Redbourn MOT Centre: A Railway's Legacy

The modern-day Redbourn MOT Centre stands on a site steeped in railway history, a location that once buzzed with the activity of a vital transport link. Occupying the former approach road to Redbourn Station, this area has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the decades, evolving from a bustling railway hub to a quiet MOT centre, yet retaining echoes of its past.

The Genesis of the Nickey Line

The story of Redbourn Station is intrinsically linked to the ambitious 'Nickey Line', a railway project that aimed to connect Hemel Hempstead with the Great Northern Railway at Harpenden. The initial proposal for this rail link was presented in 1862 by John Grover, envisioning a spur from Boxmoor to the old town of Hemel Hempstead. Simultaneously, another proposal, put forth by Mr. Stocken and Mr. Stallon, sought to extend the line further to Redbourn, connecting with the Great Northern Railway at Harpenden.

These plans were revised and, after gaining Parliamentary approval in 1866, construction commenced. The new line was authorised to follow a route through Hemel Hempstead and Redbourn, curving northwards to cross the turnpike road (A1081) and pass under the Midland line to link with the Great Northern Railway at Harpenden East. The ambition was to create a crucial artery for the region's burgeoning industries.

Construction Challenges and the Midland Railway's Involvement

The construction of the Nickey Line was a protracted affair, with the lower spur from Boxmoor to Hemel Hempstead only being completed by 1871. The railway company encountered financial difficulties, leading to the Midland Railway stepping in to finance the completion of the line and agree to its operation. At this time, the primary focus of railway development was the transportation of goods and coal, rather than passenger services. The thriving hat-making industry in Luton, coupled with the straw plait trade in Hemel Hempstead, created a significant demand for a reliable transport link. Consequently, the initial connection at Harpenden was geared towards Luton in the north, reflecting the economic priorities of the era.

Grand Opening and Shifting Priorities

The Nickey Line was finally opened on 16 July 1877, marked by considerable fanfare, including a celebratory band and special train services. Champagne receptions were held in both Luton and Hemel Hempstead town halls, and church bells chimed to commemorate the occasion. A banner proudly proclaimed, “Success to the Hemel Hempstead and Midland Railway Company”.

However, as the straw plait trade declined and passenger demand grew, the line's focus began to shift. Local businessmen sought a faster route to London, prompting a realignment of the junction at Harpenden in 1888 to head south. This change meant passengers now had to change trains at Harpenden Junction for onward travel to the capital.

The 'Big Four' and the Dawn of New Technologies

The aftermath of the First World War saw many British railway companies facing financial losses. In 1923, a major reorganisation occurred, merging former competitors like the Midland and LNWR into the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS). This era also saw innovation, with the LMS experimenting with new transport technologies to reduce costs and streamline operations. In 1930, the Nickey Line was chosen as a testbed for a unique 'Ro-Railer' system – a bus capable of travelling on both roads and railways. While an intriguing experiment, it proved to be short-lived.

Declining Fortunes and Suspension of Services

Passenger numbers on the Nickey Line consistently failed to meet expectations, particularly during the inter-war years. By the end of 1946, the Harpenden service was primarily used by a mere six schoolchildren. The LMS shifted its main goods operations from Hemel Hempstead to Boxmoor, and it was the demand for coal supplies to the Duckhall gasworks that kept the Nickey Line operational. The severe winter of 1946/47, which led to a national coal shortage, resulted in the "temporary" suspension of passenger trains. This suspension, however, proved to be permanent; the service was never reinstated, and the last passenger service on the Nickey Line ran on 16 June 1947.

The Gradual Closure and Redevelopment

The closure of the line continued in stages. Hemel Hempstead railway station ceased operations in 1963, followed by Godwin's Halt in 1964. The cuttings were filled, and the former railway land was redeveloped for commercial and residential purposes. The section of the line between Cupid Green and Harpenden survived for a few more years, leased by British Rail in 1968 to the Hemelite concrete company for transporting raw materials. However, British Rail ultimately decided to close the branch line, with the junction at Harpenden Junction being severed on 1 July 1979. The final journey on the line was made by a Hemelite Drewry locomotive, which was subsequently transported by lorry.

Track lifting commenced in 1982, and the following year, the track bed was transformed into a public footpath. This initiative culminated in the opening of the 'Nickey Line' in 1985, a cycle and walking path spanning approximately eight miles, now part of Route 57 of the National Cycle Network. The path winds through open countryside, largely parallel to the Redbourn Road. Many of the original bridges remain intact, preserved as part of the cycle route.

The Redbourn MOT Centre Today

The modern Redbourn MOT Centre occupies a site that was once the very heart of Redbourn's railway connection. While the station itself is largely gone, with only an information board marking its former presence, the legacy of the Nickey Line endures in the landscape. The wrought iron bridge carrying the line across the A5 (now A5183) at Redbourn stands as a testament to the engineering of a bygone era, a reminder of the railway's significant role in the area's development. The MOT centre, therefore, is not just a place for vehicle inspections but a custodian of a rich local history, built upon the foundations of a railway line that once connected communities and fuelled industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What was the Nickey Line? The Nickey Line was a railway line that connected Hemel Hempstead with Harpenden, passing through Redbourn.
• When did Redbourn Station close? Passenger services on the Nickey Line were suspended in 1947, and the line was gradually closed in stages, with Hemel Hempstead station closing in 1963.
• What is at the Redbourn MOT Centre site now? The Redbourn MOT Centre is located on the former approach road to Redbourn Station.
• What remains of the old railway? Several bridges along the former Nickey Line route have been preserved and are part of the modern 'Nickey Line' cycle and walking path.
• Was Redbourn ever considered for a new town? Yes, prior to Hemel Hempstead being chosen, Redbourn was considered as a site for a new town, which would have led to significant upgrades of the railway line.

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