19 Jan 2026
The origins and changing uses of the Hemel Hempstead Railway Line route – better known today as the Nickey Line – are the subject of a new talk from Harpenden History Society.
The talk is by David Abernethy, chair of Friends of the Nickey Line, who will also discuss the use of today’s line as a footpath and cycleway, the challenges and the work to maintain and change it to meet local needs.
The new line was opened on July 16 1877, and after struggling economically the last passenger train ran on June 16 1947. Freight traffic ceased in 1979 and the line was lifted.
Its value to the local community today can be seen by its usage – a whole-line survey in May 2020, during the pandemic lockdown, found 12,000 users in a week, with more than 1,000 a day just in the Harpenden sections alone.
The Society’s talks, open to the public, proved particularly popular throughout 2025, with average attendance of 150 at the 10 talks, the final talk in November attracting 190.
Subjects to be covered in February and March are Luton Hoo and Harpenden Links by Felicity Brimblecombe and Free Tenants in the Middle Ages by Mike Smith. The full programme for the year is available on the Society’s website. Recent recordings are available online for those unable to attend.
Talks are free to Society members and students; visitors are welcome, and a £5 donation is requested. Booking is not required; just turn up. The membership fee remains unchanged at £15 single or £20 joint.
As well as free on-street parking in the evening, the Methodist Church benefits from direct pedestrian access at the back from Bowers Way (West) public car park, lower level, behind Sainsbury’s.
