Hi everyone. Just to let you know, this is a re-upload. I first put the video up last night but there were some technical issues. Apologies to those of you who left comments in the first instance; I did manage to read them all- thanks as ever for your kind words! Enjoy :-)
I worked at Bletchley for nine years and once heard a colleague mention vaguely that he thought there used to be a terminus station at Denbigh Hall on the London to Birmingham railway. Unlikely? When we looked at the overbridge, where he thought it had been, we couldn't imagine it. But thanks to your detailed research and fascinating narrative, Rob, a huge gap has been filled in my local knowledge!
Thanks to your excellent research in digging out the newspaper excerpt at 5:55, we know that the "fast" coach took 12 hours to go from Lincoln to Denbigh Hall, a journey which today would take an hour and a half by car. But the 12 hours did include stops for breakfast and "dinner" at 3-30 pm. This shows what a vast improvement trains were even just after their introduction. I did some research for a newsletter article last year in the course of which I established that freight trains in the 1840's trundled around at 15 mph, but this was speedy gonzalez compared to what went before.
Thanks for this video Rob. Having travelled and continuously travel under this bridge today I know it so well. I lived less than a mile (south) from it in Staple Hall Road. I was well aware of its fame and would often tell anyone who'd listen of it's provenance. There was a signal box there, on the left side looking north, for years. Obviously gone now. I remember, walking (but mainly running) home late at night from my mates house in the 80s. I would use the main road because the pathway that went around it was too spooky. Later I lived in Furzton just north of the bridge. My girlfriend at the time had the surname of 'Kilsby'. Her father says their family came from Kilsby where the tunnel was built. So many links. Also I knew the son of the last landlord and landlady of the Denbigh Hall Inn. Apparently the Inn was a very nefarious place over the years. Many fights that ended in murder charges were recorded there.
Fantastic video Rob. I had no idea of the role of Denbigh Hall in the early transport history of Great Britain and fascinating it is too.. I have to own up to sheer ignorance, as I used to have to navigate my way through Milton Keynes when driving to Buckingham and beyond. I must have done the journey a dozen times before I realised what V and H stood for. Very sensible idea when you think about it.
Hi Rob. Enjoyed the video. I've lived in Milton Keynes since 1981. I am fairly conversant with the local history of the area. However, I had no idea that the bridge over the A5 at Denbigh once served as a temporary station and interchange. Thanks to your video I now know something new about the area I've lived in for forty years. Funny how things can stare you in the face for so long and remain anonymous; then suddenly come into the light. Thanks for this. I'll have to get down there and try and get a peek of the stone plaque.
Thanks so much Jean-Pierre; your comment made my day! When you go to see the plaque please do be careful, it’s sadly in a very dangerous and overgrown spot. Happy hunting 😉
Re-watched this as I just love all the intricacies and got distracted (read 'wondered off') researching Wolverton works and the battle to save the historic buildings from Mr. Developer... Thanks again Rob and fellow commentators!
Wow, thanks for making this video. i live in bletchley, and have worked for network rail in this area for nearly 20 years and never noticed that the bridge goes off to the side of the tracks!, i must walk past it about once a month.
Fantastic documentary, thank you. I travelled under that bridge many times as a child and always thought it was overly elaborate for the purpose it served. Now I know why! Fond memories of seeing the APT stream across that bridge two or three times as mum drove us back from shopping in MK.
Born and bred in Bletchley and knew about this due to both parents having worked on the railways with dad having an interest in its local history. People always surprised (and doubting) when mention about this and, as said in other comments, many locals just view it as a bridge. Good informative video.
Another great well researched and thoroughly interesting video. I think I would have liked the Denbigh Hall pub. In my youth i worked for the civil engineering firm Monk. The works buses would drop us off at the Woodside Hotel, Birkenhead. Other civil engineering firms did likewise, hence the pub would be full of Irish men from Monk, McAlpine, Wimpey, Murphy and other smaller companies. Practically every county in Ireland was represented. Needless to say much drinking was done and almost as much fighting. This was mainly carried out in the public bar, however one night there was an incident in the 'posh' cocktail bar where only half pints were to be served. The landlord, a six foot three ex Grenadier Guards officer had been flattened with one punch and was lying on the floor. Word reached the public bar and the barman Joe, who bore an uncanny resemblance to boxer Joe Bugner and was six foot one, ran towards the cocktail bar shouting 'who hit my boss?!' We all followed for the craic. When we got there, we discovered Joe had found out who hit his boss as he was now lying on the floor beside him. The assailant, a tiny bony little man of five foot stood over them both with his fists clenched.
