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Dean Forest Railway

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Coordinates: 51°44′53″N 2°32′38″W / 51.748°N 2.544°W / 51.748; -2.544
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Dean Forest Railway
9681 north of Lydney Junction station
LocaleWest Gloucestershire
Commercial operations
Built bySevern & Wye Railway
Original gauge3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) (prior to 1868)
7 ft 1⁄4 in (2,140 mm) Brunel gauge (1868 to 1872)
4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge (from 1872)
Preserved operations
Stations5 open
Length4+1⁄4 miles (6.8 km)
Preserved gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Commercial history
Opened1813
1868Converted to 7 ft 1⁄4 in (2,140 mm) Brunel gauge
1872Converted to 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Closed1977
Preservation history
1970The Society is formed
1971First open day at Parkend
1978First open day at Norchard
1983The Duke of Gloucester visits
1986Route purchased from BR
1991Norchard to Lakeside opened
1995Lakeside to Junction opened
2001Lydney Town opened
2002Norchard to Tufts opened
2003Tufts to Whitecroft opened
2006Parkend opened by Princess Anne
2012Whitecroft opened
HeadquartersNorchard

The Dean Forest Railway is a 4+1⁄4-mile (6.8 km) long heritage railway that runs between Lydney and Parkend in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

The route was part of the former Severn and Wye Railway which ran from Lydney to Cinderford. The society that operates the line started steam locomotive operations in 1971, and bought the trackbed and line from British Rail in 1986, reaching Lydney Junction in 1995 and Parkend in 2005.[1] Trains are operated by both steam and heritage diesel locomotives, and heritage diesel multiple units.

The Dean Forest Railway has been given the former Panteg and Griffithstown railway station building. Its removal was completed in June 2016, and is expected to be placed at the new upcoming Speech House Road.

CrossCountry are now providing a combined fare for travel to Lydney mainline station (on CrossCountry services only) and then onto the Dean Forest Railway.[2][3]

The Dean Forest Railway plans to extend its heritage services a further 2+1⁄2 miles (4.0 km) through/into the middle of the Royal Forest at Speech House Road (close to the nearby Beechenhurst Visitor Attraction), bringing the line to a total of about 6+3⁄4 miles (10.9 km) in length.[4] In 2016, DFR's director of civil engineering and director of development Jason Shirley announced plans to expand the railway to Cinderford. The project's status as a strategic regional development means that a large proportion of the estimated £8million cost could be met by Government funding.[5]

Stations and Junctions of the DFR

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Dean Forest Railway
Legend
Severn and Wye Railway
Parkend
Whitecroft
Severn and Wye Railway
Mineral Loop
Tufts Bridge
over River Lyd
Severn and Wye Railway
to Princess Royal Colliery
 Tufts Junction
Norchard
High Level | Low Level
Middle Forge Junction
 Lydney Town
St Mary's Halt
Pidcock's Canal
River Lyd
Lydney Junction National Rail
for Gloucester–Newport line
Railway lines in Lydney
Legend
For canal icons used below, please refer to waterways legend.


Dean Forest Railway
Severn and Wye Railway
Mineral Loop
Princess Royal Colliery
Tufts Junction
Tinworks
adjacent to Lydney Junction
Tufts Bridge
Norchard High Level
Norchard Low Level
Engine Shed
adjacent to Lydney Junction
Middle Forge Junction
 Lydney Town
St Mary's Halt
Lydney Junction
Severn Bridge Tunnel
 Severn Bridge
Lydney
Gloucester–Newport line
Lydney Harbour Branch
Pidcock's Canal
Severn Railway Bridge
(Dismantled 1970)
Forges
Lydney Canal
Lower Docks
Upper Docks
River Severn
Swing bridge over
Gloucester & Sharpness Canal
Locks onto River Severn
River Severn
Severn Bridge Railway

Proposed future extension

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Locomotives

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  • 1450 passes through Oakenwood, just north of Whitecroft.
    1450 passes through Oakenwood, just north of Whitecroft.
  • 9681 hauling goods into Parkend.
    9681 hauling goods into Parkend.
  • 1450 masquerading as 1401 as part of DFR's Titfield Thunderbolt Weekend.
    1450 masquerading as 1401 as part of DFR's Titfield Thunderbolt Weekend.

