The St Ives Branch Line: A History

By Richard C Long (hardback, Pen & Sword Transport, 182pp, £30, ISBN 978-1-39900-20-4)

ST IVES has long been praised for its sea views and stunning beaches, and is a desirable target for second home buyers who can quickly reach the resort by train from London. However, in Victorian times, writers criticised the town for its perceived dilapidation, lack of cleanliness, and all-pervading stench of fish. Nonetheless, the tourist still came, thanks to GWR opening Britain’s last broad gauge line in 1877.

Today’s visitors and part-time residents who arrive by train have Labour Minister of Transport Barbara Castle to thank, who, on September 20, 1966, decided to keep open both the St Ives and Looe branches that had been recommended for closure by Dr Beeching.

The narrative follows the story of the line from the first plans of the 1840s to its contraction three decades later and survival against odds that succeeded in the case of other Cornish branches. Figures from the 21st century show that passenger numbers have more than doubled between 2001 and 2019, boosted by initiatives such as the opening on a park-and-ride facility at St Erth.

Here is a thoroughly researched, superbly illustrated, fact-packed and eminently readable history of this wonderfully scenic four-mile branch line, featuring more than 100 fascinating images, many never published before, and a wealth of inspirational stories. The foreword is written by TV railway historian Tim Dunn.

A MUST-HAVE FOR LOVERS OF CORNWALL AND ITS RAILWAYS