The Lost Stations of Oxford 

As a person in my 20's whilst may not be considered the standard audience for this content i find it fascinating and it has great production quality!

My home city! Rewley Road Station was there until the late 1990s - albeit as a Kwik Fit garage at the end. The swingbridge is due to be restored. As a side note, the tin shack style waiting room at Abingdon Road Halt could also be found at nearby Appleford station until it was removed in about 2010. I spent many, many hours sat inside it waiting for my train to college in Oxford, in the late 1990s.

Might you consider supporting my channel even more? www.buymeacoffee.com/rediscovering - Can you believe it? Weeks of planning, editing and reviewing and I manage to say Rewley Road closed in 1851. It didn't. It closed in 1951. I'll get my coat...

As someone who used to go to school in the fifties, by steam train on the now lost line between Broom Junction and Redditch, I'd like to express my appreciation of these wonderfully atmospheric productions. Always nostalgia inducing, enhanced by a great choice of music, I look forward to each one.

Brilliant! A fascinating film about stations I had no idea even exisited. Your commentary was superb. Camera work was amazing. What would the scenery be like today if some of the stations featured had survived? More please!

These are very interesting films for local historians as well as railway enthusiasts! I remember Rewley Road Station from my first couple of years living in Oxford (at the time, I think it was a car tyre depot or something similar). It was wonderful to hear, at the time of its dismantling, that it would have a new lease of life at the Bucks Railway centre.

I lived in Oxford when the old station still stood on the corner before being relocated. I think it was used as a car repair shop with car hire next door. I lived there during the rebuild of the working station which got rid of Brett’s Burgers ☹️. I know people in Oxford who’ll find this fascinating. Another lovely video which interests me personally, thank you.

Very interesting, thanks. I live in Oxford and learned a lot of new things. I remember the old central station building when I was a child before the Said was built.

Truly amazing video with such amazing facts Only one could imagine what would have been done to the railways had they survived and still remained in use Stay safe and keep up the amazing work

It was such delight to watch and listen to this historical documentary. The narrator has that, now rare, way with English that is engaging and diverse. It was a pleasure to be engaged by this journey through Oxford’s railway history. Thank you.

Although i'm not familiair with the current situation, i like the way you present 'then and now' in this video and previous ones. Good camerawork and the comments make your videos a joy to watch. Please carry on. 🚂

Very interesting video. I learnt a lot from it. It also shows how the railways tried to fight back against bus competition and closures were not just a feature of the 1960s.

Although I’m not local to this area I still find it fascinating finding out about the railways that served it and other areas in the uk that once had a branch line serving them. I still associate Oxford and the surrounding area with Inspector Morse, in fact one of the episodes is called The Wolvercote tongue, Wolvercote being one of the closed stations in your film. Thanks for this.👍

As always superb video! Well researched and produced, excellent photography and narration. 👍🙂🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I remember back in the day when Hinksey yard was being reopened as a ballast depot. Some numpty decided a bit of Newspeak was necessary and called it a virtual quarry. The natives went bersi que.

I had been planning to return to Oxford (where I studied) this summer, but a certain C-word has ruled that out. So this little film is a wonderful consolation prize, thanks so much, and thanks also for the brief look round the university to set the scene. BTW I do believe the engine at 10:45 is a Webb compound 4-4-0, with the later fitted connecting rods.

A very enjoyable and informative film. I often travel to Oxford by train but had no idea all those Halts had existed. I suspect that if any stations on the periphery of the City were still there intensive development would have covered the green fields we see today.

Your narration is simply cosmic! I think you are another John Betjeman. It feels so good! So well done 👍

Had a feeling your "Lost Stations" format would be a hit, RLR. Very smooth and informative presentation, well done. I can well imagine how many times the question, "There was a station THERE?" was uttered by viewers. 2:20 Would say the overpass has seen its fair share of "bridge strikes" over the years. All those halts south of Oxford are more characteristic of a rapid-transit commuter system rather than a steam railway. So many of the station's pictured had, for me, more of an American feel given the choice of wood for their construction rather than the (my perception) traditional British brick/stone. The Wolvercot Platform view was wonderful. Can say with complete honesty that I don't know of ANY steam rail car ever operating in the United States: what a unique piece of motive power. I take it that is a goods wagon trailing the car--thus a mixed train? Very cool. Keep up the excellent work.