Steam

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Number & Name Description Current Status Livery Image
No. 5541 GWR 4575 Class 2-6-2T Operational. Built in 1928 and owned by the Dean Forest Locomotive Group. Boiler ticket expires end of December 2024. BR lined Green with late crest
NCB No. 3880/WD 152 "Rennes" Austerity 0-6-0ST Under Overhaul. Built in 1944. LMR Blue
No. 2221 Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST Under Overhaul. Built in 1946. N/A
No. 9681 BR(W) 0-6-0PT GWR 5700 Class Operational; completed its overhaul in November 2022. Built in 1949 and owned by the Dean Forest Locomotive Group. BR Black (Early Emblem)
No. 9682 BR(W) 0-6-0PT GWR 5700 Class Under overhaul. Bought by the Dean Forest Locomotive Group in late 2018, having been partially overhauled under previous owners; the GWR Preservation Group Ltd. Built in 1949, 9682 was the 100th locomotive to leave Barry Scrapyard. BR Black
No. 2147 "Uskmouth 1" Peckett and Sons 0-4-0ST Operational. Built in 1952 and bought by the DFR, in 1971. DFR's first loco. Light Green
No. 3806 "Wilbert" Austerity 0-6-0ST Stored. Built in 1953 and arrived in 1973. Named after Rev. W. Awdry in 1987. Formerly G.B Keeling. Dark Blue with Red Lining
No. 3823 "Warrior" Austerity 0-6-0ST Stored. Built in 1954. NCB Red
NCB No. 3889/NCB 65 Austerity 0-6-0ST Stored at Lydney Junction. Built in 1964. Departmental Yellow
No 2411 (Gloria) Hunslet 50550 Class 0-6-0ST Stored at Lydney Junction. Built in 1941.
No 2413 Gunby Hunslet 50550 Class 0-6-0ST Under overhaul. Built in 1941. Lined Black

Diesel and electric

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Number & Name Description Current Status Livery Year Image
No. 4210127 Fowler 0-4-0DM Diesel Shunter Stored awaiting overhaul. N/A
No. 5622 "Don Corbett" Hunslet 0-4-0 Diesel Shunter Operational Departmental Yellow with Wasp-Stripe bufferbeams
No. 6688 "Salty" Hunslet 0-4-0 Diesel Shunter Undergoing overhaul, Arrived from the Barry Island Railway in January 2009. Red with Yellow ends and Wasp-Stripes 1968
No. 08769 (D3937) "Gladys" BR 0-6-0DE Class 08 Operational. Re-entered service in 2013. BR Blue with wasp stripes 1960
No. D9521 BR 0-6-0 Class 14 Operational BR Blue 1964
No. D9555 BR 0-6-0 Class 14 Away getting repairs BR Green 1965
No. E50619 BR Class 108 DMBS Operational BR Green 1958
No. M51566 BR Class 108 DMCL Operational BR Green 1959
No. M51914 BR Class 108 DMBS Operational BR Green 1961
No. M56492 BR Class 108 DTCL Operational BR Green 1960
No. M59387 BR Class 108 TSL Operational BR Green 1958

Former Steam Locomotives

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Number & Name Description Current Status Livery Image
No. 1450 GWR 0-4-2T 1400 Class Undergoing overhaul; at the Severn Valley Railway. Built in 1935. Was resident from 2004 until early 2014. GWR green (as pictured)
No. 9642 BR(W) 0-6-0PT 5700 Class Undergoing overhaul. Resident from 1998 to 2004 when owned by the South Wales Pannier Group. Sold to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway in 2005. Built in 1946 BR Black (Early Emblem)
No. 813 GWR Port Talbot Railway 0-6-0ST Stored awaiting repairs. Now at the Severn Valley Railway. Built in 1901. Was on hire for the 2004 season. GWR Green 1929-34 Livery
No. 5521 GWR 2-6-2T 4575 Class Under overhaul at the Flour Mill. Built in 1928. Had running in tests during early 2007, before spells on the railway between 2010 and 2012, before returning briefly in October 2016 appearing as L150. London Transport Maroon, running as number L.150.
No. 5538 GWR 2-6-2T 4575 Class Under overhaul at the Flour Mill. Built in 1928.
No. 4953 "Pitchford Hall" GWR 4900 Class Operational. Spent its early years of Preservation at the DFR. Now at the Epping Ongar Railway. Built in 1929 BR Lined Black (Early Emblem)
No. 4150 GWR 2-6-2T 5101 Class Restoration in progress at the Severn Valley Railway. Spent its early years of Preservation at the DFR 1974 - 1977. Built in 1947. BR Green
28 Taff Vale Railway O1 class Restoration in progress at the Gwili Railway. Was at the DFR in 1990s Built in 1897. GWR Green
GWR 7800 Class 7812 'Erlestoke Manor' GWR 7800 Class Owned by the Erlestoke Manor Fund and came back into steam in early 2023 and currently out on loan as of 2024, based at the Severn Valley Railway. Spend its early years of Preservation at the DFR. Built in 1939 BR Green

