Essex drivers using one of the busiest routes in the region may be oblivious to the rich history that once thrived there. Essex’s past is deeply intertwined with its railway stations, many of which are now abandoned.
While several train stations in the county continue to serve commuters today, a significant number have been left to decay. These deserted stations hold stories ranging from everyday commuter use to playing pivotal roles during the Second World War.
One such station, Dunmow, has completely vanished from the landscape and now only exists in historical records. The station was once a bustling hub serving the Great Dunmow area in Essex.
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The idea for Dunmow railway station was conceived by a group of Hertfordshire businessmen who were keen to facilitate easy transport for malt and barley from West Essex towns and villages. The station, along with the line it sat on, was inaugurated for passenger use on February 22, 1869, and on the same day, the BSDandBR company was incorporated into the Great Eastern Railway.
Over the years, additional stations were introduced, including Easton Lodge in 1894, Hockrill Halt in 1910, and Stane Street and Banister Green Halts in 1922. Despite its service to passengers, the station struggled to turn a profit.
During the Second World War, the line was utilised to transport thousands of tons of rubble for the construction of Saling airfield, located 5 miles from Braintree. Once operational, bombs were transported to the same location under the cover of darkness.
The station’s use after the war remains a part of its intriguing history. The United States Air Force bases at Stansted and Easton Lodge were regularly supplied with armaments and stores via Bishop’s Stortford and Takeley station during the war. Post-war, in June 1944, the line was utilised by ambulance trains to transport wounded soldiers back home.
However, the end of the war saw a surge in car and bus transport, leading to dwindling passenger numbers on the service. This resulted in the termination of regular services on March 3, 1952. Although the station wasn’t officially closed to passengers until after August 1961, it ceased goods operations on April 1, 1969.
What stands there today?
Sadly, no remnants of the station exist today. It shut its doors to passengers in 1961 and was subsequently demolished to pave the way for Flitch Way, a popular walking and cycling path stretching from Braintree to Bishops Stortford.
Part of the former site has been repurposed to form the B1256 Dunmow Bypass, leaving no trace of the old railway.
Despite the absence of any historical railway line to view, locals and visitors are still encouraged to explore the picturesque town. The most famous route is the Flitch Way, which traces the old Braintree to Bishops Stortford line, with part of the path even following the old embankment.
