West Bridge Station

This line was part of the Leicester & Swannington Railway, one of the first railways to be built in the world
The line of the railway is now a mile-long public footpath towards Glenfield tunnel
Originally intended to carry coal, carrying passengers was not a priority

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A Working Town
West Bridge Station

A city park, built on one of the first railways in the world

The Rally Park has been created on what was the southernmost part of the Leicester & Swannington Railway, designed to bring coal from the North West Leicestershire coalfields into Leicester. It was one of the first railways to be built in the world. Opening in 1832, it was engineered by Robert Stephenson, son of the famous railway pioneer George Stephenson. Its route was northwards through the mile long tunnel at Glenfield, to Desford, Bagworth, Long Lane (Coalville) and Swannington.

West Bridge Station

The original railway buildings were a wharf shed, joiner’s shop, company office, engine shed, workshop and smithy. The railway was originally intended for coal so carrying passengers was not a priority. For many years local inns and tiny cabins served as booking offices and passenger carriages were attached to goods trains. It was not until 1840 that alterations were made to the office building to provide ‘some accommodation’ for passengers. There was no platform at the original station and passengers had to climb aboard using steps and handrails attached to carriages. A narrow passenger platform was eventually created in 1876. By 1893 a new purpose built station had been constructed next to Tudor Road.

The first West Bridge Station with narrow platform, Mary De Castro Church spire is in the background

The end of the line

The passenger service ended in 1928 although coal and oil traffic continued until 1966. The track was removed and the station buildings demolished in 1979. A short length of platform was rebuilt on the site of the second passenger station (of 1893) with some track and a signal. The line of the railway is now a mile-long public footpath towards Glenfield tunnel.

Timeline

Victorian Leicester

Visitor information

Public access to The Rally Park

Gallery

An etching of the first West Bridge Station, before the platform was added

What can be seen of the Station today in The Rally Park

West Bridge Station in April 1948

Map showing the West Bridge Station and railway sidings highlighted in yellow

The second West Bridge Station, opened in 1893

West Bridge Station engine shed, 1907
Leicestershire Record Office

The first West Bridge Station with narrow platform, Mary De Castro Church spire is in the background

Roman Leicester

(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.

Medieval Leicester

(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.

Tudor & Stuart Leicester

(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.

Georgian Leicester

(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.

Victorian Leicester

(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.

Edwardian Leicester

(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.

Early 20th Century Leicester

(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.

Modern Leicester

(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.

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Roman Leicester
Medieval Leicester
Tudor & Stuart Leicester
Georgian Leicester
Victorian Leicester
Edwardian Leicester
Early 20th Century Leicester
Modern Leicester

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A Working Town

Leicester Union Workhouse

Following the Poor Law Amendment Act, the Leicester Union Workhouse opened in 1839 to help the most poor in society earn a living.

Shopping in Roman Leicester

The main shopping centre in Roman Leicester was the forum, but the town’s growing prosperity in the early 3rd century AD necessitated construction of a new market-hall, or macellum, on land to the north.

Samworth Brothers

The Samworth Brothers connection with Leicester dates from 1986 when the family business purchased of famous Leicester pie makers, Walker & Son.

Glenfield Tunnel

The Glenfield Tunnel, when it opened in 1832, was the longest steam railway tunnel in the world. It forms part of the Leicester & Swannington railway network, the first steam railway in the Midlands and one of the first in the world.

King Street

The area where King Street now stands was originally developed from 1811 for residential use. By the 1850s however hosiery merchants started building factories and warehouses here, transforming it into a busy industrial area that lasted until the 1980s.

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