Visiting Steam Locomotives

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Number & Name Description Current Status Livery Image
Rocket (replica) Stephenson's Rocket Operational, Visited the DFR in 2010 Built in 1979. Yellow
No1722 ‘Rocket" Peckett and Sons 0-4-0ST Operational, visited the DFR for the DFR 50 gala in 2021. Built in 1926 Blue
Rosyth No. 1 Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST Operational, visited the DFR in 2023. Built in 1914 Green
WD 132 Sapper Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST Under Overhaul, Visited the DFR in 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2024. Built in 1944 WD Green
75008 Swiftsure Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST Operational, Visited the DFR in 2017 / 2018. Back at the DFR in June 2021. Dual Braked. Built in 1943 LMR Blue
Jessie Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST Operational, and had visited the DFR for their Day Out with Thomas events as Thomas the Tank Engine. Also was on loan for most of 2006 in normal state. Having been working at Llangollen Railway for many years, 2019 saw a move to the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway and return for the 2019 Gala. Return for the first half of the 2021 season. Built in 1937. Dark Green with Yellow lining
401 Vulcan W.G Bagnall 0-6-0ST "New Standard 18" Operational, Visited the DFR in 2023 Built in 1951 Steel Company of Wales
No. 30587 LSWR 0298 Class Static Display, Visited the DFR in 2009 for the Severn & Wye 200th Anniversary Gala and then in 2016 for the Flour Mill 20th Anniversary Gala. Built in 1874. BR Black with early emblem
No. 30120 LSWR T9 Class Stored, Visited the DFR in 2016 for the Flour Mill 20th Anniversary Gala. Built in 1899. BR Lined Black with early emblem
Met No.1 Metropolitan Railway E Class Undergoing overhaul, Visited the DFR in 2016 for the Flour Mill 20th Anniversary Gala. Built in 1898. Metropolitan Railways Red
41708 (1704) Midland Railway 1377 Class Non Operational, Visited the DFR in 1994 and when run as a half cab now at Barrow Hill Roundhouse. Built in 1880 BR Black with early emblem
47383 LMS Fowler Class 3F Static Display, Visited the DFR in 1995 now at Severn Valley Railway. Built in 1926 BR Green with early emblem
No. 41312 LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T 1312 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2018 for the Royal Forest of Steam Gala. Built in 1952. BR Black with late emblem
1340 GWR No. 1340 Trojan Operational. Visited the DFR in 2023. Built in 1897 GWR Green
1369 GWR 1366 Class Operational. Visited the DFR in 1996 and 2023. Built in 1934 GWR Green with Shirtbutton Emblem
1466 GWR 1400 Class Under Overhaul at Norchard by Western Steam Engineering and due to return to traffic by 2023. Visited the DFR in 1995. Built in 1934 BR Green with early emblem
No. 7754 BR(W) 0-6-0PT GWR 5700 Class Undergoing overhaul. Visited the DFR in 1997 and 1998. Normally based at the Llangollen Railway. Built in 1930. BR Black (Early Emblem)
No. 6412 BR(W) 0-6-0PT GWR 6400 Class Operational. Visited the DFR in 1998. Normally based at the South Devon Railway. Built in 1934. BR Green
No. 6695 BR(W) 0-6-2T GWR 5600 Class Operational. Visited the DFR in 2024. Normally based at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway. Built in 1928. GWR Unlined Green
City of Truro 3440 (3717) GWR 3700 Class, or City Class, 4-4-0 Non Operational, Visited the DFR in 1991 for the opening of St Marys Halt (then called Lydney Lakeside) and again in 2010 for 200th anniversary of the Severn & Wye Railway. Built in 1903 GWR Green
GWR 7800 Class 7802 'Bradley Manor' GWR 7800 Class Undergoing repairs at Tyseley Locomotive Works and expected to be back in service in 2025. Visited the DFR in 2006 for the opening of Parkend. Built in 1938 BR Green
3205 GWR 2251 Class Stored, at the South Devon Railway with an overhaul planned. Visited the DFR in 2001 . Built in 1946 GWR Green
5199 GWR 5101 Class Out of Service, at the Flour Mill. Visited the DFR in 2019 . Built in 1934 GWR Green

