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Ernest Marples: The Shadow Behind the Beeching Axe

Roy Bell

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Early Life and Career

Ernest Marples was born in 1907 in Salford, Lancashire. His father was a successful businessman, and Marples attended prestigious schools, including Eton College and Oxford University. After graduating from Oxford, Marples worked in the family business before entering politics.

In 1945, Marples was elected to Parliament as a Conservative MP. He served in a number of ministerial positions, including Minister of Housing and Local Government and Postmaster General. In 1959, he was appointed Minister of Transport.

Ernest Marples: The Shadow Behind Beeching

by David Brandon

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	31003 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	412 pages

The Beeching Report

As Minister of Transport, Marples commissioned a report on the state of the British railway system. The report, which was published in 1963, was authored by Dr. Richard Beeching.

The Beeching Report was highly critical of the British railway system. It argued that the system was inefficient and unprofitable, and that many lines should be closed. Marples accepted the recommendations of the report, and in the following years, thousands of railway lines were closed.

The Beeching cuts had a devastating impact on rural communities. Many towns and villages lost their only railway station, and people were forced to travel long distances to reach work or school. The cuts also led to the loss of jobs in the railway industry.

Controversy and Legacy

The Beeching cuts were highly controversial, and Marples was accused of being heartless and uncaring. However, Marples defended his decision, arguing that the cuts were necessary to save the railway system.

Marples's legacy is still debated today. Some argue that he was a visionary who saved the railway system from collapse. Others argue that he was a ruthless butcher who destroyed vital transport links.

Personal Life

Marples married twice. His first wife, Margaret, died in 1958. He married his second wife, Phyllis, in 1960. Marples had no children.

Marples died in 1978 at the age of 71. He is buried in St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

Ernest Marples was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant politician who achieved great things, but he was also responsible for a decision that had a devastating impact on rural communities. His legacy is still debated today.

Ernest Marples: The Shadow Behind Beeching

by David Brandon

4.4 out of 5