Buntingford branch line (original) (raw)

The Buntingford branch line in Hertfordshire, England, connected Buntingford to the railway network at St Margarets. It was promoted locally and opened in 1863 after overspending its available capital. The line was completed with the assistance of the neighbouring Great Eastern Railway. Residential travel and goods services became significant at the end of the 19th century. The area served by the line was predominantly agricultural, and after 1948 usage did not keep pace with rising costs. When the Hertford East branch was electrified, Buntingford branch trains were reduced in frequency with through trains to London withdrawn. The line was recommended for closure in the Beeching Report, and the passenger service was withdrawn in 1964; goods services closed in 1965.