The Forest of Dean Branch, Volume 1
Situated in the triangular-shaped area ' uplands in the junction of the Rivers Severn and Wye, the Forest of Dean has always been something of a mystery to most who live outside its bounds. Bypassed by the major lines of communication from an early age, its relative geographical isolation led to the development of a distinctive and somewhat closed 'Forest' community, not easily penetrated by outsiders.
However, the desire to exploit the rich mineral resources of the area led to the later development of a railway network as distinctive in character as the area and community it served, both facilitating the export of Forest products and improved access from outside.
Although self-contained, the two volumes of The Forest of Dean Branch have been prepared to complement The Severn & Wye Railway series. They are intended to cover not only the railway itself, but to place it in its proper context against the transition of the area from a medieval royal hunting ground, supplying timber for the great naval fleets in the days of sail, through to a centre of industrial activity based on the local coal and iron ore deposits.
Volume 1 takes the reader from Newnham, the junction station for passenger services, through Bullo where the FoD branch connected with the South Wales main line, to Bilson and Cinderford.
The second volume covers the lines north of Bilson - the Churchway and Whimsey branches.
Hardback with dust jacket, 234 pages, numerous black & white illustrations along with maps & drawings.
Condition: Very Good
ISBN: 9781874103059
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Updated: 7 April 2025