REGISTER OF CLOSED RAILWAYS

ACD - Wed 01/01/1851 - RPSGB. Services diverted to Central station.

Some confusion surrounds the exact location of the N&CR temporary Forth terminus. 

RPSGB, Cobb and RCHS North Eastern Railway Historical Maps NE15 show the site as that occupied subsequently by the Forth (Banks/Street) goods station.

However, DSW asserts that the terminus was sited adjacent to what became Central station. The Geograph webpage for Forth station also asserts this was the site of the N&CR station. The Railway Architecture of North East England website page for Forth Street Goods Station states "In 1847 the N&C extended their line by a viaduct climbing along the north side of the site and across Forth Banks to a temporary station, from which their trains were ultimately diverted into Central Station on 1 January 1851." This would support the location adjacent to the site of Central station, though it fails to be specific. 

What appears to be the definitive account features in A History of the Newcastle & Carlisle Railway, Bill Fawcett, NERA 2008 Ch8. Briefly, the N&CR built a connection eastwards from their temporary terminus in Railway St. (aka Shot Towers), comprising a 44-arch viaduct and bridge over Forth Banks, towards the site of the planned Central station. Opened on 01/03/1847, another temporary terminus was established at the extreme west end of the site until Central station was finally completed in December 1850.  

Fawcett highlights the 'Collard's 1841 map' which clearly shows a passenger terminus south of the infirmary on what would later become the site of the extensive Forth Goods station. The map was published in anticipation of the station's construction, but this never happened as it was supeceded by plans to construct a central station on the site east of Forth Banks. Perhaps this is where the confusion has arisen.

Both Cobb and RCHS NE15 show the section of line from the original N&CR route up to Central as opening in 01/01/1851, perhaps an assumption based on the complete opening of Central station.    

The upshot of all this, ironically, is that this section of line should not feature here as it is not strictly speaking a separate line of route. It is fascinating, though, and, as I am reluctant to bin so much work, it's staying put!

Page updated: 25/12/2023