REGISTER OF CLOSED RAILWAYS

RCH RJD 84 1903

ACD? Wednesday.

Attempts to identify and confirm an ACD for this section of line are proving surprisingly difficult. Many sources make vague references to 1916, the same year that the Smithfield (aka Barbican) curve closed - see Smithfield Jct. (Met) - Holborn Viaduct (Low Level) (excl.).

That regular services ceased from Wed 01/07/1908 doesn't appear to be in doubt (or does it? See below). RM Aug 1961 p533 'The "Chatham" Connection to Moorgate' states:- 'The through Great Northern service was discontinued as from October 1, 1907. Midland Railway trains......were withdrawn as from July 1, 1908, and thereafter there were no direct local passenger trains between Ludgate Hill and Farringdon Street.' 

RHRGB Vol.3 Greater London p92 confirms these dates.

However, delving further back into the mists of time, RM Sep 1908 p251/2 "The Decline of North-South Traffic through London" confirms the above withdrawal dates but goes on to state:- 'This line.....is not quite closed for passenger traffic, for once daily on week days the Great Northern Railway works through coaches over it, from King's Cross to the London and South Western Railway at Clapham Junction and vice versa, whilst a South-Eastern and Chatham Railway engine hauls the through carriages over the same section, en route to, as well as from, Hendon for the Midland Railway once daily. Otherwise, save for occasional 'specials', this important connecting link.....is closed for passenger traffic.'

As luck would have it I have a copy of Bradshaw's 900 from Mon 07/07/1908. I have, so far, been unable to identify any of the services referred to in the 1908 RM article. However, by strange almost 'Fortean' coincidence on page 280 'Metropolitan Extension - South Eastern and Chatham' table there is a hand-written footnote in pencil 'VIC - KEN TOWN SERVICE (THRU TRAINS) IN JULY - SEPT 1908 WAS or WDS (indecipherable - weekdays?) VICTORIA d. 7-52 HOURLY TO 2-50/5-30/615/72/732/1103 (sic) K. TOWN 9-20 HOURLY TO 1-25/3-17/4-21/5-21/7-7/816/833 (sic).'

Some of these correspond with trains shown in the table running between Victoria and Snow Hill, others don't. There is no indication in the printed text of any services beyond Snow Hill towards Farringdon Street. This footnote obviously contradicts previous statements. It is unofficial and may well be incorrect. There is no indication as to when it was written.

Interesting, if frustrating. I may be missing something here. Any further information and, hopefully, clarification rather than more obfuscation most welcome!  

Reopened May 1988, becoming part of Thameslink.

Page updated: 18/09/2022