Ashchurch to Barnt Green Abandoned Railway Evesham Stn

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  • Опубліковано 12 січ 2025

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  • @757trev
    @757trev Рік тому +4

    Hi Ron and thanks for this week's video. I see there are plenty of comments regarding Evesham Midland station, it's layout and relationship to the GWR, so I won't repeat any of that. The most significant fact that has been mentioned is that there were separate Midland and GWR stations, although they did share the same approach road. I used to travel the GWR route between Paddington and Worcester a lot in the 1980's; the train being hauled by Class 43 HST's. It was amusing to see a main line service stop at the signal box for the driver to take/surrender the token for the single line sections! Anyway, back to the Midland route and a few more facts about Evesham station that haven't already been covered. The permanent Evesham station, designed by George hunt, was opened on 1st October 1864 (a temporary one having been opened on 1st July 1864) and closed to passengers on 17th June 1963. Goods trains carried on for a while but the station closed completely on 6th July 1964, exactly 100 years and 5days since the original (temporary) station first opened. The original, permanent, station building remains today; the original timber buildings from the 1864 temporary station were taken to build Monsal Dale railway station in Derbyshire. On 4th September 1951 the goods depot was renamed Evesham South. To the south of the goods depot was a two road engine shed constructed in 1870-71 and was a sub-shed of Gloucester. It closed officially in 1931, but up until 1954 engines were still stabled there. With regard to the Ashchurch - Barnt Green route, Evesham was the start of the double track section going south. The line coming in from the north being single track. The doubling from Evesham to Ashchurch took place 23rd September 1890. From Evesham south to Beckford, the line was worked by telegraph bells prior to the introduction of the block telegraph system. The additional arches to the bridge that you featured in the video were used variously for the Midland line, a loop on the GWR line and a headshunt, also on the GWR line. The name of the decorative canopies used on railway stations that you were trying to think of is "dagger boards", often abbreviated to dags. The meaning of the term dags is quite unpleasant (look it up), but I can see how it could have similarity with the shape of railway station canopies! As regards the "tunnel" in the side of the bridge abutment crossing the Avon, I wonder if it carried a water/sewage pipe of some sort, with the large size bore being necessary for maintenance? A late 18th century map does show an additional section along the bridge beside the railway, but it is unclear whether this is above or below ground. The fact that there is now a sewerage works just beyond the abutment, potentially making the pipework redundant for some reason, may lend credence to this. Well that's about it for this week Ron. Thanks again for an excellent video, and well done for not being tempted into climbing up the hill! Best wishes, Trev.

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому +2

      Hi Trev, thanks for your input again this week, as you mentioned this one seems to have encouraged a lot of folk to join in. I'm sure they will want to read through your post to check we are all singing from the same hymn sheet! 'Dagger boards' I knew it was something like that, Your theory about the sewer pipe access tunnel is as likely as any other I have read. The only thing that hasn't been mentioned is brick saving, Possible. Thanks again Trev. Keep flying (just not over here lol.) Ron

    • @757trev
      @757trev Рік тому

      @@ParkinsonsWalks Yes, brick saving is definitely a possibility Ron. I've not heard of it before but it would seem to make sense. Do we have any documented confirmation of this practice?

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому

      @@757trev Hi Trev, no documented evidence yet. I now have three suggestions, one to save bricks, two to reduce the load on the foundations, and three to transfer load from one part of the structure to another. It will probably turn out to be something mundane like they wanted to practice building arches! We may still find out, although we never did find out when a bridge becomes a viaduct. Have a good week. Ron

  • @lionelmarytravels6003
    @lionelmarytravels6003 Рік тому +2

    Hello again Ron. Our trepid explorer is on the move again.. That was clearly a very large junction at Ashchurch and still very busy with trains by the looks of it. I've got a 1922 Bradshaw and I was trying to see him many trains went through there in that year, but it proved too difficult.
    Thanks for your comments on my recent video to Leckford church. I have a local contact and we think that little building with the tall chimney contained a boiler in the past, probably to heat the church. Someone remembered shovelling coal through the door when he was young. When the weather is better I'll go and take a better look.
    Apart from the photo of the observatory, I used the gopro throughout.

