The Railways of Oxfordshire

In this webinar by Oxford Civic Society held on 18 October 2020, railway historian Laurence Waters talks about the development of the railway from its opening in 1844 until the present day. The gradual decline in the post-war years was compounded by the Beeching cuts of the 1960s; at one point even the ‘Cotswold Line’ was under threat. The privatisation of the railways has resulted in a resurgence in rail use both locally and nationally and Oxford has once again become an important railway hub.

[@nigelpearson6664]

When about 10 I was allowed to light the gas lamps at Oxford. I even anounced a train to Morton in Marsh. I thought they were kiddding. It was the lady who said I should. I only just remembered that. I was a very well behaved train spotter.

[@nigelpearson6664]

In about 1967 +/- 2 years I rememeber what likely was hump shunting at Oxford on the land of the old LMS. As far as I know the turntable was working ( had to be ). This shunting went on all day. I know the dates as steam was still in use. That steam looked dreadful.

[@laurenceskinnerton73]

Interesting.

[@johnnorman7044]

i used to look after the swing bridge in the 1980's when i worked for BR, each friday open it then close it oil it all up it sits on rollers test the pit pump was working oh and some hand lines fpr fishing lot of chubb there, last time i saw it it was in a mess shame

[@davidgass2571]

The strange engine mentioned was definitely a USA heavy freight engine. There is one working preserved example currently on the NYMR in Pickering

[@laurenceskinnerton73]

Put back the railways in Oxfordshire!

[@davidgass2571]

There is a video on you RUclips called the Lost Stations of Oxford if you are interested