature reserve perhaps?

[@isaactimmins8959]

you should have a look at the mothballed Lichfield Wallsall line,

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, March to Wisbech done a few years ago. Lichfield one looks good though...

[@isaactimmins8959]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways the trackbed is still in situ for that one & it has an interesting anomaly of a new bridge on an axed railway over the M6 toll.

[@Gary0557]

The Beeching cull in the 60's was obviously done for financial reasons but it ruined our railways and all the wonderful branch lines.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, it is a wonder this one survived as long as it did!

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

The history of the railways of Ramsey is much more fascinating than you've made out. A line between Holme and Somersham was first proposed in 1859 and an Act of Paliament authorising it was passed in April 1860 only for a meeting of shareholders on 5th May 1860 agreeing to abandon construction of the line due to a shortfall of about £3,500 in the funding of the line. On22nd July 1863 the Holme to Ramsey line opened under the joint ownership if the GNR and GER. The GER surprisingly had the majority share in this line, whilst the GNR ran the trains. But all was not happy. The GER feared that the GNR planned to use this line to build a line to Ely, do they took control of the original line and got an Act of Parliament in 1865 to build the line from Somersham to Ramsey High Street. Once the Act was passed they leased the original line back to the GNR and eventually, 16th September 1889, completed the line from Somersham. In 1923 both lines passed to the LNER and although a connection between the now renamed stations of Ramsey North and Ramsey East had been authorised it was never constructed. The LNER had asked for the connection as 2 branch lines to so small a market town were unjustifiably. The Somersham to Ramsey East line closed to regular passenger services on 22nd September 1930, and to freight on 17th September 1956. Whilst Ramsey North lost its passenger service on 6th October 1947, and to freight on 2nd October 1970. The brick works at Warboys, which had become the terminus of the line following the closure of Ramsey East, switched to road transport for all but bulk shipments of bricks by 1930. The last freight train served Warboys o 13th July 1964, the ,east passenger train having departed on 22nd Seltember 1930. The Fens have hundreds of water courses that need to be crossed.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Sorry to have not been interesting

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways not uninteresting, but you simplified the history too much.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@@neiloflongbeck5705 these films are meant to have a broad appeal so I avoid getting bogged down in too much detail

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways detail such as the GNR built the line to Ramsey North, when it was the GE/GN Joint Railway?

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@@neiloflongbeck5705 clearly you know more about it than I do

[@barrythedieselelectricstea5217]

it is so sad 😥to see these once used railway gone forever when it should still be in operation passenger numbers declining🤔 was the problem i expect

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, just so!

[@stevedurrell]

Sounds like the chap who did the narrated journey on the WWLR!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Not so far as I'm aware!

[@stevedurrell]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6SzpKWhodRplaM Apologies..... Videos are awesome... Recently moved to Littleport to my fiancé's from Wetherby up in West Yorkshire so its brilliant to see where was what etc round the locality. ☺

[@Gigidag77]

Interesting the branch between Holme and Ramsey could rather easily be brought back even over half a century later.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, certainly looks that way!

[@peebee143]

As ever, thank you so much for sharing.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure! Really glad you enjoyed it!