The Royal Station
Regular travellers know well the feeling of excitement the promise of new ventures brings , whether it be the release of long awaited excitement or the pure adrenaline rush of that spontaneous moment that hoves into view unannounced or unexpected. Not being strangers to travel we know very well the world has all new ways of surprising us, as we make our way. Despite that, life has as unequalled record for catching us out, sneaking in one more delightful occasion, mattering not whether we are near or far from home.
This happened this week as set off to walk the dog on the Sandringham Estate, familiar ground in the main and close to home. We came across the Royal Station at Wolverton , a place long stripped of its function as a transport hub. We were a little unfamiliar with the history and surprised to find it so well maintained.
The Royal Station
After standing admiring the property which is clearly privately owned and the quality of the upkeep , it’s easy to come to the opinion that someone has loved this project . The old line long since taken out of use, now divides two private properties , but thankfully the most interesting property is owned by a gentlemen who is determined to maintain it and make it available for others who are genuinely interested to view. There is a sign on the gate stating that entry and viewing can be arranged via a website http://www.wolfertonroyalstation.co.uk/ . There is no charge associated with this viewing a testament to the calibre of the man who has maintained it. If you are in any doubt as to my enthusiasm for steam railways or intrigued further I invite you to red by blog here . For further information about visiting may I politely point you to the website referenced above.
A potted history of this station reveals its construction in 1862, as a stop on the line between Kings Lynn and Hunstanton on the Norfolk Coast. The line was seen as vital to the development of the otherwise remote resort T Hunstanton , albeit just a single track rail was built. In 1862 Queen Victoria purchased Sandringham , the start of the Royal Families love affair with the Estate. The Royals travelled from London to Kings Lynn and onto Wolferton, which was made became a twin track between Kings Lynn and Wolferton to cope with the demands of the Royal train. New sidings were also built to allow for more effective use of the carriages and trains.
Many members of the Royal Household have used this station , including generations of monarchs and foreign dignitaries including Russian Tsars , extended family members of course . It is also rumoured that Rasputin arrived this way unannounced demanding to speak to the king , more of this story and others on the website.
This place is a pure delight and a beautifully maintained in a beautiful part of Norfolk. If you would to see some video footage of the station below is a link to our the VLOG on our YouTube Channel. If you enjoy the VLOG please consider subscribing to our channel.
