 The Whimsey branch was built about 1823, and Whimsey later became an important focal point for private tramroads running northwards.By 1826 the Bullo Pill Railway was almost at a standstill and Edward Protheroe, a prominent coal-owner in the Parkend area and chairman of the S&WR, purchased the whole concern, including the Great Bilson colliery, selling the railway to a new company he formed, the "Forest of Dean Railway" Company, of which he was the chairman.An Act was obtained on 5 May 1826 authorising the new company to purchase and maintain both the Bullo Pill Railway and the private line, and to make the latter public.