On the 26th June 2025 as part of their tour of summer visits, members of the Bromyard & District Local History Society were given a guided tour of Rowden Mill Station by Paul and Cecilia.
This coincides with the ‘railway 200’ celebrations since 2025 it is the 200th anniversary of modern train travel.
Brief History notes for Rowden Mill Station
Opened 1st September 1897
Opened as part of the final section of the Worcester, Bromyard and Leominster Railway, the railway was bought out of bankruptcy by the Great Western Railway in 1888, which completed the line in 1897
Closed 15th September, 1952
After the Second World War, and with the greater use of the motorbus and private cars, traffic on the line fell considerably. Unstaffed as a station from September 1949, the line closed to regular passenger services on 15 September 1952.
On 26 April 1958, a special train organised by the Stephenson Locomotive Society ran from Worcester Shrub Hill to Leominster, via Bromyard, calling at Rowden Mill, Fencote and Steens Bridge. The 50 society members rode on the last train that would run on the complete track before it was removed. The Worcester to Bromyard section was subsequently closed under the Beeching Axe in 1964.
Purchased in dilapidated state on 28th September 1984 by John, Sue & James Wilkinson
Restored in 1985 (The 150th Anniversary year of the Great Western Railway)
The Rowden Mill site was purchased privately in 1984 and was restored. Two sections of track were also reinstalled. Rolling stock of various types including coaches, brake vans and goods vans have been located on the line at various times in the recent past.
In March 1989 received the ‘Ian Allan Railway Heritage Award for the ‘Best Renovated Non-Working Station’. It was presented at Stationers Hall in London (21-03-89) by Lord Montague.
Purchased by Paul Kirwan and Cecilia Chavez-Brandon on the 9th of June, 2017.
Cecilia and Paul have continued the work started by the Wilkinsons. Along with the restoration of the cattle dock on the green platform, currently in preservation at Rowden Mill Station are: a 1962 Inspection Saloon Coach (DB999508), 1947 Brakevan (GWR35251), a 1961 BR VanWide (B782879), 1937 GWR ventilated Goods Van (‘Mink) and a 1950s BR Shocvan (B853318)In December 2023, Rowden Mill Station received a National Railway Heritage Award for ‘ Restoration on a Closed Line’ (category sponsored by National Highways). It was presented at Merchant Taylors Hall in London by Bill Reeve, Director of Transport Scotland.
With the blue plaque commemorating this award unveiled at Rowden Mill station on 2nd September 2024. With over 200 visitors, it was also an Open Day; successfully raising funds in aid of the renovations of Bredenbury Village Hall.
On the 26th February 2025, at the inaugural Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards 2024, Rowden Mill Station was awarded a ‘Judge’s Commendation’ for ‘Restoration of the Year’
References:
https://htt.herefordshire.gov.uk/her-search/monuments-search/search/Monument?ID=30874
Rowden Mill station
SMR Number
: 30874
Grid Reference
: SO 6270 5653
Parish
: WACTON, HEREFORDSHIRE
OS; map 1964 (2). OS map 1st Edition 13 SE shows no railway. (1) Photo. Station restored over a period up to 1984. Received BR’s Heritage Award in 1989 (3, p128). Owner provides holiday accommodation in former LMS Inspection saloon (4, p179). Line continues maps OS map 1964 65 SW, 65 NE (2), OS map 1st Edition 21 NW, 21 SW shows no railway. (1)
Monument Type(s)
RAILWAY STATION (Post Medieval – 1540 AD to 1900 AD)