The Worcestershire Georgian town of Bewdley developed at a crossing point of the River Severn. Industrial development of nearby Ironbridge, the Black Country and the availability of coal at Highley and Alveley brought an increased need for transport. Both river and rail were important until mining in the area ceased. Bewdley suffered gradual de-industrialisation followed by expansion and gentrification. The railway was closed in the 1960’s, but services were restored by the Severn Valley Railway in 1974 with steam services to Bridgnorth. Today, Bewdley station is run by a team of volunteers preserving a bygone era on a former Great Western branch line.
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