Great Western Railway celebrates 150 years of the Marlow Branch Line

The design – a map of the branch line running along the River Thames – marks the day the line between Bourne End and Marlow first became operational and features on unit 165122.

Trains first ran on the line on 27 June 1873, linking Marlow to the Great Western mainline at Maidenhead and bringing more opportunity to connect the Buckinghamshire community to London and Cornwall.

Today’s celebration saw GWR welcome members of several community groups, including the Marlow & District Railway Society and Marlow-Maidenhead Passengers’ Association, on board the newly-liveried train.

Guests disembarked at Bourne End station for speeches before enjoying an impressive cake in the design of the train’s new livery.

People and Transformation Director (Regional) for GWR and Network Rail Wales and Western, Ruth Busby, said:

“We are thrilled to celebrate this landmark day with our guests from across the Marlow and Bourne End community. For a century-and-a-half, this branch line has kept families, friends and local businesses connected, whether it be for work or school, or to welcome visitors to this beautiful part of the Great Western network.

“We are proud to work and celebrate alongside these incredibly dedicated people, whose love of the line helps to keep the community thriving.”

Maidenhead MP Theresa May said:

“I am sorry I could not be there in person to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Bourne End to Marlow branch line.

“This much-used connection has linked the community of Marlow to the GWR mainline and served my constituents in Cookham and Furze Platt for a century-and-a-half, and with it brought many economic benefits.

“I hope everyone attending the anniversary celebrations had a lovely time and enjoyed travelling on GWR’s specially-decorated train.”

Beaconsfield MP Joy Morrissey said:

“It is heart-warming to see Great Western Railway's Bourne End-Marlow line celebrate its 150th anniversary today.

“This is a remarkable milestone, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of railway infrastructure. The Bourne End-Marlow line has played an integral role in the lives of my constituents, from facilitating connectivity and progress to fostering economic growth, and cementing a strong sense of community. It has remained steadfast in serving the needs of commuters, tourists and locals alike.

“Today’s 150th anniversary celebration goes beyond its status as a railway line; it represents a century-and-a-half of connecting communities. I’m confident in the line’s continued future, serving the community for many years to come with its unwavering commitment."