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому

      Hi Lionel it was certainly a busy line back in the day. Keep the films coming, you seem to have settled down quickly with the gopro, well done. Ron

    • @lionelmarytravels6003
      @lionelmarytravels6003 Рік тому

      @@ParkinsonsWalks Thanks Ron. I do like the gopro, but eventually I want to get a wireless microphone for it.
      Mary had a visit to Salisbury hospital on Thursday and had a camera inserted into her lungs. She's had a bit of a cough for a while, so we'll have to wait until the results come back. Don't worry. She's fine, but not allowed to drive at the moment.

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому

      @@lionelmarytravels6003 Please tell her we are thinking about her Lionel. Ron

  • @jamesweekes6726
    @jamesweekes6726 Рік тому +1

    Good morning (afternoon there I guess) Ron. I'm taking refuge from a snowstorm here inside and enjoyed your video immensely. Your commentary, as always, is brilliant. I think the winner this week is "no expense spared on that sign"...I think that even got a chuckle out of OVM. I think you need to write an illustrated "coffee table book" on your aptly named "Bridge Abutment Watching". I think it would be a winner. Meanwhile, here to my right, a view through the window of the ever mounting snow. To my left, a computer screen with beautiful views of countryside in England...sigh...thanks for the break Ron. Now back to reality and outside to shovel the walk, and amuse Sumac with a ball. Have a good week Ron.

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому

      Hay, sounds like a fun day for you then James, wrap up warm and try to keep smiling. Snow looks good from the inside looking out but not the other way about, well after the first half hour anyway. Take care both. Ron

  • @LostsTVandRadio
    @LostsTVandRadio 7 місяців тому +1

    Thanks so much for this. I'll be sure to look out for the other bridge when I travel through Evesham this week.
    The photo at 9:10 really helps to understand the old layout.
    It's a shame that the long stretch of line from Evesham to Norton Junction is still singled. It adds to the potential for disruption and limits the available paths, though of course it's a lot better than when Evesham station was just a passing loop and when trains had to stop additionally at the signal box to receive the token before proceeding.

  • @westcountrywanderings
    @westcountrywanderings Рік тому +2

    Many congratulations on your 3k subscribers Ron! Great work! Loved this - I have been to Evesham on the train a few times, but usually heading off elsewhere, so I never had a good look around it before. Yes, it must have been a most impressive junction station in its day - still a handsome station now - better than the sadly decimated stations at Ashchurch and Pershore, a little further down the Cotswold Line. Still a lot to see of the remains of the old Gloucester Loop Line - very impressive bridge abutments. I look forward to your explorations around Alcester, one of my very favouite towns in the region that I cover. Take care, Paul.

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому +1

      Hi Paul, always good to hear from you, I have to say this one was difficult with lots built over or missing, still makes it even sweeter when you find something. Better weather now I guess you have slipped into a higher gear. Take care of yourself. Ron

    • @westcountrywanderings
      @westcountrywanderings Рік тому

      @@ParkinsonsWalks Thank you!

  • @robertsinderberry4124
    @robertsinderberry4124 Рік тому +3

    Hi Ron , great video , the cream house with the tree in blossom in the garden was once the station masters house although of which railway I’m not sure , it wasn’t a double station what you filmed was GWR the building on the left ( looking towards the river ) of the existing station is the old midland station ( now painted) the platform and rails were the far side if you walk that side you can see where the canopy supports were and cut off, the industrial park you passed also has one or two railway buildings existing including the control office ( not sure the correct term ) for the turntable . I think I mentioned before about the two over bridges over the high street if you cross the existing bridge you will see the brickwork of the old midland bridge to the right hand side and although fenced off the arch and void below can be accessed via a car park to flats . The road and houses directly opposite was built on the old line but if you walk ( or drive ) to the top ( I think you can see the last house has a long garden and remains of the old bridge abutments where the midland line crossed the GWR . the track bed from there can also be walked ( legally I think ) via an access road and includes quite a high embankment . Sorry if I repeated this from my previous message . Best regards

