Piercing The Pennines: Heroic railways linking Lancashire and Yorkshire

Lancashire and Yorkshire were long cut off by the Pennine chain, but the railway age brought them together and ensured the continued growth of Manchester as Britain's second city. This book portrays the heroic railway tunnels that connected the two counties as extraordinary achievements against seemingly insuperable odds, and includes a remarkable collection of illustrations ranging from period lithographs to present-day photographs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Great Northern Books Ltd

Lancashire and Yorkshire played pivotal roles in leading Britain and the world into the industrial revolution, yet they were geographically isolated by the Pennine chain. The arrival of the railway age finally bridged the gap between these two counties, ensuring the continued growth of Manchester as Britain's second city. A series of remarkable railway tunnels, including the iconic Woodhead Tunnel, connected Leeds and Sheffield, three of which held the title of the longest in the world upon their completion in the 1840s. This book presents these tunnels as extraordinary achievements against seemingly insurmountable odds, deserving of the utmost recognition. It delves not only into the tunnels and the men who built them but also explores the impact of the railway lines on key stations located on both sides of the Pennines. By taking a step back in history, the book highlights the role of canals in paving the way for the railways. Furthermore, it offers an optimistic vision for the future, with discussions of the HS3 project achieving journey times that seem unimaginable at present.

The book is accompanied by a remarkable collection of illustrations, spanning from period lithographs to contemporary photographs, that vividly depict the historical and cultural significance of the tunnels and the surrounding areas. The diverse range of themes explored in this book include:

* The visionary ideas of George Stephenson, known as the "Father of Railways."
* The harsh conditions faced by navvies (construction workers) who lived in crude huts made of loose stones and thatch.
* Drunken riots that followed pay days, reflecting the working-class struggles of the time.
* Tragic incidents such as the death and chronic illness that occurred at Woodhead Tunnel, perched atop the Pennines.
* The perilous situations faced by enginemen when working with heavy freights through the tunnels, where suffocation was a constant threat.
* Early travelers who preferred to disembark and walk rather than endure the discomfort of traveling through a tunnel behind a steam monster.
* The magnificent Huddersfield station, a stately home that combined trains with architectural grandeur.
* The Midland Railway, which boasts an impressive network of almost eight miles of tunnel between Settle and Manchester.

These captivating stories and images provide a deep insight into the historical and technological advancements that shaped the development of Britain and the world. The book serves as a testament to the resilience, determination, and ingenuity of the individuals who built these tunnels and the railway lines that connected them. It also highlights the enduring legacy of these engineering marvels, which continue to shape our modern world.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 348 x 254 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914227028