In September 1825 the first railway for freight and passengers was opened between Darlington and Stockton. In the 1830's and 1840's there was a great explosion of proposals for new railways, most never came to fruition.

In 1834 a prospectus for a Railway from London via Colchester to Norwich was published by the Eastern Counties Railway, receiving Parliamentary approval in 1836. The surveyors had been out and their plans show that a significant swathe of land was being acquired causing the loss of a fair number of homes.

Construction began in 1837 but did not reach Colchester until 1843 when the money run out. Two years later there were proposals for a rail line from Marks Tey to Sudbury and Halstead. Another plan was a line through to Braintree cutting through Jays Lane and where the estate now is.

The railways created employment directly, and indirectly. Essential as the population of England quadrupled in the 19th century. In 1881 23 men in Marks Tey worked on the railway – several living in houses for rail staff.
Working on the railway often allowed great social mobility. The records inform us of several individuals starting on 5s/25per week at 14 and eventually had a major management position at £600 per annum.

So much moved by rail – the station had animal pens. The roads were quieter. The better off were able to visit the seaside and the holiday business had started. The modern world had arrived.