The Cotswold Line Chronicle
A detailed exploration of Moreton-in-Marsh railway station, a historic hub on the Cotswold Line, covering its operational significance, historical development, and cultural footprint.
Station Overview ๐ Explore History ๐ฐ๏ธDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Station Overview
Location & Coordinates
Moreton-in-Marsh railway station serves the town of Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire, England. It is situated on the Cotswold Line, positioned between Kingham and Honeybourne stations.
Coordinates: 51.992ยฐN 1.700ยฐW
Grid Reference: SP207326
Management & Infrastructure
The station is managed by Great Western Railway, which also operates all passenger services. It features two side platforms, facilitating train movements along the double-track line.
Platforms: 2
Station Code: MIM
Classification: DfT category E
Operational Context
As a key station on the Cotswold Line, Moreton-in-Marsh connects passengers to major destinations such as London Paddington and Worcester Foregate Street. Its classification as a Category E station indicates its operational significance within the national rail network.
Historical Journey
Origins and Early Development
The station was inaugurated on 4 June 1853 by the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway (OWW). It marked a significant point on the OWW's main line, connecting Evesham with Wolvercote Junction, north of Oxford. Historically, it also served as the southern terminus for the Stratford-upon-Avon to Moreton tramway.
Track Configuration Changes
In the early 1970s, a substantial portion of the line between Moreton-in-Marsh and Norton Junction, Worcester, was converted from double to single track, with the station functioning as a passing place. This configuration was reversed with the completion of line reduplication in 2011, restoring Moreton-in-Marsh to its status as a station on a standard double track.
Passenger Statistics & Company Changes
Between 2000 and 2010, the station was notably the operational base for Cotswold Rail, a locomotive spot-hire company. Passenger numbers have fluctuated, with recent figures showing:
Operational Services
Passenger Services
Great Western Railway operates all passenger services at Moreton-in-Marsh. The typical off-peak service frequency includes:
- One train per hour (tph) to London Paddington.
- One train per hour (tph) to Worcester Foregate Street, with some services extending to Great Malvern and Hereford.
Travel Times
In August 2019, the direct train service from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh was estimated to take under two hours. Travel from Birmingham to the station typically averaged around 2.75 hours.
Bilingual Signage
Cultural Integration
Moreton-in-Marsh station features bilingual signage, displaying information in both English and Japanese. This initiative was implemented to assist the growing number of Japanese tourists who visit the Cotswolds region.
Origin and Funding
The idea originated from station manager Teresa Ceesay, who observed the popularity of the town among Japanese visitors and the frequent inquiries at the ticket office. The cost of approximately ยฃ350 for the signage was covered by the train operator, First Great Western.
In Popular Culture
Television Appearances
The station has been recognized for its appearance in media. Specifically, it was featured in filming for the BBC Two situation comedy, Butterflies, highlighting its picturesque setting and accessibility.
Connected Routes
Major Rail Lines
Moreton-in-Marsh is a key junction on several significant rail routes:
- Cotswold Line: Connecting Hereford to London Paddington.
- Cross Country Route: Linking Birmingham to Bristol and Cardiff.
- Golden Valley Line: Providing a connection from Cheltenham to London.
Heritage Connections
The station's location in Gloucestershire places it within a region rich with railway heritage. It is proximate to several heritage railways, including:
- Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
- Dean Forest Railway
- Avon Valley Railway
These lines offer a glimpse into the area's industrial and transport history.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "Moreton-in-marsh Railway Station" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/london-paddington-to-moreton-in-marsh, Moreton-in-Marsh to London
- https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/birmingham-to-moreton-in-marsh, Birmingham to Moreton-in-Marsh
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current information or all nuances of the subject matter.
This is not travel advice. Information regarding train times, services, or operational status should always be verified with official sources such as National Rail or the relevant train operating company. The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.