Monmouthshire’s Lost Railways – Book Review

The historic county of Monmouthshire (modern day Gwent) displays marked topographical variety. From a broad coastal plan to the gently rolling farm countryside of the east and the narrow, steep sided valleys of the industrial west.

The county’s railways reflected this diversity, and are well represented in the photographs collected in Monmouthshire’s Lost Railways. Written by Peter Dale and published in 2011 by Stenlake. Though out of print copies are still available to buy from the publisher.

Monmouthshire’s Railways: how they used to be!

Dale packs a lot of factual information into a slim volume, much of which is taken up by photographs,.  A one page introduction provides the reader with a concise overview of the history of railways in South Wales, including a description of grouping and nationalisation. The author orders the photographs generally into those lines which comprised the Great Western Railway and those which were encompassed by the London, Midland and Scottish.

Within these broad categories, the railways are dealt with geographically from west to east. As the book focusses on closed lines and stations, the South Wales Main Line through Newport naturally receives little attention. However, two images of closed stations, at Portskewett and Marshfield make an appearance.

‘Lost’ railways include those that lasted well into the diesel era

This made for a varied railway scene added to which geographical variety makes the county an ideal subject for photograph portraits. You can go from sleepy rural country stations in the Wye Valley to busy, compact industrial siding complexes such as the one at Llanhilleth.

There is an implicit connection between ‘lost’ railways or lines and the end of steam traction. This is reinforced in the book where there are no images of diesel locomotives. While the connection has some justification, it is far from universal. In South Wales many lines existed into the diesel era to serve collieries or steelworks which were closed in the 1980s and 1990s as the full force of de-industrialisation struck. Sadly, there are none in Dale’s book.

That aside, the range of photographs is impressive for such a slim volume, covering most of the county and stretching to the early years of the 20^th Century. The accompanying annotations are a strength, giving a real depth of historical and other factual information. Some fascinating historical snapshots are included, such as Monmouth Troy Station in 1910 with what appears to be the coffin of Charles Rolls (of Rolls-Royce fame) on the platform. As such it is a perfect book to simply dip into on those occasions when you have a few spare moments.

In Summary

An enjoyable book on Monmouthshire’s railways during the steam era which serves as a reminder of what has been lost. Railway buffs as well as enthusiasts of local history will find this book enjoyable.

Outline Contents

• Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil Junction Railway
• Bristol & South Wales Union Railway
• Hall’s Tramroad
• Monmouthshire Railway
• Coleford, Monmouth, Usk & Pontypool Railway
• Ross & Monmouth Railway
• Taff Vale Extension Railway
• Wye Valley Railway
• Abersychan Branch
• Ebbw Vale Branch
• Heads of the Valleys Line
• Sirhowy Valley Line
• Newport – Abergavenny
• South Wales Main Line

Related reviews

Lost Lines of Wales: Monmouthshire Western Valley Line by Geoffrey Lloyd
Abergavenny to Merthyr (including the Ebbw Vale branch by David Mitchell