Near Manningtree — Abandoned Railway: Or Line Never Built?

[Dr_Paul]

Looking at this map < http://maps.nls.uk/view/94815677 >, a couple of miles to the east of Manningtree there is the course of a line turning south-eastwards from the line to Harwich. Its course southwards can be found on map < http://maps.nls.uk/view/94815674 >, from bearing 131298. On this 25" map < http://maps.nls.uk/view/104192520 >, the course can be seen to the east of Tendring as a strip of woodland.

There is no indication of a formation after this on any map I've seen. If its course was maintained, it would follow a small river valley towards Weeley, which is on the line from Colchester to Clacton. It does not appear as a built railway on any map I've seen. Does anyone know anything about this?

 

[eastdyke]

Looking at this map < http://maps.nls.uk/view/94815677 >, a couple of miles to the east of Manningtree there is the course of a line turning south-eastwards from the line to Harwich. Its course southwards can be found on map < http://maps.nls.uk/view/94815674 >, from bearing 131298. On this 25" map < http://maps.nls.uk/view/104192520 >, the course can be seen to the east of Tendring as a strip of woodland.

There is no indication of a formation after this on any map I've seen. If its course was maintained, it would follow a small river valley towards Weeley, which is on the line from Colchester to Clacton. It does not appear as a built railway on any map I've seen. Does anyone know anything about this?

You have found an old one! Sadly never built.
From geocaching:

https://www.geocaching.com/geocache...way?guid=f7c3eef6-4d11-4a15-ba45-f5882b299ac0

In 1862 plans to build a branch line to be known as the Mistley, Thorpe and Weeley Line were drawn up and work began.
The scheme was abandoned in 1869 and now the only evidence of its existence is the remains of two bridges and some cutting work. One of these bridges is in Lodge Lane at Tendring and was latterly used as a goat shed whilst the other is here, now filled in, it carries the B1352, Mistley to Bradfield road over the proposed line.

 

[Dr_Paul]

Thanks for that... mystery solved.