Grew up around here 40-odd years ago, played on and under the bridge many times and still pass under and over it regularly. Never noticed the inscription and so its great to hear the interesting history behind it - Nice!!
Rob, this is an amazing bit of Research. I love how you put it together with those little bits of historical anecdotes, such as the guy that ended up with a broken leg. I love how I now also know this was the site of the first rail replacement service. My romantic side really hopes that grate covers the remnants of the cellar of that old pub. Stay safe and all the best.
to be honest shocked by this video the reason being , its been under my nose for 50 years, i live a 40min walk from there , work in the Denbigh industrial estate with a rear view of Bletchley station , and went to Sir herbert leon school ( was at the time just called leon ) , don't think i will ever look at the bridge the same way again , brilliant video so just had to subscribe .
You & your presentation are every bit as good as main stream presentations on tv. I have travelled on railway replacement busses partially due to failed train or partly due to driver strike. There are 2 unions and one was on strike. I only traveled halfway by train. I think that I would have had to be sloshed full of cider to go into said pub. It would give me a fighting chance!
Great video, and very interesting. Lived all around that area a few years back now, and know it all very well. But did not know any of its history so thank you. Shame tavern is no longer there though, what an historical pub that would have been.
Very good video I was born and raised and still live in Milton Keynes I’m 45 ..just a few things Simpson is actually an estate in Milton Keynes and people who live in Bletchley hate being part of actual Milton Keynes very few even add Milton Keynes to their post just have Bletchley .
Thanks Dave. I do know about the contention regarding names (I actually live in the area myself now!) It's a tricky one to address when making a documentary; Watling Street being part of the Milton Keynes road network for example and other aspects being intertwined. I guess it's a debate which is never going away! Thanks again and stay well.
@@Robslondon I agree will never be settled..your documentary was one of the best on this bridge and area usually we just have people do stuff on roundabouts and concrete cows ..keep up the good work I’m now a follower of yours on Facebook and just a quick note on Wolverton works my partners late father worked there for many years
@@davemk0 Thanks so much Dave; it was my aim to show people just how fascinating this area is 😊 Would have loved to hear the stories your partner’s father would’ve had about Wolverton; must’ve had some intriguing memories. Thanks again and stay well; great to have you along.
Common knowledge for locals, this bit of history is covered in most local books. One point, the village of Wolverton - which is Old Wolverton now - was declining as a settlement by the time the railway arrived, and was some distance west from the line anyway. The new Wolverton station and railway works is effectively a new town created on green fields.
I love your channel, so have recently purchased your latest book, ‘Waterloo station A history of London’s busiest terminus’ which is also excellent and would thoroughly recommend it !
The illustrations are absolutely amazing! Filming amazing and pukka commentary, Fantastic video again! Always a great day when I see an upload! Nice catch of the 442 at Wolverton works! Keep up the fantastic work. Shall be hopefully buying a few mugs from the etsy store in the future!
Thank you so much; your kind words mean the absolute world to me :-) It's support from wonderful people such as yourself that inspires me to make these videos. Take care and thanks again :-)
What wonderful comments, it's people like you that really inspire my Son and make what he does so enjoyable. Rob has always been gifted with his artwork, nice that you like them.
Many thanks Dave. I'm guessing it's because the bridge is in quite a bit of a dip? The roads seems to slope down either end towards it? Thanks again ;-)
Oh!... Now that's an interesting question! Wish I knew the answer- it's certainly worth investigation ;-) Thanks so much for your kind words; much appreciated.
another great video Rob , heres something you might find useful . handy for doubling or tripling fps , then you can slow it down again and get a nice smooth slowmo video . google " Flowframes " on itch for more info .. and keep up the good work.
Not sure on the position of the Grating in relation to the bridge, but there is a large diameter Storm Drain in the vicinity, and that looks very much like a drain I'm afraid. Concrete pipes and engineering bricks are a more modern invention.
The grate where the pub used to be, used to have bars that a child could squeeze through. I quite often climbed down through them as a child. There are 2 small tunnels down there (big enough for a child bent over to walk along) and it's very dark and damp. I assume it was drainage for waste/ sewage.
Well, I guess you could argue that the horse-drawn coaches were replacing trains which, by that point, should’ve been running if it were not for the problems constructing the tunnel.
I've traveled over that bridge every day for 20 years. it will never be the same again. Many thanks.