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому +1

      Hi Robert, thank you for taking the time to post this info, you certainly have a lot of knowledge about this area, in my next Vlog I'll point people to your comment so they can get a fuller picture. I hope you can find the time to advise on anything else I miss in my films. Thanks again. Ron

  • @petepaine5331
    @petepaine5331 Рік тому +5

    Good morning Ron. Friday already and there's me thinking it's Thursday ! Another excellent explore. Those abutments were lovely. The monogram was the pre shirt button GWR type. The first train trough the station reminds me of the Jethro tale of "This train don't stop Cambourne Wednesdays" . On youtube ,worth a listen

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому

      Hi Pete, you too, Since I retired I never know what day it is. I like Jethro, I'll give it a spin. Keep smiling. Ron

  • @MoJohnson-xp6cc
    @MoJohnson-xp6cc Рік тому +1

    Thanks for another trip down memory lane. Loved the seats with various GWR cyphers. The Railway Hotel has changed little over time. But I bet they don't serve Watneys Red Barrel any more and I bet whatever has replaced it is not one shilling and nine pence (1/9d = 9 new pence) a pint! Pure nostalgia - wonderful.

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому

      Hi glad that brought back some hopefully pleasant memories. Ron

  • @nicholasbent7539
    @nicholasbent7539 Рік тому +5

    River Avon of course, not Severn. On the other side of the river there is a road/track that follows the old track bed, maybe worth an explore, and see if there are any remains of Bengeworth Station (situated in Hampton!). I believe that the Evesham Midland is entirely separate from the GWR station and is still there, now called The Signal House and is the other side of the station approach car park now occupied by a firm of building surveyors. As the old photographs show only one set of points joining Midland to GWR so not really a junction. The Midland line passed the other side of The Railway Hotel before crossing the Midland line heading north, but I doubt if anything remains of this.
    GWR Evesham had a large goods yard which extended to the Tesco's car park. I grew up on a fruit farm 4 miles from Evesham. One of my earliest memories was taking a load of plumbs in 12 lb 'chips' on our old lorry and staking them in a box van probably to be taken to Manchester or Liverpool to be sold in a market early the following morning. Rail transport was incredibly efficient in those days.

    • @robertsinderberry4124
      @robertsinderberry4124 Рік тому

      The track down to the sewage works and adjacent footpath have plenty still to see ending up via a field at the remains of the bridge on opposite side of river to where Ron was standing , I’m pretty sure nothing is left the opposite side of the road towards Ashchurch

    • @robertsinderberry4124
      @robertsinderberry4124 Рік тому

      The abutments of the over bridge still exist it was the midland line that crossed over the GWR , the trackbed still exists and can be walked all the way from inches lane over the bypass and past the back of twyford country park ,

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому +1

      Hi Nicholas, thanks for the info and the time taken to comment. I think I will have to revisit some time and do a 'Part two'. This film seems to have encouraged folk to share their knowledge , love it. Ron

  • @notyhbynorthwest
    @notyhbynorthwest Рік тому +4

    Hi Ron, excellent detective work as usual. Unlike me...around 3:05 you are looking across at the rugby match and I saw an aircraft parked in front of the trees beyond the game. Silver fuselage, red tail; clear as day. How come Ron missed it says I? Anyway, I looked on Google Maps and couldn't find any trace of the darned thing. After maybe 15 minutes of exhaustive detective work and many new words added to my vocabulary, it finally dawned on me that it wasn't an airplane, but a white roof of a structure adjacent to a brick sidewall of a building which must be the clubhouse for the bowling green. 🙄 So I defer to Ron's skills....and hope he gets a good laugh at this! And yes, I guess that I do need to go to Specsavers! Cheers, Ian

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому +1

      Hi Ian, I'm glad that wasn't an airplane, I would have hated to miss that. Gad you enjoyed the research!!! Have fun. Ron

    • @757trev
      @757trev Рік тому +1

      Aaaaw what a shame; a day without seeing an aircraft is a day wasted !!!

