15 July 1868 Opened | Grid reference TL022371 4 May 1959 Closed Platforms in use 2 | |
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Post-grouping London Midland and Scottish RailwayLondon Midland Region of British Railways | ||
Ampthill railway station
This article is about the former Midland Railway station in Bedfordshire. For the similarly named Ampthill (Marston) station see the article on Millbrook (Bedfordshire) railway station
Contents
Ampthill railway station was built over a mile from the town of Ampthill in the English county of Bedfordshire by the Midland Railway in 1868 on its extension to St. Pancras.
History
Opened by the Midland Railway, it became part of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway during the Grouping of 1923. After passing on to the London Midland Region of British Railways upon nationalisation in 1948, it was then closed by the British Transport Commission.
At the time it was built there were no coaching connections by road, so for a number of years the station was particularly beneficial in providing an outlet for the trade in straw hats, Ampthill's speciality being the "Narrow Improved" version. The station closed in 1959 and the inhabitants were advised to use the "excellent alternative bus service."
About half a mile north of the station is Ampthill Tunnel, increased to two bores when the line was upgraded to four tracks in 1891.
Present and future
Trains on the Midland Main Line, electrified through the former station, still pass the site.
The Bedfordshire Railway & Transport Association is campaigning for the reopening of a station at Ampthill.