That’s made my day hearing that Matt! Thank so much; glad to be of service! Thanks again and stay well.
Hi everyone. Just to let you know, this is a re-upload. I first put the video up last night but there were some technical issues. Apologies to those of you who left comments in the first instance; I did manage to read them all- thanks as ever for your kind words! Enjoy :-)
Maybe away from London but it fed my fascination for railways. Yes Bletchley Park would make a very interesting video
Cheers Butch. Bletchley Park is something I'd like to cover at some point; it's an incredible place. Thanks and stay well.
Absolutely fascinating, definitely a “well I never knew that” moment!
Thank you so much Nigel :-)
I worked at Bletchley for nine years and once heard a colleague mention vaguely that he thought there used to be a terminus station at Denbigh Hall on the London to Birmingham railway. Unlikely? When we looked at the overbridge, where he thought it had been, we couldn't imagine it. But thanks to your detailed research and fascinating narrative, Rob, a huge gap has been filled in my local knowledge!
So glad to be of service Richard! Thanks for the lovely comment and stay well.
Your documentary making is of a high standard. Immensely enjoyable and informative - thank you.
Much appreciated Brian, many thanks indeed.
Thanks to your excellent research in digging out the newspaper excerpt at 5:55, we know that the "fast" coach took 12 hours to go from Lincoln to Denbigh Hall, a journey which today would take an hour and a half by car. But the 12 hours did include stops for breakfast and "dinner" at 3-30 pm. This shows what a vast improvement trains were even just after their introduction. I did some research for a newsletter article last year in the course of which I established that freight trains in the 1840's trundled around at 15 mph, but this was speedy gonzalez compared to what went before.
Great comment, thank you- 15 mph for a freight train? Wow! :-D
Thanks for this video Rob. Having travelled and continuously travel under this bridge today I know it so well. I lived less than a mile (south) from it in Staple Hall Road. I was well aware of its fame and would often tell anyone who'd listen of it's provenance. There was a signal box there, on the left side looking north, for years. Obviously gone now. I remember, walking (but mainly running) home late at night from my mates house in the 80s. I would use the main road because the pathway that went around it was too spooky. Later I lived in Furzton just north of the bridge. My girlfriend at the time had the surname of 'Kilsby'. Her father says their family came from Kilsby where the tunnel was built. So many links. Also I knew the son of the last landlord and landlady of the Denbigh Hall Inn. Apparently the Inn was a very nefarious place over the years. Many fights that ended in murder charges were recorded there.
Such a brilliant comment Daniel… really enjoyed reading that, thanks so much for sharing your memories and connections.
Cheers mate and stay well.
I drive under the bridge most days and live around the corner in Emerson valley. I knew there was once a pub there too. Great info thanks
It’s a pleasure Leo, thanks so much for watching! Stay well 😉
Thank you Rob for making this happen , Cheers from California !
It’s a pleasure, lovely to have someone from California here 😉 Thanks and stay well
Fantastic video Rob. I had no idea of the role of Denbigh Hall in the early transport history of Great Britain and fascinating it is too.. I have to own up to sheer ignorance, as I used to have to navigate my way through Milton Keynes when driving to Buckingham and beyond. I must have done the journey a dozen times before I realised what V and H stood for. Very sensible idea when you think about it.
It’s easy to miss John 😉 Thanks for the kind words
Hi Rob. Enjoyed the video. I've lived in Milton Keynes since 1981. I am fairly conversant with the local history of the area. However, I had no idea that the bridge over the A5 at Denbigh once served as a temporary station and interchange. Thanks to your video I now know something new about the area I've lived in for forty years. Funny how things can stare you in the face for so long and remain anonymous; then suddenly come into the light. Thanks for this. I'll have to get down there and try and get a peek of the stone plaque.
Thanks so much Jean-Pierre; your comment made my day! When you go to see the plaque please do be careful, it’s sadly in a very dangerous and overgrown spot. Happy hunting 😉
Re-watched this as I just love all the intricacies and got distracted (read 'wondered off') researching Wolverton works and the battle to save the historic buildings from Mr. Developer...
Thanks again Rob and fellow commentators!
Thanks :-) Yes, I can't believe what they proposed for the Wolverton Works- unbelievable.
Hi Rob, what a fascinating video, I had never heard of Denbigh Hall station. Excellent video. thank you.
Thank you for watching Spoolbox 😊
Wow, thanks for making this video. i live in bletchley, and have worked for network rail in this area for nearly 20 years and never noticed that the bridge goes off to the side of the tracks!, i must walk past it about once a month.
