Beeching 50 years on

On 27 March 1963, British Railways Board published the report Reshaping Britain’s Railways. It led to the systematic closure of lines and stations, and transformed our railway network. The report was written by the then British Railways Chairman Dr Richard Beeching and the closures became known as the Beeching Axe.
For many, Dr Beeching is a legendary enemy of the railways. His report closed many rural branchlines and left large areas of the country without access to rail transport. Others credit Dr Beeching with saving the bankrupt railways and turning them into a modern business by focusing on developments like InterCity services and the Freightliner initiative.
The National Railway Museum is marking 50 years since the publication of Reshaping Britain’s Railways with an exhibition, events and activities that explore the impact of the report and what it meant for our railways past, present and future.  Events start in March.  For further information click here for the NRM web site.