Berkswell: A Quiet Stop with a Royal Past on the West Coast Main Line

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes near Coventry, West Midlands, lies Berkswell Railway Station. At first glance, it might appear to be a modest two-platform stop on the mighty West Coast Main Line. However, delve a little deeper, and you uncover a fascinating history, surprising connections, and a quiet significance that belies its humble appearance.

The images capture Berkswell on a somewhat overcast day, showcasing its functional, yet well-maintained, platforms. The presence of overhead lines is a clear indicator of its electrified status, and indeed, you can see modern trains like the Avanti West Coast Pendolino arriving and departing, a testament to its role on this crucial artery of the British rail network.

A Station with Evolving Identities

The story of Berkswell station begins in 1839 with the completion of the London and Birmingham Railway. Initially, the line passed by without a stop in this precise location. It wasn't until 1844 that the first station opened, known then as Dockers Lane. The name game began in January 1853, when it was rechristened Berkswell. Interestingly, in February 1928, it became "Berkswell and Balsall Common," acknowledging its closer proximity to the latter village. However, around 1959, as electrification works commenced on the line, the name reverted simply to Berkswell, a designation it has retained ever since. The electrification itself was a significant undertaking, finally completed in 1974, dramatically modernizing the line and the station's operational capabilities. The remodelling during this period likely shaped much of the station's current layout, as seen in the clear, uncluttered platforms and modern fencing.

Echoes of a Bygone Junction and Royal Connections

One of the most intriguing aspects of Berkswell's past is its role as a junction. Just south of the station, a line once branched off towards Kenilworth. This connection, operational from March 2, 1884, until March 3, 1969, is no longer in use, but the siding track where trains once ran is still visible. Today, this old line is being transformed into a greenway, offering a new lease of life to a piece of railway heritage.

Even more captivating are the stories associated with this very siding. It is known to occasionally house the Royal Train, and members of "the Firm" (the Royal Family) have reportedly spent nights onboard while parked here. Furthermore, history whispers that even Sir Winston Churchill himself is said to have overnighted in this quiet siding. These anecdotes lend a remarkable, almost secretive, air to Berkswell, hinting at its strategic utility beyond regular passenger services.

Modern Functionality and Passenger Flow

Looking at the station today, as depicted in the photos, it boasts two platforms, clearly marked, serving trains heading north towards Birmingham New Street and south to London Euston. The tracks are well-maintained, and the overhead electrification lines crisscross above, a constant reminder of the high-speed traffic that uses this route.

A notable upgrade to the station's infrastructure occurred in 2004 with the removal of a level crossing to the south of the platforms. This was a crucial development, replaced by a bridge, enabling the line to accommodate more high-speed trains safely and efficiently.

While Berkswell station offers minimal facilities, these are functional and meet the needs of its commuters. You can spot waiting shelters on both platforms and ticket machines, ensuring ease of access for passengers. There are no public toilets, but a car park is available for those arriving by road. The station is typically manned during selected hours, providing a human presence for assistance.

In terms of service, Berkswell enjoys a respectable two trains per hour in each direction, connecting it to two major urban centres. Before the global disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic, Berkswell saw significant passenger traffic, with 334,000 users recorded in the 2019/20 period. The pandemic, of course, had a dramatic impact, causing passenger numbers to plummet to just 52,916 in the first year of the virus. As travel patterns continue to normalize, it's expected that Berkswell will once again see its numbers rise, reaffirming its importance to the local communities of Berkswell and Balsall Common.

In conclusion, Berkswell Railway Station is more than just a stopping point on the map. It's a place where history intertwines with modern functionality, a quiet witness to the evolution of rail travel, and a surprising link to some of Britain's most prominent figures. Next time you're passing through, spare a thought for the stories held within its tracks and platforms.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The siding that occasionally houses the Royal Train can be seen to the
right of the mainline. This used to be the junction of the
Kenilworth Line.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Fleeting Glimpse of Tile Hill: A Station's Enduring Story

Sometimes, a single photograph, captured in a hurried moment, can tell a surprisingly rich tale. Such is the case with my solitary image of Tile Hill Railway Station, snapped quickly on January 18, 2017, as my train to Berkswell was just pulling in. Living some 100 miles away, it's unlikely I'll ever return to this spot, making this one picture the sum total of my visual record of the station. Yet, even this fleeting glimpse, combined with the station's history, paints a vivid picture of its evolution and importance.

Tile Hill serves the suburbs of Coventry in the West Midlands, strategically located on the vital main line railway connecting London Euston and Birmingham New Street. Its origins trace back to 1850 when it first opened its doors as Allesley Lane. A couple of name changes followed, to Allesley Gate in 1857, before finally settling on Tile Hill on April 1, 1864 – a fitting name for a station deeply embedded in the local community.

Originally, the station featured staggered platforms on either side of the Cromwell Lane level crossing. This layout remained largely unchanged for over a century until the transformative 1960s. The electrification of the main line necessitated a complete rebuild of the station into its current, more modern form. Further significant changes arrived in 2004 when the old level crossing was replaced by a bridge, and a new platform connecting bridge was constructed, enhancing accessibility and safety for passengers.

My photograph, taken with a Nikon D3300 SLR, captures this modern iteration of the station, showcasing the broad, open platforms and the overhead footbridge connecting them. The digital display board, though slightly obscured, gives a sense of the constant rhythm of arrivals and departures.