    • @notyhbynorthwest
      @notyhbynorthwest Рік тому

      @@757trev Exactly, I have been around them all of my life. In the blood I suppose.

  • @charlespaterson9714
    @charlespaterson9714 Рік тому +3

    That junction was massive when the two systems came together!

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому +1

      Hi Charles, a train spotters delight I think. Ron

    • @robertsinderberry4124
      @robertsinderberry4124 Рік тому

      I don’t think there was an actual rail link between the two lines it’s quite unusual that there were two stations literally back to back separated by what is now a car park

    • @757trev
      @757trev Рік тому +1

      @@robertsinderberry4124 Correct Robert, there was no link between the two lines.

  • @davidberlanny3308
    @davidberlanny3308 Рік тому +3

    Mornin’ Ron, Wow lots to see on this one. What a junction that must have been back in the day, those maps and old photos really captured the detail and you discovered lots to see as well.
    It was interesting to contrast the old designs in stonework and latticed steel and the new in concrete and solid girders. I’m glad you didn’t go up the embankment on the side of the abutment, its one thing to go up and quite another coming down. That tunnel in the bridge is quite a mystery I wonder if someone here will be able to throw some light on it.
    I noticed at the start that the No Fishing sign was in three languages, English, Polish and Romanian, perhaps they were expecting a visit from Michael!!
    Interesting to see that tree in blossom, it will soon be that time here, the almonds and cherries normally come out about now but with this cold spell that we are still in they have yet to appear. Of course strawberries are now in the shops the season starts early here all grown in greenhouses right down south in the province of Huelva on the atlantic coast.
    Good luck from Spain!!

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому +2

      Hi David, hope you are all well. There was lots to film on that one, and it posed a few questions, I hope someone will tell us the reason for the mysterious arch. Back in the day that would have been a train spotters delight.
      Looking forward to spring as well, my favorite season I think, won't be long now. Look after yourself. Ron

    • @westcountrywanderings
      @westcountrywanderings Рік тому +1

      Yes, I can explain about that sign. Around 2002, when Poland and Romania joined the EU, a lot of Polish and Romanian workers settled in and around Evesham, working in the huge distribution centres that encircle the town. I seem to remember that one of the of them sadly fell into the River Avon. I would imagine that the sign was put up after. Like the Severn, it can be a dangerous river, with lots of weirs around Evesham, and odd, strong currents. Hope this helps! Paul

  • @abandonedrailwaya2470
    @abandonedrailwaya2470 Рік тому +4

    Good Morning, Ron. The star of the show, definitely that old railway bridge! What a beautiful structure, the attention to detail is outstanding! I’m just looking at a photograph of said bridge which shows the unusually situated ‘arch’. I wonder if it was there as an access for maintenance teams to get from front to back? Just a thought. Another very enjoyable adventure, well done. Stay safe, Ron.

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому

      Hi Ron, that is as good a reason for the arch as any I can come up with, strange. I have had some info from a lady who lives in Shipston, saying that the station house is still there at the end of station road. Apparently it has some railway paraphernalia in the garden but I'm not sure if it is visible from the road. I can't remember if you have published your branchline film yet, but if not, don't miss this like I did. Take care. Ron

    • @abandonedrailwaya2470
      @abandonedrailwaya2470 Рік тому

      @@ParkinsonsWalks thanks for the heads up on that one, Ron. I know there is a plaque dedicated to the station, somewhere up near where the railway line terminated, which must be Signal Road cul-de-sac. I haven’t done any filming yet, but, I now have some footpath access to the railway line at various points. Just need some decent weather now. I’ll keep you posted, Ron

