150 Years of Crewe - Shrewsbury Line

It's 160 years anniversary of Shrewsbury Station and 150 years anniversary of the Crewe to Shrewsbury line this year; a fortuitous train cancellation gave an hour on Shrewsbury station, where a temporary exhibition was found, celebrating these anniversaries in the tunnels beneath the station. Courtesy of Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust who were happy for me to take photos of the displays. Clicking the images will enlarge them.

Of particular relevance for Crewe were displays relating to the Shrewsbury Rail Disaster of 15th October 1907, which killed eighteen people - two from Crewe: Frederick Owen Fletcher, a fireman, and Samuel Martin, a driver. The train was formed at Crewe, and consisted of fifteen vehicles - eight of which were LNWR, including a Travelling Post Office (TPO). It derailed on a steep curve approaching Shrewsbury Station travelling at 60 mph instead of 10mph.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk