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Hatton Bank

GWR Route: Banbury to Wolverhampton

North of Warwick Station, both the Grand Union Canal and the Great Western Railway’s Main Line run close together climbing from the towns beside the Avon River to the Birmingham plateau. The imposing twenty-one locks of the Hatton flight raised the Warwick and Birmingham Canal 146 feet, 6 inches, whilst the former Birmingham and Oxford Junction Railway ascended the Hatton Bank incline on a ruling gradient of 1 in 105 extending over about two and a half miles. This was not the steepest main line gradient, but was sufficient to slow expresses and require heavy freight trains to be assisted in the rear by Banking Engines, normally based at Warwick Station.

When the line up the Hatton Bank incline was originally built, it was constructed as a mixed gauge double track, but the broad gauge rail was subsequently removed in April 1869. A Down Refuge Siding was provided in May 1879 about a third of the way up the incline at Budbrook and in October 1911, this refuge siding was converted into a loop. In May 1914, the loop was extended up the incline to provide a second Down line all the way to Hatton Station. This was referred to as the Down Goods Running Line and allowed heavy freight trains to proceed up the Hatton Bank incline without stopping, while leaving the Main Down Line clear for faster traffic. This third line was taken out of use on 25th May 1969 and the track removed shortly after.

Hatton Bank was a popular location for railway photographers because the incline slowed the approach of the hardworking northbound trains which produced some suburb photographic opportunities.

Robert Ferris

Locomotives and trains from the grouping period (1st January 1923 to 31st December 1947)

GWR 2-4-2T 36xx Class No 3624 is seen on a four coach Birmingham to Leamington passenger service
Ref: gwrhb2351
J Alsop
GWR 2-4-2T 36xx Class No 3624 is seen on a four coach Birmingham to Leamington passenger service
An unidentified ex-GWR 2-6-0 Mogul of the 53xx class variant is seen climbing Hatton Bank with a down express service to Snow Hill
Ref: gwrhb2221
J Alsop
GWR 3150 Class 2-6-2T No 3167 heads a down local passenger service comprising 4 and 6 wheel coaching stock
GWR Class 3150 2-6-2T No 3179 heads a Leamington to Snow Hill local passenger service made up of four wheel coaches
Ref: gwrhb2222
J Alsop
GWR Class 3150 2-6-2T No 3179 heads a Leamington to Snow Hill local passenger train made up of 4 wheel coaches
 GWR 3150 Class 2-6-2T No 3186 heads a Stratford on Avon to Snow Hill local made up of four and six wheel coaches
Ref: gwrhb2223
J Alsop
GWR 3150 Class 2-6-2T No 3186 heads a Stratford on Avon to Snow Hill local made up of 4 and 6 wheel coaches
GWR 28xx Class 2-8-0 No 2840 is seen breasting Hatton Bank with a Class J intermediate stopping mineral train
Ref: gwrhb2217
J Alsop
GWR 28xx Class 2-8-0 No 2840 is seen breasting Hatton Bank with a Class J stopping mineral train

GWR 28xx Class 2-8-0 No 2810 is seen heading a Class D down express freight service on Hatton Bank
Ref: gwrhb2218
J Alsop
GWR 28xx Class 2-8-0 No 2810 is seen heading a Class D down express freight service on Hatton Bank
GWR 28xx Class 2-8-0 No 2871 heads a Class H mineral freight of empty wagons on the down goods line
Ref: gwrhb2219
J Alsop
GWR 28xx Class 2-8-0 No 2871 heads a Class H mineral freight of empty wagons on the down goods line
GWR 36xx Class 2-4-2T No 3606 heads a down local passenger service to Snow Hill from Leamington
Ref: gwrhb2224
J Alsop
GWR 36xx Class 2-4-2T No 3606 heads a down local passenger service to Snow Hill from Leamington
An 5101 Class 2-6-2T locomotive sprints up Hatton Bank with a local passenger service to Snow Hill
Ref: gwrhb2225
J Alsop
An 5101 Class 2-6-2T locomotive sprints up Hatton Bank with a local passenger service to Snow Hill
GWR Diesel Railcar No 26 with auto trailer No 62 on a Stratford-upon-Avon local train
Ref: gwrhb102
HW Robinson
GWR Diesel Railcar No 26 with auto trailer No 62 on a Stratford-upon-Avon local service in September 1946

GWR 0-6-0PT pannier No 1748 ascends Hatton Bank on the Down Main Line with a class K freight train
Ref: gwrls2675
R Hendry
GWR 0-6-0PT pannier No 1748 ascends Hatton Bank on the Down Main Line with a class K freight train
Great Western Railway 2-8-0 28xx class No 2832 ascends Hatton Bank with a class H through freight
Ref: gwrhb2963
PB Whitehouse
Great Western Railway 2-8-0 28xx class No 2832 ascends Hatton Bank with a class H through freight
GWR 4-6-0 60xx (King) class No 6017 ‘King Edward IV’ in immaculate condition with a Northbound express
Ref: gwrhb2964
Great Western Railway
GWR 4-6-0 60xx (King) class No 6017 ‘King Edward IV’ in immaculate condition with a Northbound express

Locomotives and trains from the British Railways period (1st January 1948 to 4th August 1968)

Ex-GWR 6959 Class 4-6-0 No 6966 'Witchingham Hall' climbs Hatton Bank with a Poole to Birkenhead service
Ref: gwrhb2227
C Verrall
Ex-GWR 6959 Class 4-6-0 No 6966 'Witchingham Hall' climbs Hatton Bank with a Poole to Birkenhead service
GWR 4-4-0 Bulldog class No 3377 is seen climbing Hatton Bank approximately 1 mile east from Hatton on the down main line
Ref: gwrhb96
PB Whitehouse Collection
GWR 4-4-0 No 3377 climbs Hatton Bank approximately 1 mile east from Hatton on the down main line
GWR 2884 class 2-8-0 No 3825 climbs Hatton bank on the down main line with a class C express freight on 7th September 1956
Ref: gwrhb97
G Coltas
Ex-GWR 2884 class 2-8-0 No 3825 climbs Hatton bank on the down main line with a class C express freight
Austerity WD 2-8-0 No 77015 ascending Hatton bank on the goods down line with a class H trainexpress
Ref: gwrhb99
Weston Collection
Austerity WD 2-8-0 No 77015 is seen ascending Hatton bank on the goods down line with a class H freight train
GWR 4-6-0 49xx 'Hall' class No. 4902 'Aldenham Hall' on a seven coach express
Ref: gwrhb98
G Coltas
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 class No 4902 'Aldenham Hall' on a seven coach express climbing the down main Hatton bank

Ex-Great Western Railway 2-6-0 43xx class No 5332 descends Hatton Bank on the up main line with a class H freight train for Banbury
Ref: gwrhb1466
TE Williams
Ex-GWR 2-6-0 43xx class No 5332 descends the Bank on the up main line with a class H freight train for Banbury
British Railways 4-6-0 4073 ‘Castle’ class No 4082 'Windsor Castle' is seen climbing Hatton Bank on the down main line with the Royal Train on 24th May 1962
Ref: gwrhb1473
TE Williams
BR built 4-6-0 4073 ‘Castle’ class No 4082 'Windsor Castle' with the Royal Train on 24th May 1962
Ex-Great Western Railway 0-6-0T 57xx class No 7702 on the down main line with a Leamington to Stratford local on 6th May 1953
Ref: gwrhb1467
TE Williams
Ex-GWR 0-6-0T 57xx class No 7702 on the down main line with a Leamington to Stratford local on 6th May 1953
An unidentified ex-GWR 2-6-0 Mogul of the 53xx class variant is seen climbing Hatton Bank with a down express service to Snow Hill
Ref: gwrhb1462
M Moran
An unidentified ex-GWR 2-6-0 43xx class with a Northbound Express ascending Hatton Bank on the Down main line
Ex-Great Western Railway 2-8-0 30xx class ‘ROD’ No 3028 progressing slowly up Hatton bank on the down relief line with a heavy train
Ref: gwrhb1482
B Hicks
Ex-GWR 2-8-0 No 3028 progresses slowly up Hatton bank on the down relief line with a heavy train

Ex-GWR 4-6-0 Grange class No 6879 'Overton Grange' is seen at the head of the Saturdays only Weymouth to Wolverhampton service
Ref: gwrhb1470
B Hicks
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 No 6879 'Overton Grange' at the head of the S.O. Weymouth to Wolverhampton service
GWR 4-6-0 49xx 'Hall' class No. 4902 'Aldenham Hall' on a seven coach express
Ref: gwrhb1472
B Hicks
BR built 4-6-0 No 7904 'Fountains Hall' is seen with Southern Region stock on an express from Weymouth
Ex-GWR 60xx Class 4-6-0 No 6018 'King Henry VI' is seen working a down express on 8th July 1962
Ref: gwrhb2209
Anon
Ex-GWR 60xx Class 4-6-0 No 6018 'King Henry VI' is seen working a down express on 8th July 1962
Ex-GWR 60xx Class 4-6-0 No 6027 'King Richard I is seen climbing Hatton Bank whilst at the head of a down express
Ref: gwrhb2232
Rick Eborall
Ex-GWR 60xx Class 4-6-0 No 6027 'King Richard I is seen climbing Hatton Bank whilst at the head of a down express
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 Castle class No 5091 'Cleeve Abbey' is seen nearing the summit at the head of a down express service from Paddington
Ref: gwrhb1464
B Hicks
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 Castle class No 5091 'Cleeve Abbey' is seen nearing the summit at the head of a down express

Ex-GWR 2-8-0 28xx class No 2886 is seen passing Warwick Common as it begins its ascent of Hatton Bank on 21st December 1963
Ref: gwrhb1469
B Hicks
Ex-GWR 2-8-0 28xx class No 2886 is seen passing Warwick Common as it begins its ascent of Hatton Bank
Ex-GWR Hall Class 4-6-0 No 6911 'Holker Hall' pilots an unknown ex-GWR 2-6-0 Mogul locomotive
Ref: gwrhb2208
J Moss
Ex-GWR Hall Class 4-6-0 No 6911 'Holker Hall' pilots an unknown ex-GWR 2-6-0 Mogul locomotive
GWR 4-6-0 49xx 'Hall' class No. 4902 'Aldenham Hall' on a seven coach express
Ref: gwrhb1481
TE Williams
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 4073 ‘Castle’ class No 5012 ‘Berry Pomeroy Castle’ with a down express ascends Hatton Bank
BR built Castle Class No 7019 'Fowey Castle' is seen prior to receiving its double chimney in September 1958
Ref: gwrhb2214
BPC
BR built Castle Class No 7019 'Fowey Castle' is seen prior to receiving its double chimney in September 1958
GWR 4-6-0 49xx 'Hall' class No. 4902 'Aldenham Hall' on a seven coach express
Ref: gwrhb1474
TE Williams
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 No 6014 ‘King Henry VII’ on with the 5:10pm Paddington to Wolverhampton express

Ex-GWR 56xx class 0-6-2T No 6604  with a Bordesley to Leamington Spa local freight train descends Hatton Bank
Ref: gwrhb2262
K Pirt
Ex-GWR 56xx class 0-6-2T No 6604 with a Bordesley to Leamington Spa local freight train descends Hatton Bank
British Railways built 4-6-0 Castle Class No 7029 'Clun Castle' storms up Hatton Bank on 9th September 1966
Ref: gwrhb2352
A Pratt
BR built 4-6-0 Castle Class No 7029 'Clun Castle' storms up Hatton Bank on 9th September 1966
Ex-WD 'Austerity' 2-8-0 No 90589 is seen at the head of a down freight train on 1st December 1951
Ref: gwrhb2216
K Cribb
Ex-WD 'Austerity' 2-8-0 No 90589 is seen at the head of a down freight train on 1st December 1951
An unknown King Class 4-6-0 locomotive descends Hatton Bank at speed on an up express on 1st  December 1951
Ref: gwrhb2211
K Cribb
An unknown King Class 4-6-0 locomotive descends Hatton Bank at speed on an express on 1st December 1951
Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48477 is seen working hard as it heads a down freight to Birmingham on 26th July 1966
Ref: gwrhb2212
R Siviter
Ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 No 48477 is seen working hard as it heads a down freight to Birmingham on 26th July 1966

Ex-GWR 72xx Class 2-8-2T No 7246 receives assistance from a 2-6-2T banker as it climbs the down goods line
Ref: gwrhb2213
G Coltas
Ex-GWR 72xx Class 2-8-2T No 7246 receives assistance from a 2-6-2T banker as it climbs the down goods line
Ex-GWR 4073 Class 4-6-0 No 5025 'Criccieth Castle' is seen on a down Summer Saturday special in 1960
Ref: gwrhb2231
R Eborall
Ex-GWR Castle Class 4-6-0 locomotive ascends Hatton Bank with a twelve coach down Summer Saturday special
Ex-GWR 49xx Class 4-6-0 No 5955 'Garth Hall' climbs Hatton Bank with the 10:10 Poole to Birkenhead service on 20th June 1964
Ref: gwrhb2233
GT Robinson
Ex-GWR 49xx Class 4-6-0 No 5955 'Garth Hall' climbs Hatton Bank with the 10:10 Poole to Birkenhead service
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 No 6918 'Sandon Hall' climbs Hatton Bank with an  express from Eastbourne on 20th June 1964
Ref: gwrhb2234
GT Robinson
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 No 6918 'Sandon Hall' is seen climbing Hatton Bank with an express from Eastbourne
British Railways built 6959 Class 4-6-0 No 7908 'Henshall Hall' descends Hatton Bank on 28th March 1964
Ref: gwrhb2226
R Postill
British Railways built 6959 Class 4-6-0 No 7908 'Henshall Hall' descends Hatton Bank on 28th March 1964

