The Original St Johns..
The ex-LNWR Bedford St Johns station, around 1967.
The line under the bridge went on to Cambridge, at that time, and the ornate wooden trainshed cladding has been removed, leaving the iron framework to support a more basic flat roof over the platform. There was no footbridge, and passengers had to cross between platforms using the barrow crossing, and the sign at the end of the platform states 'Beware of Trains. Passengers Must Use Sleeper Crossing Only '
The line to Cambridge closed at the end of 1967, and the station became a terminus for passenger trains, but a short spur under the bridge remained for many years, for the local power station.
The station buildings were demolished by 1970, leaving only part of the roof framework seen on the right.
The station finally closed completely in May 1984, and a 'new' St Johns station was opened - a mile or so from here - on the remaining passenger line to Bedford Midland.
Today (2019) the station site - including the remains of the platforms - is completely overgrown with trees and bushes, and a solitary 1970s-era lamp post still exists, next to the site of the barrow crossing. The site has not been redeveloped, as there is a possibility that it will be used again, if the Cambridge line ever reopens..
Original slide - photograph by G Dunster or A Wells
(slide sets were mixed up during storage)
The Original St Johns..
The ex-LNWR Bedford St Johns station, around 1967.
The line under the bridge went on to Cambridge, at that time, and the ornate wooden trainshed cladding has been removed, leaving the iron framework to support a more basic flat roof over the platform. There was no footbridge, and passengers had to cross between platforms using the barrow crossing, and the sign at the end of the platform states 'Beware of Trains. Passengers Must Use Sleeper Crossing Only '
The line to Cambridge closed at the end of 1967, and the station became a terminus for passenger trains, but a short spur under the bridge remained for many years, for the local power station.
The station buildings were demolished by 1970, leaving only part of the roof framework seen on the right.
The station finally closed completely in May 1984, and a 'new' St Johns station was opened - a mile or so from here - on the remaining passenger line to Bedford Midland.
Today (2019) the station site - including the remains of the platforms - is completely overgrown with trees and bushes, and a solitary 1970s-era lamp post still exists, next to the site of the barrow crossing. The site has not been redeveloped, as there is a possibility that it will be used again, if the Cambridge line ever reopens..
Original slide - photograph by G Dunster or A Wells
(slide sets were mixed up during storage)