Abbots Ripton Rail Disaster memorial to be unveiled in town

The disaster, which took place on January 21, 1876, occurred after the ‘Special Scotch Express’ train collided with a coal train during a blizzard. A few minutes later, a second express train crashed into the wreckage.

13 passengers died in the disaster, and a further 53 passengers were injured along with six traincrew members. Some of the victims are buried at the Priory Road Cemetery in Huntingdon.

The interpretation board will be at the Prior Road Cemetery and will tell the story of the ‘Abbots Ripton Rail Disaster’. It will also contain information on some of the victims.

One notable victim of the disaster was Dion William Boucicault, who was the son of the famous Irish actor and playwright, Dion Boucicault.

In 1878, Dion Boucicault funded the restoration of what is now the Cromwell Museum, in memory of his son.

Dion William Boucicault is buried at the Priory Road Cemetery, and his grave has been subject to its own restoration by local Huntingdon resident, Charles Saunders.

Charles, along with Kevin Rayner and Sam Carter from Merchant Steel Solutions, worked on the site. Kevin and Sam worked on the removal and re-fixing of the railings.

Charles carried out all of the restoration work on the railings, urn and the base of the grave at his own personal cost on his own premises. 

To commemorate the restored grave and the unveiling of the interpretation board, Huntingdon Town Council will be holding a small ceremony on Monday, January 22.

The ceremony will be open to members of the public who would like to see the unveiling and the memorial, which will be at 11am. It will take place at the Priory Road Cemetery in Huntingdon.