Claim: Braintree branch line was originally constructed from Maldon to Braintree, the line was proposed by MWBR and the Bishop's Stortford–Braintree branch line was opened in 1869.
Evidence: Originally constructed from Maldon to Braintree via Witham, only the line from Braintree to Witham remains open. The line was proposed by the Maldon, Witham & Braintree Railway (MWBR) and given royal assent in June 1846. The Bishop's Stortford–Braintree branch line, built by the Great Eastern Railway (GER), was opened in 1869.