The Severn and Wye Railway started life as a tramroad (plateway) network in the Forest of Dean. It carried iron ore, coal and stone initially to Lydney where a small harbour had been built to transfer onto barges. The line to Parkend was opened in 1810. Over time the line was extended to other mineral workings extending to Cinderford, Coleford and Lydbrook. At various times in its history the railway company converted from plateway to broad gauge locomotion to standard gauge creating compatibility with the South Wales Railway.
In 1879 the Severn and Wye Railway Company merged with the Severn Bridge Railway. Both companies had experienced financial difficulties and mismanagement and ultimately the combined companies were forced to sell to the Great Western Railway and the Midland Railway. The railways in the Forest of Dean continued to disappoint and most passenger services were ended in 1929. Post World War Two the transport of minerals in the Forest of Dean significantly declined tand the rail network quietly closed.