The Maidenhead Canopy
The magnificent Maidenhead Canopy dates from the early days of Brunel’s Great Western Railway. It was rebuilt here at Wallingford in 2020 thanks to funding from the Railway Heritage Trust and the hard work of our volunteers.
Early Days
We don’t know exactly when the Canopy was first built but believe it was erected in 1871. It appears on the Ordnance Survey map of 1894 but not on that of 1877, although it is unclear when the surveys were conducted for these editions.
What is clear is that it originally spanned Brunel’s broad gauge tracks. With the change to standard gauge the Canopy spanned the track for the Marlow branch.
The horizontal extension, which may have been a later addition, protected the train on the down main (Platform 4) at Maidenhead Station.
A variety of trains, both passenger and freight, used the Marlow branch and, even after withdrawal of steam locomotives, the occasional steam railtour. The wide platform supported a stairway up from the underpass, a newsagent stand and many railway artefacts.
Harvest train
Harvest train with Ploughmans lunch. Saturday 19th October.
End of the Line?
With the advent of Crossrail the Maidenhead Canopy was incompatible with electrification and had to be removed. Cholsey & Wallingford Railway asked if it could be re‑erected at Wallingford as the building, being nearly 150 years old, perhaps should have been a listed structure.
Canopy Revived
It was some years later that the Canopy was finally taken down, but it was taken down in a hurry and several of the ornate cast iron components were damaged.
Assessment by The Morton Partnership, funded by the Railway Heritage Trust, suggested several options for restoration, including reducing the overall length. Fortunately modifications at neighbouring Burnham Station released two further, albeit larger, columns. These are now positioned at each end, the middle three columns being originals. This has allowed the full length of the Canopy to be restored as you see it today.
The original broad gauge width of the Canopy has allowed us to build the Canopy to overarch two tracks with the columns at the rear of our platform. The horizontal extension of the Canopy then protects our Cambrian museum coach positioned alongside the rear of this platform as if waiting in the station.
All of the work has been financed by grants from the Railway Heritage Trust for which we are extremely grateful. With the line closed due to the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, the Canopy was reconstructed at Wallingford and other works were undertaken to extend the platform and restore many platform artefacts. The work was supported by many local businesses such as Grundon, Oxford Construction and Blanchford Building Supplies, as well as donations from many members and others. We are grateful for all this support.
Start your heritage railway journey today and book your tickets to travel through the countryside on "The Bunk"
Back to the Forties
A 1940s experience recreating the sights and sounds of Wallingford and further afield during World War 2. Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September.
Experience the 1940s and the Second World War with authentic re-enactors, Home Guard, Allied Forces, Special Operations and Home Front displays along with 1940s singers and vintage vehicles. Be sure to help our Policeman by keeping an eye out for any illi
Harvest train
Harvest train with Ploughmans lunch. Saturday 19th October.
Santa Express
Take a train trip with Santa at the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway this Christmas. Be entertained by Santa's elves, be visited by Father Christmas and every child will receive a present. Book your tickets now.
Start your heritage railway journey today and book your tickets to travel through the countryside on "The Bunk"
Running Days 2024
September 2024
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Cholsey & Wallingford Railway
Wallingford Station, 5 Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 9GQ