The Booking Hall Café - Rayne Station History

The first turf was ceremonially cut at Dunmow on the 24 February 1864 and contractors began work the following. Virtually the entire length of the branch line's 18 mile route was single track, except at Dunmow and one or two other stations where dual track allowed trains to pass each other. The line was finally opened for passenger use on 22 February 1869. 

With hindsight, it is now apparent that the branch line was never going to succeed as a profit making passenger service. The branch line's saviour came in the 1880s. The sudden demand for agricultural produce in London combined with new industries that were starting up in Braintree, both required a freight service and it was this that was to provide important revenue for the railway. Freight traffic continued to grow, especially at the Braintree end of the line, but by the end of the 19th century passenger traffic to Bishop's Stortford remained light.

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