Framed Print : Station Master BB98_05551

EDITORS COMMENTS

In this evocative black-and-white photograph, taken by S W A Newton of Alfred Newton and Son in 1904, we catch a glimpse of the daily routine at Finmere Station in Oxfordshire during the Edwardian era. The image captures the stationmaster in his full railway uniform, exuding a sense of authority and pride as he goes about his duties. The year 1898-99 marked a significant moment in British railway history with the creation of the Great Central Railway Company. This new railway line, formed in 1897, aimed to establish a main route from Sheffield through Nottingham and Leicester to London. The arrival of the railway brought about considerable change to Finmere Station and the surrounding community, connecting them to the wider network and opening up new opportunities for travel and commerce. The stationmaster, with his stern yet approachable expression, appears poised to oversee the comings and goings of passengers and freight. His meticulously pressed uniform, complete with cap, epaulets, and badges, underscores the importance of his role in the efficient operation of the railway. Unfortunately, the golden age of the railway did not last forever. By the 1960s, the line through Finmere Station had been closed, and the infrastructure was largely dismantled. Today, this photograph serves as a poignant reminder of a bygone era, when the railway played a central role in the lives of communities across the country. It invites us to reflect on the rich history of rail travel and the people who dedicated their lives to ensuring the smooth running of the network.