Many, many thanks! Another superb look at our lost railway heritage. As one who finds road travel these days less and less enjoyable, how I wish I could travel these delightful lost lines that you so eloquently portray! Today everyone takes many (often meaningless) photos with their smart phones, but some may show endangered things, so maybe more that disappears will be preserved in digital form for future generations, I wonder? Best regards, Mike

Truly fascinating, I had no idea of the number of stations in and around Oxford. I live nearby along the Cotswold line from Oxford and will endeavour to spot these locations once I start travelling on trains again in the near future. Keep up the good work!

Another very interesting video! Shame to see so many closed stations but as you mention they slowed down the service on the main lines. I think the best thing for Oxford would be a tramway running from Kidlington through the city centre to Abingdon.

cant get enough of these already looking foreward to the next one

I always look forward to your videos. They are very professional and well narrated and are better than most TV programs and videos I have seen about railways. I like your use of maps. Please can you do the Honeybourne line sometime? Stratford Upon Avon to Cheltenham would be nice:)

Another excellent production,keep them coming

Fascinating video amazing how quickly these places disappear and are all but forgotten.

What a great little documentary of these lost stations. Thank you.

Always look forward to these, extremely interesting, they illustrate what a great railway system we once had. Thank you.

I really enjoy your channel, please keep it up. Thank you for doing them.

Excellent work as always, I’m always left feeling sad at the losses but equally seized with the desire to visit these places.

Rewley Road station was a listed building, which may explain why parts of it lasted as long as they did. The reason for this is that some of the cast iron columns were taken from the same moulds as those used in the building of Crystal Palace and are apparently the only surviving examples. It's good that the building is now being well cared for at Quainton Road. Perhaps 1851 is a significant year in the history of the station even if that wasn't when it closed!

Fascinating and a very enjoyable film, thank you very much.

Thank you! A well designed and edited film. And congratulations on the spoken commentary. The tone of voice and pacing are just right. All very absorbing.

Really enjoyed watching your film well done on a very professional production, it's amazing to see what has survived demolition. Keep up the good work. Cheers. Scruff 😊

Excellent , very interesting . Very nicely produced .Many thanks .

The plans for the re-opening of the Cowley branch line to passenger traffic are sufficiently advanced to be considered in the Oxford 2040 development plan. As a Blackbird Leys Parish Councillor I have been approached to discuss ways of getting to the new Cowley and Oxford Science Park (not Littlemore) stations. Work cannot start until after the work on Oxford Station and the Botley Road bridge has finished in 2024.

Really enjoyed that lovely video. Super presentation, and your choice of music and its subdued volume adds to the atmosphere. It never intrudes, as it often does elsewhere, and becomes the focus, detracting from the subject in hand. Loud intrusive music seems to be the fashion these days - even Micheal Portillo's travels are adversely affected! Congratulations to you. Well structured and edited. Thank you.

Very interesting thank you. I was born near Oxford Road Halt, and worked for 2 years at Littlemore Hospital which is shown to the right in the photo of Littlemore Halt, and had no idea at the time that there had ever been stations there.

I was told there used to be a halt at Cassington and I know from personal experience that there used to be the remains of an engine shed along with a turntable just a little way down the old tracks from Worton too.

Great research, interesting commentary, and superb filming, with really helpful mapping: thank you. Let's hope the £215m Oxfordshire Growth Deal for homes, roads and railways looks kindly on the upgrading of the Cowley branch for passengers!

Excellent work, as usual!

I drove trains between Paddington and Banbury for 19 years. In all that time I only saw a train crossing Kennington viaduct once.

