The above image-By Frances Lyon – 1922 Postcard.
The Railway Through Audley End by Martin Rose
In its February 2025 magazine the BALH reviewed Martin’s book, and Dr. Sean O’Dell gives an excellent synopsis of the content as follows:
” In this account of how and why the railway came to Audley End, just outside Saffron Walden, in the manner that it did as part of the Eastern Counties Railway, the author brings into sharp focus at a local level a clear example of the wider situation that was taking place in Britain at that time. In this case Richard Griffin, third Lord Braybrooke, was the aristocrat and landowner over whose estates at Audley End the railway would run and with whom all negotiations would, therefore, have to be made. By 1845 the line had been constructed and a station at Audley End was open.
The author discusses the proposals for railway constructions and routes in detail, and the various negotiations and means that were employed by all sides to advance their interests and agendas. In this narrative a balanced and objective view is given; the author reminds us not to interpret Braybrooke’s motives too harshly, illustrating this by describing two groups of speculators ‘talking loudly of public interest but promising their shareholders vast dividends’ and ‘proposing to lay a large, noisy smelly piece of industrial machinery’ close to or through Walden, or through Braybrooke’s park, laid out by Capability Brown in the 18th century.
Ultimately the railway was constructed, but in a way that suited Braybrooke as closely possible and in a manner that ensured he made a considerable profit.
This is a well-researched account, written in an accessible and engaging manner; it is comprehensively referenced with endnotes and contains helpful monochrome illustrations. It will provide a useful resource for local and regional historians and will appeal to a wider readership, particularly those interested in the development of Britain’s railway network and its social, economic and political context”.
To read the review and details of Dr.O’Dell go to the BALH website and click on “Book Reviews”
See this website for SWHS Publications giving full details of Martin’s book which is available at the Tourist Information Office & Harts Bookshop
Anyone wishing to investigate Audley End & its history, The Gibson Library has a comprehensive list of publications.