MARLBOROUGH AREA RAILWAY HISTORY

Marlborough was a classic example of the aggressive attitude that the GWR frequently adopted towards competitors. The Swindon, Marlborough and Andover Railway (SMAR) originally joined the GWR operated Marlborough Railway, (MR), just to the south of the MR terminus. The SMAR then had running powers to Savernake, after which it rejoined its own metals and continued south towards Andover. This arrangement was financially beneficial to both the SMAR and the MR, however, the GWR was continually awkward and obstructive to the SMAR trains. So much so, that eventually a new company was formed (the Marlborough and Grafton Railway) to build a new line between the two halves of the SMAR, via a tunnel south of Marlborough passing under Savernake Forest. On completion in 1891, the M&G and the SMAR were amalgamated and became part of the Midland & South Western Junction Railway. At the same time, the junction with the MR was lifted, to make the two systems totally independant, with separate stations on either side of the road! Subsequentally, at the grouping, the GWR finally managed to take over the MSWJR. Before long, the GW reinstated the junction at Marlborough and then severed the link between Marlborough  - High Level (The GWR station) and Savernake - Low Level, forming a new junction on the southern side of Marlborough Tunnel and altering the former up and down lines to two single lines. The original GW station was then relegated to a goods only operation, before finally closing.

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