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On September 1st, 1893 – a small goods train chugged along a single track, steamed through the northern fringe of Rushden, and clattered to a halt in Higham Ferrers. It made first-rate local history as the pioneer train on the branch line from Wellingborough.
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First Passenger Train - 16 coaches
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Poster for the goods service 1893
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From an unidentified newsclip c1954:
LAST week we told the story of the first passenger train to run on the Wellingborough to Higham Ferrers branch line sixty years ago. This rare photograph has come to light. It was lent to us by Mr. Reginald Cave, the small boy seen halfway along the right-hand seat.
In a saloon carriage of the first train are the dignitaries of Higham Ferrers, who were guests of the railway and evidently had a coach to themselves. The nearest figure on the left is Dr. John Crew. It has not been possible to identify all, but the Mayor (Ald. W. Spong) and other members of the Corporation have been recognised.
When the train stopped at Rushden the station approach was packed with high-spirited crowds and people clustered on every point of vantage near the track. The many passengers who joined the train at Rushden included members of the Local Board and other prominent townspeople. They moved off to a great burst of cheering, and on arrival at Wellingboro' an official reception was held.
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Mr. Reginald Cave, of Rushden—the small boy
halfway along the right-hand seat
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| Mr. Henry Pitt was the Rushden stationmaster. He must have had a busy day, for the trains were packed with joy-riding crowds and excitement continued until a late hour. The fare from Rushden to Wellingborough was fourpence, and from Rushden to Higham one penny. Children could ride between Rushden and Higham for a halfpenny, and, hundreds of them snapped up the chance to enjoy their first train ride. [This article came from another person too!] |
The first passenger train, which ran just before Whitsuntide 1894 was booked at Higham Ferrers by Mr. J. C. Gregory, who afterwards became stationmaster at Rushden and subsequently retired to Herne Bay.
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