The 1st scheduled train chugged its way from Cowes to Newport on this day some 161 years ago.
On 14th June 1862, a Precursor locomotive – hauling 3 laurel and bunting bedecked carriages – made the 1st ever scheduled railway journey on the Isle of Wight. The journey took a quarter of an hour.
Initially, the cheapest fare from Cowes to the County Town cost a mere 4d (around 2p in today’s money). After taking inflation into account, the cost of the fare would now be £1.56.
Cowes railway station – located at Carvel Lane – was set in the poorest part of town, surrounded by piggeries and slaughterhouses.
On the journey to Newport, the train passenger would see Cowes gas works, 2 brickyards and a cement works. However, the greens and shrubberies of the of the Medina would then come into view and – after passing over a wooden viaduct – those journeying on the train would catch a glimpse of the elegant tower and spire of St Thomas’ Church, the keep of Carisbrooke castle and the downs beyond Newport.
Other places of interest along the route included Parkhurst Barracks (now HMP Isle of Wight) and the Workhouse (now part of St Mary’s Hospital).
The journey ended at Newport station (now approximately Lidl’s roundabout).
The railway sadly closed in 1966 -104 years after 1st opening. Cowes railway station is now a Marks and Spencer supermarket. Anyone wishing to trace the line of the former railway may follow the cycle track from Cowes to Newport.
Further information about the railway stations of Cowes may be found in the following article.
Ah yes – I remember the day well. The noise of pigs being slaughtered at Cowes as we waited for the train to leave. I couldn’t afford the return fare so I had to walk back to Cowes alongside the track.
There is an excellent depiction of the whole Island Railway Network, based in the early fifties, available free to download for the PC Simulator “Train Simulator Classic”.
Should never have been closed.
If only the Island kept its Railways like the Isle of Man.
Re-opening the line to Vent or would be great and a line into Newport would be ideal.