History of the Whitwell & Reepham Railway

The Lynn & Fakenham Railway was originally granted permission by an Act of Parliament on 12th August 1880 to build the Whitwell Station. The Lynn & Fakenham Railway then developed into the Eastern & Midlands Railway on 1st January 1883. The Eastern & Midlands Railway then became the Midland & Great Northern Railway on 1st July 1893. This station formed part of the Norwich City to Melton Constable leg of the M&GN which ran for a total of 21.5 miles.

This Station first opened on 1st July 1882. It was part of the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway's (M&GN) branch from the main line at Melton Constable to Norwich City. Whilst the route was fairly well-used, it struggled under the competition from the larger Great Eastern Railway and its more direct lines. The name of this station was changed from Whitwell to Whitwell & Reepham in an attempt to compete.

The M&GN suffered in the post-war period which saw much freight transfer to road and greater car ownership. In the face of spiralling losses, British Rail closed the majority of the line to passengers on 2nd March 1959, leaving Whitwell open for freight until 1st May 1964.

The track through the station remained down until 1985, and following its lifting, the trackbed was reused as part of the Marriott's Way from 1993.

We re-opened the Whitwell & Reepham Station on the 28th February 2009, nearly 50 years after it was closed to passengers. Our continuing aims are to restore the Station to its former glory circa 1930s/40s, relaying track and sidings, acquiring rolling stock, and adding more items to our museum.

If you have any item which you wish to donate to our Society, then please call or email us.