Sawdon Station, which is actually in the village of Brompton-by-Sawdon, has probably the prettiest setting of any on the Forge Valley Line, being situated at the Southern end of the village. The old platform looks out across the village cricket green, as shown above. The North Eastern Railway chose the name to avoid duplication, because there was already another station called “Brompton” on the system.

Above is a roadside view of the station yard. The former goods shed had at some point been converted into a garage and filling station, with various additional structures. During my first visit in 1977, these seemed to be in the process of demolition.

By the time that I returned a few months later to take the color slide above, the petrol pumps had been removed and the demolition appeared to be complete.

At the bottom left of the photo above, you can just see my 50cc Kawasaki moped, with my red helmet resting on top of it. It was legal to drive a moped without a full driver’s licence, and I was still a few months away from passing my driving test (which I’m pleased to say I achieved at the first attempt).

Finally, here’s a monochrome view of the station’s platform side.

As is the case for all the other stations on the line, the main station building still exists, and this one has been converted into attractive holiday cottages. You can view the cottages, and even book a stay there at:

http://www.cottages.com/cottages/station-house-brompton-nm1404

Back to Index Page