Cusop History Group
Hay-on-Wye Railway Station, Cusop
The initial proposal to build an independent railway station in Hay in 1877 to connect the Golden Valley Railway was superseded by a more ambitious proposal in the Hay Extension Act of 1884 to complete a link to the Midland Railway Company’s existing station at Hay on Wye instead, thus providing a through route at the northern end of the Golden Valley to a wide range of destinations in the Midlands and North of England. This was the line that was eventually built, involving a longer, more difficult and substantially more expensive route from Dorstone to a junction with the Midland Railway line north of Hay. For more information click on this link to see Bob Steele's research Cae-Mawr-The-Station-that-Never-Was-The-Hay-terminus-of-the-Golden-Valley-Railway/1876-1884
The Hereford To Hay-on-Wye Train Crossing Whitney-on-Wye Rail Bridge October 1962, 2 Months before the line was closed
Hay-on-Wye Railway Station in Cusop, 24th August 1962,4 Months before the line was closed.
Transcription of original letter donated to Cusop History Group by Mary Ridger
To the Committee of the Hay Railway Company
Hay Railway Lodge
9th March 1833
Gentlemen
I beg leave to inform you that the Hay Railway is in as good a state of repair as the Season of the Year will allow – The Fences, Culverts and Embankments are in good order – The Tunnel stands as usual, as does also the Sheep-house Bridge.
The flood in the River Wye (in December last) washed down part of the Railway near Pontvane, & I think it will be adviseable when the water will allow to erect a dry wall at the Place to prevent as much as possible future Damage.
The House let to Mr and Mrs Jas Price at the Hay Wharf requires repairing.
The Trade on the Road continues Steady and the Quantity of coal now taken along the Railway has considerably increased since the reduction of Tonnage in April last.
I have the hnor to remain
Gentleman
Your obedient humble Sern
S B Jones.
Added 23 August 2016 by MGR.
Hay Railway Lodge is probably the former Cock Inn rented by the Hay Railway as its offices with siding and wharf behind. The building is now occupied by Jones's store.[1]
"Reduction of Tonnage in April last" refers to a reduction in tolls for coal carried along the Railway introduced in April 1832.[2]
Stephen Bowen Jones was 'Superintendent of the Line' from 1831 until he resigned sometime before 1850. Bowen was from Swansea and was required to provide a bond of £1000. His salary was £112 per annum with living accommodation provided at Llanhamlach.[3]
[1] Rattenbury and Cook The Hay and Kington Railway (Rattenbury) p. 40
[2] Rattenbury did not have sight of this letter. (Rattenbury) p. 56
[3] (Rattenbury) pp. 56 & 127