New plaque marks first train out of Ely

The new plaque with left to right, Greater Anglia's Jonathan Denby, Canon James Reveley of Ely Cathedral, the Mayor of Ely, councillor Mike Banyard, and Visit Ely's Anna Bennett

A special commemorative plaque has been unveiled to mark the 180th anniversary of the coming of the railway to a Cambridgeshire city.

The first passenger train departed Ely Railway Station on 30 July 1845, bound for Cambridge.

Organised by Visit Ely, the plaque was unveiled in front of representatives from the local community and the rail industry, including the station operator, Greater Anglia.

The Mayor of Ely, councillor Mike Banyard, said that the role the railway had played in the city's development could not be underestimated, including "giving local people excellent access to employment and leisure travel".

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway, with events planned throughout 2025 by Railway 200 to celebrate the industry's past, its role today, and its importance to a sustainable future.

Ely railway station photographed in 1919. Train services began in the city 180 years ago

The first train departed Ely station, bound for Cambridge, on 30 July 1845

Geraint Hughes, a former Greater Anglia employee and a volunteer for the city tourist group Visit Ely, said the trains had made an impact on Ely.

"Within 12 months of the station opening here we had a corn exchange in Ely for the first time," he said.

He explained that a livestock market was established because the station meant the farmers could bring their produce in more easily.

In the Victorian era, steam trains were the way forward, but journeys could be slower than today.

"In fact, the journey to London took three hours and if you were travelling third class you travelled in an open wagon for three hours all the way to London - whatever the weather," he added.

Geraint Hughes said the railways bought so much opportunity to Ely, with fresh eels being whisked to London in just three hours

The history boards are now a permanent feature on platforms two and three, telling the story of rail in the city

Ely Mayor, councillor Mike Banyard, said he thought it was a wonderful day to celebrate the railway in Ely

Councillor Banyard, unveiled the plaque and said the railway has been an integral part of the success of Ely.

"We cannot underestimate the role that the railway has played in the development of our city over 180 years, both initially in terms of supporting local agriculture and business and latterly in terms of giving local people excellent access to employment and leisure travel," he said.

He added he was pleased to be able to mark the anniversary as a contribution to Railway 200.