Former Diesel Locomotives and Multiple units

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Number & Name Description Current Status Livery Image
No. 2145 Hunslet 0-4-0DM Diesel Shunter Moved to Tanat Valley Light Railway Green
No. 3947 "Planet" (Formerly "Pluto") Hibberd 0-4-0DM Shunter Moved to the Vale of Berkeley Railway in 2022 Green
No. 08238 (13308 / D3308) "Charlie" BR 0-6-0DE Class 08 moved to NYMR BR Blue with Wasp Stripes
No. 08473 BR Class 08 Scrapped, Spares for 08734.But the chassis, cab, wheels and radiator still remain under tarpaulin. BR Blue
No. 08734 BR Class 08 Undergoing Restoration. BR Blue
No. D7633 BR Bo-Bo Class 25 Sold; awaiting overhaul; leaking header tank BR Two-Tone Green
No. 31466 BR A1A-A1A Class 31 Sold now on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway EWS Maroon/Gold
No. 37263 BR Co-Co Class 37 Moved to the Telford Steam Railway BR Departmental Grey livery
No. 37308 BR Co-Co Class 37 Moved to the Severn Valley Railway BR Blue
No. 47524 BR Co-Co Class 47 Scrapped Rail Express Systems
No. 73001 BR Bo-Bo Class 73 Sold; Operational BR Blue
No. 73002 BR Bo-Bo Class 73 Sold; parts donor BR Large Logo Blue
No.W50632 BR Class 108 DMCL Scrapped for parts BR Blue & Grey
No.W52044 BR Class 108 DMCL Scrapped for parts BR Blue & Grey
No. 1499 BR(W) British Rail Class 421 Scrapped 2012. South West Trains

Visiting Diesel Locomotives and Multiple units

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Number & Name Description Current Status Livery Image
No.03145 British Rail Class 03 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2023 for the Diesel Gala.
No. D2069 British Rail Class 03 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2019 for the Diesel Gala. Back at the DFR in 2021 Built in 1959. BR Green
No. 09106 British Rail Class 09 Operational. moved to the DFR in 2024 harry needle railway company Orange
D9537 British Rail Class 14 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2015 for the Diesel Gala. Built in 1965. BR Sand
D8568 British Rail Class 17 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2017 for the Diesel Gala. Built in 1963. BR Green
D8188/20059 British Rail Class 20 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2017 for the Diesel Gala. Built in 1961. BR Green
D5343 British Rail Class 26 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2016 for the Diesel Gala. Built in 1959.. BR Blue
31130 "Calder Hall Power Station" British Rail Class 31 Operational, Visited the DFR for 2022 Diesel Gala. Railfreight grey
33012/ D6515 Lt Jenny Lewis RN British Rail Class 33 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2024 on railtour. Built in 1962. BR Green
33063/ D6583 R.J. Mitchell British Rail Class 33 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2019 for the Diesel Gala. Built in 1962. Railfreight Mainline Sector
37227 British Rail Class 37 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2023 for the Diesel Gala. BR Railfreight Metals
37510 'Orion' British Rail Class 37 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2024 for the Diesel Gala. Europhoenix
No. 37 884 'Cepheus' British Rail Class 37 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2024 for the Diesel Gala. Europhoenix
37901 British Rail Class 37 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2022 for the Diesel Gala. Europhoenix
D832 Onslaught British Rail Class 42 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2018 for the Diesel Gala. BR Green
E6003 ( 73003) 'Sir Herbert Walker' British Rail Class 73 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2024 for the Diesel Gala. BR Green
79900 'Iris' British Rail Derby Lightweight Operational, Visited the DFR in 2016 and 2022 BR Green
150244 British Rail Class 150 Operational, Visited the DFR on 22.3.2014 with a through train from Gloucester to Parkend for the Multiple Unit Festival. FGW local
DEMU unit 1001 British Rail Class 201 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2012 and 2019 with a rail tour from Hastings. Build 1957. BR Green
No. 428 (4 TC ) British Rail Class 438 Operational, Visited the DFR in 2024 on a rail tour pulled by 33012/ D 6515 London Transport Maroon

For the 2001 diesel gala a number of diesel were display at Lydney Junction. These were 37029,37308,37906, D172, 47306, 56111, 60081, 66250 and 66524.

Coaches

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The main running set is a mix of BR Mark 1 and 2 stock. Two Mark 2 carriages were purchased by the DFR Society in 2018 so that the Mark 1s could be overhauled. In early 2020, all the Mark 1 and 2s were transferred ownership from the Forest of Dean Railway limited company to the DFR society, including XP64 number 4729.

