Rushden Research Group: proposed Railway

Proposed Railway

Rushden Argus, 06 Dec 1889, transcribed by Kay Collins

Notes of the Week
From the plans of the new Branch of the Midland Railway, now on view at Mr. Packwood's it appears that the new line will branch off from the main line in Irchester parish near the Viaduct and will run along the fields owned by Mr Arkwright on the north side of the road leading to Wellingborough. It will pass under the Ditchford-road, and be continued along the field, by the back of Mr. Sanders' lodge on the Higham-road. This road will be crossed a little to the east of the Stackyard by a bridge with a 25 feet span, and 15 feet high. Striking across the fields at this point, it will cut across the road to Higham some little distance below the "Oakley" by another bridge of the same dimensions, and several houses and other buildings near the place will have to be removed. From this point it will cut across Rushden brook, where a viaduct of high embankment will be necessary. Passing over Rushden High-street by another bridge the line will pass into Mr. Mason's field, and near his residence, where it is proposed to have the station. Leaving here it will turn in the direction of Higham, crossing the road near the Waypost, and running to near the Manor House, where it will branch off in the direction of Stanwick and Raunds.

Rushden Argus - Friday October 9th 1891

Midland Railway - Mr Ainsworth, an engineer of the Midland Railway Company, attended the Local Board Meeting, with plans of the new railway station, which showed it as situate in the field adjoining Mr. Mason's farmhouse. The station itself would be on the site of the footpath from the backway, (now Rectory Road), to North Street, while it would be approached by a 25ft. road at an interval of 12ft. beyond the line of the old houses. The plans, with the suggestion that a footpath should also be constructed (which was acceded to) were approved.

Rushden Argus - Friday August 12th 1892

The New Line - The Engineers* report for the half-year says that the Irchester & Higham Ferrers branch is more than half - done, and will be completed early next year. The expenditure for the half-year ending June has been for land, £2000; for construction of line £10,156 2s 10d; and for law and Parliamentary charges £151 11s; making a total of expenditure in the six months ending June 30th 1892; of £13,047 3s 4d. *(Mr. Ainsworth an engineer of the London Midland Railway Company).

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