. It opened in 1861 and the majority of the railway continues in use.
History
Incorporation
The S&WR was incorporated in an
Act of Parliament in 1856. Although initially an independent company, the line was to be operated and maintained by the London and North Western Railway
(LNWR).
Opening
Construction under the Act began in 1859, and by 1861 the line from Shrewsbury to Minsterley was completed, and opened on 14 February 1861. Construction of the main line to Welshpool was completed later in 1861 and officially opened on 27 January 1862.
which opened in 1873 and closed in 1959. The Minsterley branch closed for passenger service in 1951 and for freight traffic in the mid 1960s.
Breidden Station in 1953Breidden Station in 1962
Main line
The main line of the S&WR continued in use as the main route from Shrewsbury to Welshpool and, via the ex-
British Railways
. All of the intermediate stations were subsequently closed in September 1960.