I've had this saved to watch for over a year, and boy, was it worth the wait! As always, complimented by following your journey via google maps on the 2nd laptop. I'm so appreciative of your hard work, research, great photography, and such a professionally delivered presentation. Many thanks - I'm gonna spoil myself now by re-watching some of your other films 😃

Brilliant job, I wish I could create my videos of the professional standard of yours. Can't fought your gr8 work in putting these videos together.

Superb upload as per usual , i like the new format etc'

Excellent

A fascinating film. Rewley Road Swingbridge has now been beautifully restored by the Oxford Preservation Trust.

No no your fine don't get your coat lol. I'm very glad to say I finally found the time to watch your new video and as usual I'm very impressed with it and your work in general. So i just wanted to say thanks for sharing m8y 😎 All the very best. 🙂🍻👍🏻

Great presentation, and tolerable background music (probably the first time I've ever said that!). I do recall that in the 1950's and 60's there was a derelict crane by the track on the site of the Wolvercot halt. I imagine the lane by the Plough public house, which now stops at the railway line, would have given access to the halt. This line is now extremely busy with Southampton Docks freights thundering through at speed, so I do not think I would recommend crossing the line at this point.

Marvellous.

An excellent and fascinating film. Well produced with interesting narration.

Superb quality and fascinating

Extremely interesting... Thank you my friend...

Yarnton had a nice turntable, once it had closed I hit my head on the handle as my brother turned it!

Fascinating.

Great vid..amazing how nature reclaims

Fascinating - thanks. I lived at Yarnton as a boy. There was a small marshalling yard at the start of the Witney line; the driver of the little tank engine used to allow me on the footplate.

I love all these railway videos I would love a video on the old uckfield railway or spa valley railway

Love your channel!!

Excellent. Considering I lived in Witney between 1958 and 1984 (my parents right up to 2017), I didnt know about all the halts around Oxford. Just about remember the trains at Witney station before the Beeching axe fell.

Really interesting! I'm all for their return !

Excellent and informative video!

Fascinating history and, reflecting on it, sad at the same time. Thanks for uploading. I just hope that the varsity line is actually completed/reinstated to its current full specification and not subject to any cutbacks ( as the Scottish Borders line had been ) due to financial constraints. If this is successfully done, it would go some way to decreasing the sadness of all those earlier closures.

Well done and very informative!

I live in New Hinksey, so this was a fascinating little eye-opener.

I have been to the Buckinghamshire Railway Center, back in 2004. I do like the Victorian architecture. Granted there isn't much left of the period.

love this....and love the commentary too. Will you be doing any more lost rail line vids too?

Very good and most interesting...thanks for sharing.

Agreed - this was a very fine documentary. I often look at the notice about the former railway in Hinksey Park. My own knowledge is minuscule compared to yours, but if I may point out one possible minor emendation: large car ferry trains run down to Southampton East Docks and Purfleet Deep Water Dock on every weekday - the Class 66 locos always run round in Hinksey Yard. So what is described as Morris Cowley M.A.T. is in heavy use.

I remember going to Oxford from Wycombe, change at Risborough onto an old 2 carriage train that nearly tipped off the track!! It was the original Broad gauge line to Oxford from London via Maidenhead and Wycombe!!

The stations may be reduced, but rail is the only way to get to what is one of the worst traffic black spots in the UK. When forced to go there, I park at Didcot Parkway and get the train in.

Great video well made and really interesting

Another great video thanks for sharing.Would like to visit one day

I believe that you may find my memories of Radley from 50+ year ago quite note worthy as they are most specific regarding the closure of the station, a most remarkable story in short. My family are from Lower Radley, just over the bridge, and indeed my father is still there. If you would welcome such details then do feel free to reply. Regards. Mark.

A lovely video, but so sad that so many stations are now lost. As you mentioned, how would it be if the railway had remained open after all? Thank you for sharing this at such a difficult time. Cheers from me in Australia

exellent as usual.

Fascinating insight.