Thanks!
The more of these videos I watch, the more I love this channel! 👍
Thanks so much asheland, really appreciate your kind words and support :-) Stay well.
@@Robslondon always! 🤗
Fantastic documentary, thank you. I travelled under that bridge many times as a child and always thought it was overly elaborate for the purpose it served. Now I know why! Fond memories of seeing the APT stream across that bridge two or three times as mum drove us back from shopping in MK.
Such a wonderful comment; thank you :-) Great memories.
Born and bred in Bletchley and knew about this due to both parents having worked on the railways with dad having an interest in its local history. People always surprised (and doubting) when mention about this and, as said in other comments, many locals just view it as a bridge. Good informative video.
Many thanks John 😊
What a superb documentary. Thanks
Thank you so much Iain. Really appreciate your kind words.
Another great well researched and thoroughly interesting video. I think I would have liked the Denbigh Hall pub. In my youth i worked for the civil engineering firm Monk. The works buses would drop us off at the Woodside Hotel, Birkenhead. Other civil engineering firms did likewise, hence the pub would be full of Irish men from Monk, McAlpine, Wimpey, Murphy and other smaller companies. Practically every county in Ireland was represented. Needless to say much drinking was done and almost as much fighting. This was mainly carried out in the public bar, however one night there was an incident in the 'posh' cocktail bar where only half pints were to be served. The landlord, a six foot three ex Grenadier Guards officer had been flattened with one punch and was lying on the floor. Word reached the public bar and the barman Joe, who bore an uncanny resemblance to boxer Joe Bugner and was six foot one, ran towards the cocktail bar shouting 'who hit my boss?!' We all followed for the craic. When we got there, we discovered Joe had found out who hit his boss as he was now lying on the floor beside him. The assailant, a tiny bony little man of five foot stood over them both with his fists clenched.
😂 Great comment, thank you!
Grew up around here 40-odd years ago, played on and under the bridge many times and still pass under and over it regularly. Never noticed the inscription and so its great to hear the interesting history behind it - Nice!!
Cheers Mark!
Extremely well researched and professionally presented video. Well played Sir!
Much appreciated Andrew! Thank you ;-)
Rob, this is an amazing bit of Research. I love how you put it together with those little bits of historical anecdotes, such as the guy that ended up with a broken leg. I love how I now also know this was the site of the first rail replacement service.
My romantic side really hopes that grate covers the remnants of the cellar of that old pub.
Stay safe and all the best.
Thanks so much John 😊
A very well produced and researched documentary on railway history, thank you for producing this.
Thank you so much David.
I LOVE your channel! I am a train buff so this is my hobby!
Thank you so much Tim, really appreciate your kind words. Stay well my friend.
to be honest shocked by this video the reason being , its been under my nose for 50 years, i live a 40min walk from there , work in the Denbigh industrial estate with a rear view of Bletchley station , and went to Sir herbert leon school ( was at the time just called leon ) , don't think i will ever look at the bridge the same way again , brilliant video so just had to subscribe .
Thanks so much Rob! Stay well.
Discovered this hidden gem from reddit absolutely amazing documentary
Thank you so much; that means a lot to me. Stay well :-)
This is so cool I grew up the other side of the trees where the pub was and never knew this. Love mks hidden history.
Ha ha, thanks Keziah 😉
Loved that very interesting,good way to pass my COVID enforcement holiday learning something interesting
Thanks David, glad I was able to help in some way ;-) Stay well
fascinating and very professional
Much appreciated Gareth; thank you.
You & your presentation are every bit as good as main stream presentations on tv. I have travelled on railway replacement busses partially due to failed train or partly due to driver strike. There are 2 unions and one was on strike. I only traveled halfway by train. I think that I would have had to be sloshed full of cider to go into said pub. It would give me a fighting chance!
Really appreciate that Pat; thank you so much. Stay well 🍺
An excellent documentary, thanks Rob! I drive trains over that bridge and have often wondered why the junction has such a grand name!
Thanks so much! Stay well 😉
My husband drove train for 40 years to Montreal Canada! Lol another train head! Lol x
Great video, and very interesting. Lived all around that area a few years back now, and know it all very well. But did not know any of its history so thank you. Shame tavern is no longer there though, what an historical pub that would have been.
Thanks so much Jamie. Yes, I bet the pub would’ve been great today had it remained; a real shame. Cheers and stay well.