Tile Hill has historically been a bustling hub. With a ticket office open seven days a week at various times, it typically saw an impressive average of approximately 700,000 passengers per year. However, recent times have presented significant challenges. A combination of car park developments and the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic drop in numbers, plummeting to just 107,000 during the 2020-21 period. This represents an average reduction of around 11,000 passengers per week, a stark reminder of the widespread effects of global events on local infrastructure.

Despite this recent downturn, Tile Hill remains a crucial link in the railway network, offering two trains per hour in both the Birmingham and London directions. My quick snapshot may be the only visual souvenir I have of this station, but it serves as a portal to its rich past and its enduring role in connecting communities. It's a testament to how even a hurried moment can encapsulate a significant story, prompting reflection on the constant evolution of our transport systems and the ever-changing lives they serve.

Clicking the image will open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

The picture remains the copyright of Colin Green.

A Glimpse into the Past: A Postcard from Leamington

There's something truly special about old postcards, each one a tiny window into a moment in time. Among my collection, one particular card stands out, offering a charming glimpse into early 20th-century life and a minor historical puzzle.

Sent to "23 Bramble Street, Coventry," the postcard is dated either September 6, 1901, or 1907. The printed "1" in the year looks quite convincing for 1901, but a quick dive into the history of the featured landmark throws a delightful wrench into that assumption!

---

The Mystery of the Mill Suspension Bridge

The star of this postcard is undoubtedly the Mill Suspension Bridge in Leamington Spa. This beautiful bridge, which still stands today, officially opened to the public in 1903. This immediately tells us that the postcard couldn't have been sent in 1901, making 1907 the more likely date!

The bridge is a Grade II listed structure, as is the weir beneath it. Its name comes from the site of the town's water mill, a vital source of water for Leamington, which was demolished in 1899. The bridge's design is even thought to be inspired by London's famous Albert Bridge across the River Thames.

---

A Message from Emily

The postcard bears a warm message from a cousin named Emily to "Dearest Annie & Arthur." While I can't quite make out their surname, the sentiment is clear:

"Dearest Annie & Arthur, I thought perhaps you would like a postcard of Leamington, my dear sister & I were both there yesterday, it is a beautiful place but I (can't make the word out but thinks it's discovered) you have both been. I shall come over to Coventry sometime & see you because you were both so kind the last time, we are having some beautiful weather now, so we shall both be very pleased to have you both over at Melton when it is most convenient for you to come, so with love & best wishes to you both I will say, goodbye from your loving cousin Emily"

It's a lovely snapshot of family connection, discussing visits and good weather – simple pleasures that transcend time.

---

Good Luck and Old Pennies

The Mill Suspension Bridge has a charming, if now forgotten, tradition. Until Britain adopted decimal coinage in 1971, it was popular for people to throw pennies and half-pennies from the bridge into the weir below. This act was once considered good luck and a way to honour the Gods. It's safe to assume this tradition continued and brought good fortune to those tossing coins long after the bridge's opening.

This little postcard, initially a small puzzle, has opened up a fascinating story of local history, family ties, and old superstitions. It's a wonderful reminder of how much history can be contained in such a small piece of paper!

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below. Your support means a lot!

A Glimpse Through Time: Leicester's Hospital, Warwick.

Holding this postcard, the familiar weight of aged cardstock in my hand, I'm transported not just to the charming medieval town of Warwick, but to a place steeped in history and quiet dedication: the Lord Leycester Hospital. It's more than just a picturesque building captured in sepia tones (or perhaps vibrant hues, depending on its vintage); it's a tangible link to centuries of care and service.

The subject of this particular piece of my ever-growing postcard collection is, as the name suggests, the Lord Leycester Hospital. But "hospital" in this context isn't the bustling medical facility we might imagine today. Instead, this remarkable institution stands as a beacon of enduring charity, a haven established in the late 16th century by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Its purpose then, as it remains today, is to provide support and accommodation for ex-servicemen and their wives or widows.

Think about that for a moment. While grand castles and bustling market squares often dominate historical narratives, here we have a place specifically designed to care for those who have served their country. Each stone of the Lord Leycester Hospital whispers tales of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring need to support those who have borne the burdens of conflict.

Looking closely at the image on the postcard – perhaps it captures the iconic timber-framed architecture, the serene Master's Garden, or the imposing gateway – I can almost feel the echoes of past residents. Imagine the conversations held within those ancient walls, the camaraderie forged through shared experiences, the quiet dignity of lives dedicated to service.

This postcard, therefore, transcends its simple function as a piece of correspondence. It's a miniature window into a world where compassion and community have stood the test of time. It's a reminder that history isn't just about battles and monarchs; it's also about the enduring efforts to care for one another.

As a small part of my larger collection, this postcard of the Lord Leycester Hospital holds a special significance. It represents not just a beautiful building, but a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of human kindness and the importance of remembering and supporting those who have served. It's a story etched in ink and paper, a story I'm proud to hold within my hands.

What stories do your own collections hold? Have you ever encountered a seemingly simple object that unlocked a deeper understanding of history or human connection?

Clicking the images below should open a link in Another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and check out my portfolios on Photo4Me and Clickasnap via the links below.