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому

      Hi Ron, Out of the blue I have received some comments from a Mr Ross Jewett, referring to my film and saying that the land that the Hook Norton pillars stand on, is owned by his family and is private. There was a little to-ing and fro-ing, some of it quite blunt from his side. He remained adamant it was private and not open to the public, so you can imagine my surprise when this morning I received the following
      “Parkinsons Walks its ok if people walk through but must respect the land owners private land which belongs to me and my family you can walk through whenever you wish to ron”
      Pays yer money and takes yer choice then. (At least I’m alright Jack)
      Take care out there Ron

    • @abandonedrailwaya2470
      @abandonedrailwaya2470 Рік тому

      @@ParkinsonsWalks as you will see from my upcoming video, someone clearly disagrees with Mr. Jewett’s claim of privacy and I suspect it’s the conservation trust. Shame he didn’t pop in whilst I was filming, I could have done an ‘exclusive interview’🙂👍

    • @Connection500
      @Connection500 Рік тому

      @@ParkinsonsWalks Hi Ron, at Shipston all that remains is the small station weighbridge office building. Up until roughly the early 2000s the station yard, goods shed, engine shed, and livestock platforms all remained in place. Tragically they were swept away in favour of the modern estate. I did manage to go along and take a variety of photos before they were all demolished. There is a similar story at not-too-far away Woodstock, in Oxfordshire. However, thanks to a local campaign the station building itself was retained and is well worth a visit as it is most unusual, its original construction having been privately funded by the Duke of Marlborough. Today you can also navigate the remaining trackbed north of Woodstock which has been turned into a nature reserve. Well worth a Parkinsons' Walks film!

  • @michaelpilling9659
    @michaelpilling9659 Рік тому +3

    Good Morning Ron - greetings from Poland
    What a beautiful structure that bridge must have been crossing the river. The abutments are incredible. I too would love to know what that little tunnel was for. I like Evesham Station. Looking at the map you showed, it was a very busy junction. What a shame the branch lines have gone.
    A wonderful video. Thanks so much. See you again soon. Stay safe please

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому +1

      Hi Michael, hope you are keeping well, I always like to hear from you to make sure you are ok. There was a lot to film and judging from the comments I missed a lot. Maybe I'll get it next time. Look after yourself. Ron

  • @petersmith5574
    @petersmith5574 Рік тому +1

    Ron I might have known that someone would know. The northern boundary of the GWR was Birkenhead. Thanks to informant. Peter

  • @petersmith5574
    @petersmith5574 Рік тому +4

    Ron How the remnants of these structures have lasted in spite of the (no doubt) not much care when dismantling them. Built in a different age with little if any job security, low wages and minimal H&S, a tribute to the craftsmen. Thanks for discovering and showing them. A question now that displays my ignorance. How far North did the GWR territory extend? Did it Reach Brum? I always look on it as a predominantly West Country enterprise. Anyway thanks again and stay well

    • @philippankhurst6680
      @philippankhurst6680 Рік тому +1

      Birkenhead was the Northern limit of GWR

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому +1

      Hi Peter, sorry for the delay, I'm sure I answered this yesterday but UA-cam seem to have lost it! I have to admit I didn't know the extent of GWR either. I have an old GWR map which on the compass points shows them as far as Liverpool - north, London - East, Penzance - south, and Fishguard - west. Amazing, thanks for the question. Take care. Ron

    • @westcountrywanderings
      @westcountrywanderings Рік тому

      Yes, the mighty GWR had (has!) a big station in Birmingham - Snow Hill. If you are ever in the area, it is well worth a visit. It has been restored magnificiently. Now run by Chiltern Railways, and not the present day GWR railway company though. Yes, there were through trains from Birkenhead on Merseyside right into the heart of the Westcountry via the Stratford-upon-Avon to Cheltenham Spa route (now partially used ny GWSR heritage line).

    • @philippankhurst6680
      @philippankhurst6680 Рік тому

      @@westcountrywanderings The magnificent Snow Hill was bulldozed and used as a car park before the present miserable excuse for a railway station was built on the same site. The restored GWR station is Moor Street and 'magnificent' is just the word to describe it.

