South Yorkshire Railways

In the 19th century, coal and iron production in South Yorkshire led to the development of railways. The industrial towns of Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, and Doncaster attracted Victorian pioneers who built competing lines to the collieries and factories. The passenger routes followed, connecting the growing centers of population and connecting with major cities in adjoining counties and further afield. The Great Centrals line from Sheffield to Manchester was built to meet the challenge of piercing the Pennines at Woodhead. This photographic collection presents a selection of images from across the county from the 1970s to the present day, from the dying days of the pits to the era of the internet-enabled trains of the twenty-first century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2021
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Coal and iron production played a pivotal role in the development of railways in what is now known as South Yorkshire. The industrial towns of Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, and Doncaster drew Victorian pioneers who constructed a vast network of often competing lines to the collieries and factories. While the transportation of people was initially a secondary consideration, the demand for passenger services grew, leading to the establishment of passenger routes that connected the burgeoning population centers and facilitated connections with major cities in neighboring counties and beyond.

One of the most historically significant achievements was the construction of the Great Central line from Sheffield to Manchester. This line, later electrified and renowned for its service, faced a formidable challenge in traversing the Pennines at Woodhead. Despite this obstacle, the construction of the line was completed, marking a significant milestone in the development of rail transportation in the region.

This photographic collection offers a glimpse into the diverse county of South Yorkshire, spanning from the 1970s to the present day. It captures a range of images, from the final days of the coal pits to the era of internet-enabled trains in the twenty-first century. Many of these photographs feature infrastructure and locations that have long since vanished from the railway map, providing a nostalgic look at the county's railway heritage.

The collection showcases the evolution of rail transportation in South Yorkshire, from the humble beginnings of steam-powered locomotives to the modern high-speed trains that connect the region to major cities and beyond. It also highlights the impact of industrialization on the landscape, with the construction of mines, factories, and railway lines altering the natural terrain and shaping the county's development.

Overall, this photographic collection offers a valuable insight into the history and development of railways in South Yorkshire. It serves as a reminder of the county's rich industrial heritage and the significant role that rail transportation played in shaping its identity and connectivity.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 168 x 233 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445698281