Railways of the West Riding of Yorkshire

The West Riding of Yorkshire had the most complex railway network in Britain, with seven railway companies, eleven significant joint lines, and several minor systems. This book reviews the region's local history, including its economy and key industries, the need for the railways, and the impact of railway mania in the mid-nineteenth century. It also celebrates the many locomotives that worked these lines and remembers the lost branch lines and stations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2021
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd

The West Riding of Yorkshire, a region in Britain, boasted the most intricate railway network in the country, consisting of seven railway companies at various times, with an eighth attempting to establish itself. This network was characterized by eleven significant joint lines and several minor systems, without a cohesive strategic plan for territory or routes. The companies engaged in constant competition for supremacy, often at the expense of efficiency, resulting in extensive duplication of facilities. Over twenty-five towns and villages had two passenger stations, while some even had three or four.

This book delves into the local history of the West Riding, encompassing its economy, key industries, and the necessity of railways. It explores the political and geographical challenges faced by the railway companies. It also examines the impact of railway mania, which swept across Britain in the mid-nineteenth century, on the region. The book pays tribute to the numerous locomotives that operated these lines, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their yards, sheds, and roundhouses. It also commemorates the lost branch lines and stations, recognizing their significance in the region's history.

The book is organized into individual chapters that cover various areas within the West Riding. These chapters include Leeds, Doncaster, Barnsley, and the coalfields, Sheffield and Rotherham, Airedale and Wharfedale, the Aire and Calder watershed, the Calder Valley, and Huddersfield. Each chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the region's railway history, highlighting its unique characteristics and contributions to the country's railway network.

In conclusion, "The West Riding of Yorkshire: A History of its Railways" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of railways in Britain. It offers a comprehensive and detailed account of the region's railway network, its economic and industrial development, and the impact of railways on the local community. Through its individual chapters, the book provides a deep insight into the various areas of the West Riding and their contributions to the country's railway heritage.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 190 x 247 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785008467