In The Kington Lines – from Leominster to Kington and New Radnor including the Branches to Presteigne and Eardisley author, John Mair, examines the network of railway lines centred around Kington. This growth followed the success of the development of the Shrewsbury and Hereford Railway, which opened in 1852 and served Leominster from south and north. The success of the S&HR rekindled desires in Kington for a link with this system and this was finally realized when the standard gauge Leominster & Kington Railway opened in 1857. The modest branch line to Eardisley opened in 1874, and an extension to New Radnor and the branch line to Presteigne both opened in 1875.
The book comprises three lengthy chapters. Chapter one covers the historical outline, starting with early transport in Herefordshire, continuing through the various openings, before moving on to the 20th century and the two world wars, peace and Nationalisation. Chapter two deals with the operation of the lines, including signalling, passenger train services, motive power, engine sheds, rolling stock, goods traffic, etc. Chapter three is a description of a journey over the lines in the 1930s. The detailed text is supplemented with timetables, signalling layouts (courtesy the Signalling Record Society) and railway ephemera.
40 black & white photographs and 25 illustrations. 104 pages.