  • @mickeyg2766
    @mickeyg2766 Рік тому +3

    I’m fairly certain the building in the main car is what used to be the Midland railway station?
    It’s adjacent to the GWR station
    If you go again pop in and talk to Gary the station master, he might be able to tell you more
    He’d definitely love a cameo on UA-cam that’s for certain
    I clean the windows at Evesham station, I’ll be there next week so I’ll ask him what he knows

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому

      Thanks Mickey hope you get to see him, thanks for thinking of me. Ron

    • @mickeyg2766
      @mickeyg2766 Рік тому

      Hi Ron
      I spoke to Gary and he informed me that the building in the car park is indeed the old Midland station. Think it’s rented office storage space now.. I remember him telling me last year an actor rents one of them and he has a Dalek from Doctor Who in there!
      Anyway hope this helps
      Cheers Mike

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому

      @@mickeyg2766 That is very helpful thank you Mike, nice of you to go to the trouble. Ron

  • @oldfart6318
    @oldfart6318 Рік тому

    Back in the days when I was heavily involved with model railways I met the author of your book, Bob Essery and his co author Mr Jenkins, at that time they were recognised as the experts on all things Midland Railways. Lovely chaps and very helpful.

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому +1

      Lucky you Jim, that must have been enjoyable. Ron

  • @thebrummierailenthusiasts5329
    @thebrummierailenthusiasts5329 9 місяців тому +1

    I’ve been to Evesham 6 years ago and I found the remains of the railway line that used to connect to Evesham station and I found the signal box standing furloughed next to the main road

  • @petersmith5574
    @petersmith5574 Рік тому

    Thank you WCW. I hope Ron sees it. Peter

  • @philippankhurst6680
    @philippankhurst6680 Рік тому +1

    A splendid study of Evesham station, a classic GWR main line secondary station and happily pretty much intact. Lovely furniture - the 2 styles of GWR benches take the eye but the star turns for me are the two wooden GWR benches on platform Two. In Evesham goodness knows how many Post Boxes are listed buildings, as are two K6 telephone boxes and yet an important piece of historic railway architecture is not. Both stations (GWR and the Midland across the station car park) should be protected, or is it just me that thinks they are important ?

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому

      Hi Philip, no it is not just you, there are some wonderful examples of the art of the Victorian railway builders, just being left to disintegrate around the country. It's a crying shame really. Stay well. Ron

  • @mikemorris364
    @mikemorris364 Рік тому

    Great video Ron, you missed out the Midland Station which is still standing on the opposite side of the car park. It's in the background on your video as you walk down the disabled path.

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому

      Thanks Mike, quite a few people have responded to point out things I missed, and I am grateful to you all. I shall probably do a part two sometime. Take care. Ron

    • @mikemorris364
      @mikemorris364 Рік тому

      @@ParkinsonsWalks yes sorry didn't mean to be critical, really enjoy your videos. All the best.

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому +1

      @@mikemorris364 Hi Mike, post as you see fit, if it is critical, so be it. Ron

  • @markspittle9360
    @markspittle9360 Рік тому

    The midland line station was in the same car park as Evesham station(opposite). You also, missed the other road bridge that is at the top of the station car park.

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Рік тому +1

      Hi Mark, you are right I missed a lot, but I have returned there recently and filmed a bit more. Ron

    • @markspittle9360
      @markspittle9360 Рік тому

      @@ParkinsonsWalks ahh thats good. FYI, the bridge was Blown up in the 1970’s with dynamite. There was a video of it, being blown up, knocking around somewhere.

  • @jamesfordjhfcontractingltd1627
    @jamesfordjhfcontractingltd1627 Місяць тому

    Very sketchy on the facts, its the river Avon not Severn

    • @ParkinsonsWalks
      @ParkinsonsWalks  Місяць тому

      Thanks James, that was noted when the film went out. Ron