Introduction

Mark Yonge had, for many years, wanted to write a book about railway projects that were started but never completed. The physical evidence of these works throughout England although rapidly vanishing, can still be seen in places to this day.

Examples of Railway Remnants

The reader can view several examples which include viaducts, earthworks, bridges, partially completed tunnels, an abandoned tunnel boring machine and the beginnings of a major London airport.

Stories Behind the Remnants

Behind all these tales are stories of intrigue, manipulation, interference by the armed forces and sometimes great sadness brought about by personal ambition and ruin.

Protection and Preservation

These remaining assets are in the main, not protected by legislation and are thus at risk of demolition at any time. It is to be hoped that this record of their existence in the 2020s may go a little way towards recording some of our more interesting and neglected features of railway history for the benefit of future generations.