Times were when Campsea Ashe was an important place in the ways of Suffolk life.

The station which was then a dual track was of vital importance for the war effort. The Tanks for the Armoured Divisions being kept at Tank Lane on the Easton Road awaiting transportation by rail. The munitions being stored in the sheds. Here are a few snippets we have received.

This picture was taken facing East or towards Saxmundham, at the Blackstock junction when the line branched off to Framlingham, BUT, the train standing there is on the line that went to Saxmundham. It then went forward and reversed to Framlingham. Its the old tale of ' backing in and driving out' The signalman was my uncle and I spent many happy hours at the box with him, learning about rabbits, pheasants, and other wildlife that was around!

This old photograph of the Station was taken in the mid 1950's when it was fully staffed. With double track, sidings for cattle trucks and a signal box , this was a busy station.
Highland cattle farmed nearby, would be herded onto these trucks for transportation to London. On one occasion the cattle trucks had been left at Woodbridge by mistake. It was decided to walk them to Woodbridge to load, causing a bit of commotion with the shoppers in the Thoroughfare and Cumberland Street who dived into the shops to avoid the fearsome looking beasts. The Loco is 'J15' 0-6-0 No 65389 covering Snape and Framlingham Freight.


This photograph was taken in June 199I
and shows an Ipswich bound passenger train approaching the station.

In March of 1967 the station became unmanned and in the mid 80's the line between Woodbridge and Saxmundham was singled.
Prior to becoming a private residence, the station house was used as an antiques showroom. As you can see, the awning has been replaced by a bus type shelter, whilst a radio antenna shed replaces the signal box. It is currently awaiting its latest role which has yet to be decided.
In 2005, the Station finally has a new sign advising it is Campsea Ashe for Wickham Market.
The bridge seen in the photo was demolished and a higher, stronger replacement was completed in early 2006.
In December 2011, the stationmaster's garden was removed to make way for improved parking at the station. The old engine shed is under threat as new housing plans require it's demolition.