Abbots Ripton Train Disaster Remembered

A free public exhibition exploring the Abbots Ripton Railway Disaster will be held at Huntingdon Town Hall this January, marking 150 years since one of the most significant railway accidents in British history.

The Abbots Ripton disaster occurred in January 1876 when a series of trains collided near the village during severe weather, claiming 13 lives and injuring dozens. It exposed weaknesses in railway signalling at the time and prompted major improvements in railway safety across the country.

Some of the victims were buried in Huntingdon’s Priory Road Cemetery, and a family donation in memory of one of the deceased funded the 1878 restoration of the Huntingdon Grammar School, the building that now houses The Cromwell Museum.

The exhibition, hosted by Huntingdon Town Council, draws on original research and memorabilia from local rail historian Charles Saunders, including documents, photographs, and personal stories that bring this important chapter of local history to life. Visitors will learn more about the people affected by the disaster, the circumstances surrounding the collision, and the lessons that reshaped railway safety.

The exhibition will be open to the public at Huntingdon Town Hall from:

• Monday 19th  January (11am–4pm),
• Tuesday 20th January (10am – 8pm)
• and Wednesday 21st  to Thursday 22nd  January (10am–4pm).

Entry is free and the exhibition is suitable for all ages.

Following earlier feedback from residents, Huntingdon Town Council has confirmed a late-night opening for the exhibition, with doors remaining open until 8pm on Tuesday to give those working standard hours the opportunity to attend.

Councillor Audrey McAdam, Mayor of Huntingdon, said:

“This exhibition offers an important opportunity to reflect on a tragic event that had far-reaching consequences for rail safety, while also learning more about Huntingdon’s own place in that history.”

Source:  Huntingdon Town Council press release dated 8th January 2026