by Bartle Rippon
The historic town of Alnwick sits almost midway
between Newcastle and Berwick in the county of Northumberland. Although
close to the east coast main line, it was served by a branch line for nearly
120 years. Along with its famous castle and gardens, Alnwick boasted a
majestic trainshed, all the more remarkable for being on a mere branch line.
The short, double-track line from Alnwick joined the main line at Alnmouth
station, and had a passenger service that was steam-hauled for almost its
entire life, with the exception of approximately the final six months. The fascination of the author with the line,
where he spent much of his early youth, and many years of enjoyable research,
has culminated in a history that revisits the old branch, commencing at
Alnmouth with its engine shed and goods yards, and following the journey to
Alnwick.
As well as personal accounts and recollections, the book includes a selection
of previously unpublished photographs showing the several types of steam
locomotive to be found at Alnmouth's engine shed, the steam-hauled passenger
trains to and from Alnwick, and the railway's infrastructure.
This is a fascinating follow-up to
the author’s previous book, The Amble Branch, copies of which are still available.
“Well illustrated with
monochromatic archive photographs, the book is about as exhaustive as the
average reader would ever want. Highly
readable.” Heritage Railway
Softback: 80 pages with over 100 photographs and drawings
273 x 215mm
ISBN: 978-1-905505-11-1
£12.95
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Kestrelink: The Aln Valley Railway Society
is dedicated to joining coast to castle once again. Its aim is to rebuild the Aln
Valley Railway along the disused trackbed that runs from Alnmouth station to
Alnwick.
Clearly, HRH the Duke of Gloucester knows a good book when he
sees one! Can we say “By Royal
Appointment” now? (Many thanks to Mel
Clark for the photo taken at Alnwick in June 2023.)