Thank you for another excellent video, it was well worth the wait. I was familiar with a few of the closed stations, Morris Cowley, and Littlemore to name but 2, so I was pleasantly surprised and pleased to learn about the others. I'm now eagerly awaiting the GCR Full Length video and your future productions. Do you have any plans to do features/films on the closed lines from Oxford (towards Witney and via Thame)?

Oxford lost its second line to London (via Cowley) in 1963: near Wheatley was a bow-girder bridge over the A40 that was removed for use on a line somewhere in Wales. Until fairly recently track remained between Princes Risborough and Thame for use by oil trains: there are 'plans' to reinstate the Oxford-Cowley stub of the line for some sort of passenger service.

Idly looking for some edification, I chanced across your 'treatise' on Oxenford's railways. We regularly pass below - on our narrowboat - some of the bridges shown in the video, especially the dreaded swing bridge (which I remembered being in action many years ago) and which obstructs the navigation between the Glorious Thames and the ditch that the Oxford Canal has become in recent years. I digress. I have long wondered where the line below Iffley went and also the disused (new pedestrianised) bridges that pass over the River - now effectively a lock cut to where it joins the other streams at Christchurch meadow. Now I know; thus thanks!

I never knew there was a Witney line. That should be reinstated tomorrow as far as I am concerned.

Love this video I will be sharing it with my rail working mates at Oxford station today ! Did you know upon researching the very useful "Scottish library maps" service online of older maps overlaid to today present day maps , the Oxford to Witney line that went on to Fairfield actually traversed one of RAF Brize Norton's runways today . There is a lot of information online as well of the Abingdon branch line that joined from Radley and that my friend owns a professional standard model railway layout of the Branch line station in its heyday which was frequently used for transportation export of MG cars across the world untill 1970s closure . It would be worth an episode in future ? Thanks

great video of my home city i live near the old station at morris cowley holt

Very enjoyable video.

Once lockdown restrictions are lifted and better safety measures are enacted, would you consider doing a lost Railway stations of Leeds video? I live 20 seconds or so away from the old station building of Armley Canal Road Station, and I’d love to see more in depth info of former stations in the local area.

Very good and very Interesting...

I was interested to hear a reference to proposals to introduce some sort of service between Oxford and (Morris) Cowley. As Oxford's station is a fairly good walk from the city centre I find it difficult to believe that this would be an attractive service.

Thank you.

I would love to see some of these stations restored, perhaps for a metro or light rail? Oxford Station is far too small and the area it is in doesn't provide many opportunities for expansion either, so I do wonder whether a new, larger station should be built to act as a junction (with then regular light rail or metro services taking people to Oxford Station). It could be built near the original stations location in Grandpont, or Hinksey Sidings, or maybe even in Headington near the park and ride?

Nice one ...

Great way to spend just under 17 minuets. Many Thanks

Really interesting.

Wonderful. Eloquent and insightful. Please, please keep the videos AND narration coming. So very well produced. Yes, we will over look the date error this time...but if there's one more...i'm unsubbing!!! ;-)

Rewley Road station closed in 1951, not 1851: I used to pass the run-down building in the '60s when it was being used as a tyre-depot. It looks a lot better today.

excellent video and commentary 👍it's easily done to make a mistake everybody does it not to worry 🤔

I don't know about any other region but Oxford really misses its local trains the roads into town are catastrophically busy during rush hour.

Very, very good. :)

This routing would be good for a new VLT system don't you think ? Well researched documentary...

Not sure all deserved saving, some amalgamation would probably have taken place (I mean, a halt less then a mile from the next?), and too much halts would probably have made more fast trains impossible, but you're right, we should be careful, even when stations are closed, that an eventual reopening isn't made impossible, as situations do change. What was once a rural area with scattered houses can be a busy residential area now, and with proper development planning, these areas can be strengthened by further transit-based development.

When younge I imagined I went to another Oxford station called Oxford Goods. No idea if a dream or whatever. However I went through a similar station called Knowle. Turns out that was real.