A piece of Marlow’s history will be preserved as it merges into a new development in the town.

A display board, created by the Marlow Society, was unveiled at the site of Marlow’s original railway station by mayor Jocelyn Towns to commemorate the old station.

The board detailed the station’s history and showed pictures dating back to the early 1900s, and was sponsored by Clearview Homes, whose newest development – Signal Walk, in Station Approach – sits on the site of the station.

The Great Western Railway started operating in 1838, and, in 1854, a branch line opened from Maidenhead to High Wycombe, including a station at Bourne End. 

The idea of a branch from Bourne End to Marlow was first discussed in 1864, but it was not until 1868 that the Great Marlow Railway Act was given Royal Assent, and the Great Marlow Railway Company given powers to construct the branch line to the town.

Construction started in 1871 and by 1873, the line and the original station buildings at Marlow were fully operational. 

The train operating on the line became known, and is still known, as the Marlow Donkey.

Keith Ray, of the Marlow Society, said: “We would like to thank Clearview Homes for all their help preserving this important part of Marlow history. 

“We have worked closely with them throughout the development of Signal Walk and it is nice to see a development that is able to deliver a design solution which is contemporary, whilst still being sympathetic to the local environment and its history.”

Shelley West, sales and marketing director for Clearview Homes, said: “We are delighted to have been able to work closely with Marlow Society to produce a display board which will keep the history of the old Marlow railway station alive for years to come. 

“As part of our development, we ensured that great care and attention was taken to all building works around the original platform.”