Author Roy Davies is giving a talk at Morecambe Library on local branch lines, as covered in his recent book, Branch Lines around Preston and Lancaster, plus a mention of the lines to Morecambe. The presentation will include many photographs from today and bygone eras.
Roy is the author of several books on local railways, all published by Middleton Press, including Settle to Carlisle, Wennington to Morecambe and Heysham and more.
Branch Lines around Preston and Lancaster was published last year, The Railway Observer calling the book “An excellent in-depth dealing with the historical development of the area.”
The branch lines from Fishergate Hill station in Preston to the former Lancaster power station are now mostly lost, with only traces remaining. Once part of a busy rail network, these lines were closed and lifted long ago. Today, remnants can still be found in places like the former Preston Dock railway, which is home to the preserved by the Ribble Steam Railway and Museum. The disused Miley Tunnel near Maudland Bridge is one of the last signs of the Longridge branch, while faint earthworks mark parts of the Knott End line.
The Glasson Dock branch has been transformed into a public walking and cycling route, forming part of the Lancashire Coastal Way and Bay Cycleway. A surviving bridge over Water Street in Lancaster, once the link between Castle and Green Ayre stations and later part of the power station branch, stands as a lasting reminder of the area’s rail heritage. But although the trains are gone, the landscape still holds echoes of its railway past…
Entrance is free, but numbers are limited; tickets for the event can be obtained via this link.
• Author Roy Davies 3.00pm Friday 9th May 2025, Morecambe Library | Book your free ticket here
