Ashby & Nuneaton Joint Railway

Documents how the railways that linked these two important Warwickshire towns were faithfully served by steam locomotion for many years. Built to serve the Leicestershire coalfield, the railway opened in 1873 following four years of construction. It was originally jointly owned by the London & North Western Railway and the Midland Railway, before passing into the control of the London, Midland & Scottish Railway. Following nationalisation, British Railways closed the line in 1971.

These vibrant images reveal the stations, sheds and locomotives of diverse design that contributed to this fascinating railway. With authoritative captions, a sweeping yet detailed picture is painted of a remarkable system in its prime before its inevitable decline.