May 27th 2022 (this meeting will be held online via Zoom**)
Phil Benstead
presents “The Man Behind the ‘Direct Line’ AKA ‘Castleman’s Corkscrew' ”
Rural Dorset in the 1840’s, a period of ‘Railway Mania’, was
sparsely populated and unlikely to attract a railway. There were huge financial
crashes so it was unlikely to get financed and built. Step forward local solicitor,
Charles Castleman.
It proved
necessary to deliberately meander via quiet market towns and follow valleys to
minimise costs; hence the popular name ‘Castleman’s Corkscrew’. To railway folk
it is ‘The Direct Line’.
The
presentation includes a tour of the line, the political and economic scene,
Charles Castleman’s quiet passion and a major force in the southern railway,
reasons for closure and how it looks now.
(** Members will be circulated with Zoom invitations a week in advance. Visitors please contact the Club via this website)
A club trip is being organised for August - details to be circulated - booking fees needed soon.
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