Ex-GWR 68xx Class 4-6-0 No 6871 'Bourton Grange' works the 13:11 am Portsmouth to Wolverhampton service
Ref: gwrhb2230
C Verrall
Ex-GWR 68xx Class 4-6-0 No 6871 'Bourton Grange' works the 13:11 am Portsmouth to Wolverhampton service
BR built 6959 Class 4-6-0 No 6991 'Acton Burnell Hall' with the 09:05 Birkenhead to Poole service
Ref: gwrhb2229
C Verrall
BR built 6959 Class 4-6-0 No 6991 'Acton Burnell Hall' with the 09:05 Birkenhead to Poole service
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 No 6933 'Birtles Hall' descends Hatton Bank with a Wolverhampton to Weymouth service on 8th August 1964
Ref: gwrhb2354
C Verrall
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 No 6933 'Birtles Hall' descends Hatton Bank with a Wolverhampton to Weymouth service
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 Grange Class No 6853 'Morehampton Grange' is seen running south on Hatton Bank with an up freight on 22nd April 1965
Ref: gwrhb2374
N Kendall
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 No 6853 'Morehampton Grange' is seen running south on Hatton Bank with an up freight
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 No 6918 'Sandon Hall' climbs Hatton Bank with an  express from Eastbourne on 20th June 1964
Ref: gwrhb2353
C Verrall
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 No 6937 'Conygham Hall' climbs Hatton Bank with a Weymouth to Wolverhampton service

Ex-LMS 4-6-0 Class 5 No 45188 battles up Hatton bank with a heavy northbound freight service on 22nd April 1965
Ref: gwrls2377
N Kendall
Ex-LMS 4-6-0 No 45188 battles up Hatton bank with a heavy northbound freight service on 22nd April 1965
Ex-GWR 0-6-2T 56xx class No 6624 north of Hatton Junction with a cement train from the Harbury Cement works located at Greaves sidings on 9th May 1953
Ref: gwrhj2260
N Kendall
Ex-GWR 0-6-2T 56xx class No 6624 with a cement train from the Harbury Cement works on 9th May 1953
Ex-Great Western Railway 2-6-2 5101 class large prairie No 4155 with a class E express freight
Ref: gwrhb2961
B Hicks
Ex-Great Western Railway 2-6-2 5101 class large prairie No 4155 with a class E express freight
Ex-Great Western Railway 4-6-0 49xx (Hall) class No 4984 ‘Albrighton Hall’ powers up Hatton Bank on the Down Main line
Ref: gwrhb2962
K Pirt
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 49xx (Hall) class No 4984 ‘Albrighton Hall’ powers up Hatton Bank on the Down Main line
Ex-Great Western Railway 4-6-0 49xx (Hall) class No 4984 ‘Albrighton Hall’ powers up Hatton Bank on the Down Main line
Ref: gwrhb3888
TE Williams
Ex-GWR 4-6-0 King class No 6012 'King Edward VI' on the down 4:10pm Paddington to Birkenhead service

Diesel Dawn

Diesel Locomotive D1733 is seen descending Hatton Bank with the 08:35pm Snow Hill to Paddington service
Ref: gwrhb2228
C Verrall
Diesel Locomotive D1733 is seen descending Hatton Bank with the 08:35pm Snow Hill to Paddington service
A single car DMU to Leamington Spa is seen on passing the Paddington to Chester service headed by D1756 on 19th February 1966
Ref: gwrhb1465
M Mensing
A single car DMU bound for Leamington passes a Paddington to Chester service headed by D1756

Route Profile

Profile of the route from Leamington Spa to Lapworth showing the continuous effort required up Hatton Bank
Ref: hatton-bank-profile
GWR
Profile of the route from Leamington Spa to Lapworth showing the continuous effort required up Hatton Bank
Plan presented to Parliament in 1913 showing the extra land required at the top of Hatton Bank and the station
Ref: gwrhb4005
GWR
Plan presented to Parliament in 1913 showing the extra land required at the top of Hatton Bank & the station