I was privileged to be given access to the former Central Ammunition Depot at Bramley in Hampshire (which closed in 1987) while researching a book on the site. Many buildings (many derelict or semi-derelict) remain together with some disused railway lines that once formed part of a 30+ mile network that criss-crossed the site. A fascinating place with a fascinating history.
If I am allowed to plug my book ... FIRST-EVER BOOK ON THE FORMER CENTRAL AMMUNITION DEPOT BRAMLEY, HAMPSHIRE & ITS EXTENSIVE RAILWAY. LIMITED EDITION AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER. Deadline for pre-orders – 4th March, 2023. £38.95 incl. UK P&P.
It covers in detail one of the largest but lesser-known military railways in the United Kingdom as well as the role of the Depot and all key buildings. Born out of the First World War, playing a key role in the Second World War and remaining operational until 1987, little has previously been published on the Bramley Military Railway at the Central Ammunition Depot (CAD) in Bramley, Hampshire. Shrouded in official secrecy, it did not even appear on Ordnance Survey maps until after its closure. Drawing heavily on first-hand accounts and primary sources, this book explains the background to the CAD, its history and role from 1917 to the present day, railway layout (line by line) and operations, all principal buildings and associated sidings, locomotives and rolling stock. A4 hardback. 285 pages. 161 photographs (120 colour & 41 B&W – many previously unpublished), 87 maps, plans and diagrams detailing every aspect of the railway as well as detailed information about the wider history of the Depot and its role.
‘The Secret Railway in the Woods’ by Chris Hegg & Laurence Bindley can be pre-ordered at the website oenpublishing. Not currently available through bookshops or on Amazon.