'The Nickey Line' is a publicly maintained seven-mile-long cycle way and footpath with much wildlife. It was a former branch railway line built by the Midland Railway Company to link the straw plait trade in Hemel Hempstead with the hat makers of Luton. It opened in July 1877. Redbourn was one of the line's main stations with a link to Harpenden Junction, allowing local passengers to connect with the main line to London. The last passenger train ran on 16 June 1947. There are various explanations for its nickname, but no definitive reason. See also http://www.nickeyline.org
Author: K Hoffmeister