Present-Day Telford Steam Railway
The Telford Steam Railway operates a short heritage route between Lawley Village and Spring Village, with plans to extend further. It is also home to a collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock, including both steam and diesel engines. The TSR hosts special events such as Santa Specials, Easter Egg Hunts, and themed days for visitors of all ages.
Preservation and Reopening
In the 1970s, a group of enthusiasts formed the Telford Horsehay Steam Trust, later renamed the Telford Steam Railway, to preserve part of the line and its history. Restoration began at Horsehay & Dawley, a station that once served the local area. The first trains on the restored line ran in the 1980s.
History of the Telford Steam Railway
The railway traces its origins to the Wellington and Severn Junction Railway, which opened in 1857 and later became part of the Great Western Railway (GWR). It was primarily used for industrial freight, serving the ironworks and collieries of the East Shropshire coalfield, as well as for passenger services in the region. The mid-20th century saw a decline in the use of the line, as road transport became dominant and industries in the area declined. Passenger services were withdrawn in 1962, with the line closing entirely in the years following the Beeching cuts.