Great Western Railway coaching stock

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Design Type Number Status Livery Notes image
Collett Standard TK 5813 Static sale coach Chocolate and Cream Built in 1934 Used as sales coach to raise funds for DFLG
Collett Standard TK 5863 Stored Chocolate and Cream Built in 1934 Formerly Used as volunteer accommodation coach
Collett Standard BCK 7362 awaiting overhaul None Built in 1941. Restoration due to start when overhaul of loco 9682 is completed.
Hawksworth (but to Collet Standard outline) Inspection Saloon W80943 Operational Chocolate and Cream Built in 1948

British Railways coaching stock

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Design Type Number Status Livery Notes
BR XP64 TSO 4729 Stored Chocolate and Cream A grant is being sought to restore 4729 to service.
BR Mk1 TSO 4862 Under Overhaul Maroon (upon completion) In the shed at Norchard
BR Mk1 TSO 4891 Stored Chocolate and Cream
BR Mk1 TSO 4980 Operational Maroon
BR Mk1 TSO 4923 Operational Maroon Was overhauled at Williton on WSR in 2021.
BR Mk1 CK 15984 Under Overhaul Chocolate and Cream Brought from Colne Valley Railway in 2022
BR Mk1 BSOT 9003 Operational Maroon
BR Mk1 BCK 21129 Stored Chocolate and Cream
BR Mk1 BCK 21267 To be accommodation Maroon To be used for volunteer accommodation initially with a view to possible passenger service in the medium term
BR Mk1 BSK 34742 Operational Maroon Entered traffic for the first time in preservation in December 2018.
BR Mk1 RMB 1803 Stored Chocolate and Cream
BR Mk1 BG 80654 Static Maroon Used as part of cafe kitchen at Norchard.
BR Mk2 TSO 5175 Operational Maroon Arrived at the DFR in November 2018.
BR Mk2a TSO 5341 Operational Maroon Arrived at the DFR in July 2019. Dual Braked.

Ex coaching stock

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Design Type Number Notes Image
Collett Standard Autotrailer Third 178 moved to the Severn Valley Railway.
Hawksworth Autotrailer Third 238 moved to the Severn Valley Railway.
Collett Standard BSK 1645 moved to the South Devon Railway.
Collett Standard TK 5848 scrapped
BR Mk1 BCK 21247 scrapped
BR Mk1 SK 25602 scrapped
BR Mk1 RMB 1829 moved to the East Lancashire Railway.
BR Mk1 RBR 1665 moved to the East Lancashire Railway.
BR Mk1 BG 81380 moved to the West Somerset Railway.
BR XP64 SK 25509 scrapped Dec 2007.
BR XP64 FK 13407 scrapped Jan 2013.

Coach type codes

Wagons

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There are lots different types of wagons at the DFR. Some are used for display and other for engineering works. Many of the wagons can be seen in sidings along the line. Sometime the DFR runs ride on fright trains where passenger can ride on the brakevans. there are rake of dogfish ballast wagons and TTA tank wagons.

Brakevans

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Design Type Number Status Livery Notes Image
SR 25 Ton Queen Mary Brake 56303 Operational BR Brown Dual Braked
BR 20 Ton Standard Brake 955224 Stored BR Brown
LMS 20 Ton Standard Brake 732268 Away being repair BR Brown
LMS 20 Ton Standard Brake 732400 awaiting repairs BR Brown
BR 20 Ton Shark Brake DB993901 Operational BR Black Vacuum Braked
BR 20 Ton Shark Brake DB993916 awaiting repairs BR Dutch Piped for air
GWR 20 Ton Toad Brake W68480 Operational BR Grey
GWR 20 Ton Toad Brake 17488 Awaiting repairs GWR Grey Purchased from the GWR Preservation Group alongside Pannier 9682, arrived April 2019. Vacuum Braked

References

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  1. ^ "Dean Forest Railway History". Dean Forest Railway website. Dean Forest Railway. Archived from the original on 15 December 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  2. ^ "A combination of rail and add-on discounted ticket to Dean Forest Railway". National Rail Enquiries. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  3. ^ "Trains to the Dean Forest Railway". CrossCountry. Archived from the original on 24 May 2012. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d "Dean Forest Railway History". Dean Forest Railway website. Dean Forest Railway. Archived from the original on 23 July 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
  5. ^ a b "Dean Forest Railway announces 7 years to Cinderford". Unseen Steam. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
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51°44′53″N 2°32′38″W / 51.748°N 2.544°W / 51.748; -2.544

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