An era in the history of the royal station at Wolferton on the Sandringham estate has come to an end following the sad passing earlier this year of Richard Brown.  He bought the Downside twenty-five years ago and lovingly restored it to its former glory, opening the platform for visitors to take a step back in history and imagine royalty who alighted there on their way to Sandringham House. It has now been put on the market for £1.25million.

Richard was a huge supporter of my three Royal Station Master’s Daughters’ novels inspired by the life of Wolferton royal station master extraordinaire, Harry Saward, kindly displaying them in his workshop. It is thanks to Richard that I went on to write the two Royal Maids’ books as one of his visitors, Jan Snatih, saw my books there and mentioned she had a royal story to tell about her parents who met and later married after working at Buckingham Palace during WWII. He put me in touch with Jan, but without his introduction, I could not have written them.

Thank you Richard, I will be grateful to you forever.

Richard’s daughter Amy has issued the following statement:

After 25 years of welcoming visitors to Wolferton Station, the platform is now closed to public access.

Wolferton Station has reached the end of the line with our family and is now being offered for sale. While this is a difficult decision, we hope to find a new custodian who will appreciate its rich history, unique character and remarkable heritage.

This is more than just a property. It is a rare opportunity to own and care for one of Britain’s most iconic former railway stations. We hope its next owner will preserve its story and ensure that its legacy continues for many years to come.

We would like to thank everyone who has visited, supported the station and shared in its story over the past 25 years. Your enthusiasm, memories and interest in this very special place have meant a great deal to our family.

Richard shared his precious jewel with a generous heart that was appreciated by visitors, judging from comments they wrote in his visitors’ book, bestowing praise on the station, the only royal station in existence in the country, as well as Richard’s kind and enthusiastic hospitality.

Richard was a shy man who shunned the limelight saying it was all about the station, not him.  Thanks to his incredible legacy, he will never be forgotten.