A short history of the Swindon to Cheltenham Spa Railway Written 1981 and revised (©1981)

The Cheltenham and Great Western Union Railway

A short history of the conception, building, heyday and demise of a railway built between the Great Western at Swindon and the Spa town of  Cheltenham. It was a railway first muted by the Great Western, but left to the wealthy merchants of the Cheltenham area to build. Although for most of its distance the railway ran through green fields, it was not without strong opposition from the local landowners and canal companies. Even the Midland railway attempted to build a competing line.

When eventually built, the line was profitable, not only because it enabled the wealthy to reach London quickly and safely, but because it catered for the local workers, enabling them to reach the mills in the Chalford valley.

It fought the gauge war and survived the Beeching axe, running today through some of the most picturesque scenery in the country.

The railcar arrives at Chalford, from Gloucester

Click here for the Table of Contents

A selection of old photographs from tram systems throughout the world

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Bristol Commercial Vehicles including a brief history

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A me&im production©1998
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