NHER 13598 (Monument record) - Route of Downham and Stoke Ferry Railway, later Great Eastern

Opened 1882; closed to passengers 1930, for goods to Stoke Ferry 1965 (part still in use for sugar beet). Closed fully 1982.

Denver-Ryston-Squires Siding-Abbey-Keebles Siding-Stoke Ferry (goods yard).
The line was originally planned to go to Brandon.

East of Wereham Fen Drove much of the trackbed has been completely ploughed out, bumps in crossing roads alone remaining. One part still used as track. Crossing house here small, but at Wretton Fen Drove and Stoke Drove/ School Lane remarkably large, like station house at Abbey. Spur of overgrown track remains from Keeble's siding to Wereham Fen Drove. Clinker found. Rail chairs here are stamped LNE-C 1924.
E. Rose (NAU), 4 October 1978.

For detailed history and description see (S1).

Ryston station was at first called Fordham. There was a temporary ballast siding at Abbey running 1 mile north. The earthworks were constructed as far as Gooderstone but never used. The signal at Ryston crossing had a GER post and spectacle but an LNER distant arm.
E. Rose (NAU), 17 January 1983.

January 2001.
Trackbed at Abbey Station (which is still sign posted) used as farm track but at Fordham and to west is overgrown. Fordham (Ryston station) retains station house, crossing cottage and gates. At Denver the crossing cottage is being extended in sympathetic materials.
E. Rose (NLA), 22 January 2001.