A special commemorative plaque has today (30 July) been unveiled at Ely station to mark the 180th anniversary of the coming of the railway to the city. Organised by Visit Ely, the plaque was unveiled in front of representatives from the local community and the rail industry, including the station operator, Greater Anglia.
The Mayor of Ely, Cllr Mike Banyard, Canon James Reveley of Ely Cathedral, and Greater Anglia’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Jonathan Denby, unveiled the plaque which commemorates the departure of the first trains from Ely on 30 July 1845.
In addition, guests also viewed the brand-new history boards that have been erected at the station as part of the wider Railway 200 celebrations.
The new history boards tell the story of the railway and its impact on the city, from its opening in 1845 right through to the present day. In line with the themes adopted by Railway 200, the history boards also illustrate how the railway has helped to shape the city and how it has changed the lives of people who have lived in Ely.
These new installations also focus on the people who have contributed so much to the development of the city, from Dean George Peacock, whose strong support for the railway led to its construction, through to the many local employees who have provided such excellent service to the community. The new history boards also recognise the ongoing excellent work of the current Greater Anglia team, who manage the station.
The history boards are now a permanent feature on platforms 2/3.
The Mayor of Ely, Cllr Mike Banyard, said:
“We cannot underestimate the role that the railway has played in the development of our city over 180 years, both initially in terms of supporting local agriculture and business and latterly in terms of giving local people excellent access to employment and leisure travel.
“We are very pleased to be able to mark this anniversary as our contribution to Railway 200.”
Visit Ely’s Tourism and Events Manager Anna Bennett, said:
“We are very aware of the positive contribution that the railway makes in bringing visitors to our city by an efficient and sustainable mode of transport.
“We are very grateful for the excellent support offered by Greater Anglia that has allowed us to celebrate that relationship in this way.”
Greater Anglia Head of Corporate Affairs, Jonathan Denby, said:
“We are proud to be playing our part in celebrating the role the railway has played in the development of Ely over the last 180 years, since it first arrived in 1845.
Not only has it provided vital connectivity for those who live and work locally, it has also enabled visitors to come and enjoy the city and its stunning cathedral.
In recent years, rail travellers have also benefitted from major improvements, such as new trains on all Greater Anglia services, a better Great Northern peak service to/from London Kings Cross, and more services to/from Stansted Airport.
As we celebrate 200 years of the modern railway in the UK, we look forward to contributing to the future success of Ely and the surrounding area.
Thank you to the Mayor and to Visit Ely for their pivotal role in celebrating this important milestone for Ely and the railway that serves it.”
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