Abstract: A rail fastening assembly and sleepers and spring clips for use in such an assembly are provided by the invention. The assembly includes a sleeper having rail locating recesses in its operatively upper surface and sockets in the sides thereof and extending in the general direction of a rail supported thereon. Spring clips of a generally arcuate shape have a spigot received within an associated socket and a rail engaging formation at its other end. Each spring clip is thus enclosed in its socket and held under tension in the operative position such that the rail is held firmly onto the sleeper. The sockets are located on or inside of a line at right angles to the rail foot surface with which the clip co-operates such that the clip must be placed in further tension to release it and the tendency is for it to move in a direction favoring tighter engagement with the rail.