Forest of Dean Railway on a contiguous line built by the GWR. Newnham was the main line junction station, although some branch trains ran through to Gloucester. As motor bus services became dominant, the passenger services became unprofitable and they were withdrawn in 1958. The network was closed completely in 1967 as mineral traffic ceased. The Forest of Dean Coalfield had long been a source of mineral working, for iron ore and coal. Free Miners had statutory rights in the Forest, which protected them from external competition. However this limited the extent to which large scale operations could be undertaken. A number of short
Forest of Dean Central Railway interest. The company was entitled to borrow £21,660 on mortgage and the GWR advanced £15,000. The Forest of Dean Central Railway Act received the Royal Assent on 11 July 1856. It was to run from Foxes Bridge Colliery to Brimspill, serving Howbeach Colliery on the way, with a branch line from New Fancy Colliery. The capital authorised was £65,000 in £10 shares. Brimspill is a tidal creek near Poulton Court on modern maps. Much of the land was leased from the Crown at a rent of £100 a year, and the company was required to fence it throughout. It was