Mystery as archaeologists find LNER train in Belgium

No one knows the cart, thought to be almost a century old, came to be overseas in the city of Antwerp.

The LNER (London North Eastern Railway) brand dates back to the 1920s when it was one of the one of the big four railway companies. It wound up due to nationalisation in 1948.

But in 2018 the brand was revived when the Government took over the running of the line from Virgin Trains.

The carriage was found wedged into the ground in Antwerp. (Image: LNER)

The carriage discovered by archaeologists in Antwerp appears to be a wooden removal truck, which would have been used to carry people’s belongings when they moved home.

Sadly, much of the relic disintegrated while it was being excavated, but pictures show it wedged into the ground with the LNER name painted on its wooden exterior.

LNER Communications Director Stuart Thomas said: “We’re fascinated by the history of our brand - just last year we celebrated 100 years since the LNER came into being in 1923. In our 101st year it’s incredible to discover a little bit of LNER history has been buried in a field in Belgium for so many decades.”

The branding can clearly be seen on the side of the carriage. (Image: LNER)

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