Very good video I was born and raised and still live in Milton Keynes I’m 45 ..just a few things Simpson is actually an estate in Milton Keynes and people who live in Bletchley hate being part of actual Milton Keynes very few even add Milton Keynes to their post just have Bletchley .
Thanks Dave. I do know about the contention regarding names (I actually live in the area myself now!) It's a tricky one to address when making a documentary; Watling Street being part of the Milton Keynes road network for example and other aspects being intertwined. I guess it's a debate which is never going away! Thanks again and stay well.
@@Robslondon I agree will never be settled..your documentary was one of the best on this bridge and area usually we just have people do stuff on roundabouts and concrete cows ..keep up the good work I’m now a follower of yours on Facebook and just a quick note on Wolverton works my partners late father worked there for many years
@@davemk0 Thanks so much Dave; it was my aim to show people just how fascinating this area is 😊 Would have loved to hear the stories your partner’s father would’ve had about Wolverton; must’ve had some intriguing memories. Thanks again and stay well; great to have you along.
Common knowledge for locals, this bit of history is covered in most local books.
One point, the village of Wolverton - which is Old Wolverton now - was declining as a settlement by the time the railway arrived, and was some distance west from the line anyway. The new Wolverton station and railway works is effectively a new town created on green fields.
Thank you Andrew.
Wonder how many of the people who live in and around Bletchley only see this as bridge? Interesting Video
Cheers Steve
Came here from Reddit - hi all!
Cheers for stopping by Chris!
I love your channel, so have recently purchased your latest book, ‘Waterloo station A history of London’s busiest terminus’ which is also excellent and would thoroughly recommend it !
Thank you so much!
The illustrations are absolutely amazing! Filming amazing and pukka commentary, Fantastic video again! Always a great day when I see an upload! Nice catch of the 442 at Wolverton works! Keep up the fantastic work. Shall be hopefully buying a few mugs from the etsy store in the future!
Thank you so much; your kind words mean the absolute world to me :-) It's support from wonderful people such as yourself that inspires me to make these videos. Take care and thanks again :-)
What wonderful comments, it's people like you that really inspire my Son and make what he does so enjoyable. Rob has always been gifted with his artwork, nice that you like them.
The grate you found is for drainage because the area it in is notorious for flooding
Many thanks Dave. I'm guessing it's because the bridge is in quite a bit of a dip? The roads seems to slope down either end towards it? Thanks again ;-)
@@Robslondon the actual road floods if we have epic rain fall
Fascinating! Thanks, Rob. Did you say the pub's landlord was once a Mr Calcraft? Any relation to the notorious hangman?
Oh!... Now that's an interesting question! Wish I knew the answer- it's certainly worth investigation ;-) Thanks so much for your kind words; much appreciated.
“More having been booked than could be accommodated”
*American Airline companies* “Write that down! Write that down!”
Ha ha! ;-)
There's a Pig and Whistle pub in San Francisco Calif.
another great video Rob , heres something you might find useful . handy for doubling or tripling fps , then you can slow it down again and get a nice smooth slowmo video . google " Flowframes " on itch for more info .. and keep up the good work.
forgot theres sample videos on here lol ..
Many thanks; I'll certainly look into that as I do need to sort out my technique! Cheers ;-)
Not sure on the position of the Grating in relation to the bridge, but there is a large diameter Storm Drain in the vicinity, and that looks very much like a drain I'm afraid. Concrete pipes and engineering bricks are a more modern invention.
Many thanks Nick. Someone else has also said it’s a storm drain so I think you’ve solved the mystery! 👍
The grate where the pub used to be, used to have bars that a child could squeeze through. I quite often climbed down through them as a child. There are 2 small tunnels down there (big enough for a child bent over to walk along) and it's very dark and damp. I assume it was drainage for waste/ sewage.
Thanks, that’s incredible!
Bravo Zulu sir 😎
Doesn’t Basingstoke have the most roundabouts in the UK!?
It does have a lot… but I think MK has more
@@Robslondon My niece lives there
How can a rail replacement service replace a railway that hasn't been completed?
Well, I guess you could argue that the horse-drawn coaches were replacing trains which, by that point, should’ve been running if it were not for the problems constructing the tunnel.
And the line did run a long way further. It’s just that this point was the best place to transfer onto walling street. The M1 hadn’t been built yet!
And a lot of passengers would have broken their journey at old Stratford. But that’s another cock and bull story!
@@paulmac8450 Ah, good reference! ;-)
@@paulmac8450 Help me out - I don't get it (but would love to!)