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On to Leeds – UK Rail Journeys Series 2 – Episode 08
In ‘On to Leeds‘ I continue my journey to Leeds. Today only part of my journey is on the true route of the Thames Clyde Express as a nine-mile section of the traditional route no longer exists.
Once a hive of industry with mile after mile of collieries, coke ovens, marshalling yards and sidings, coal mining subsidence causes speed restrictions in the 1960s. In 1968 trains move to other routes and in 1985 part of the line closes.
Today one section, from Oakenshaw South Junction near Wakefield to Redfearn’s Glassworks, a part of the Ardagh Group, at Monk Bretton remains. A weekly sand train goes to the glassworks and sometimes Northern Rail use the section for training.
Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with the podcast:
Small local stations:
Since the 1980s a number of stations have reopened on this route. We pass through Bolton on Dearne, Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Moorthorpe on our way to Fitzwilliam. Here the Friends of Fitzwilliam station provide local art work including a mural about the area.
Next comes Sandal and Agbrigg railway station serving the southern Wakefield suburbs. Originally dating from 1866 it is on the route of the Leeds branch of the East Coast Main Line.
The station closes in November 1957, remains closed for the next 30 years, and reopens on 30 November 1987.
Normanton:
Although I don’t pass through Normanton I have to tell you about the station. Over the years the once semi-rural station hosts Queen Victoria, US President Ulysses S. Grant, the Emperor of Brazil and Prime Ministers Gladstone and Disraeli.
Why? They all stop for lunch at the Midland Railway’s Normanton station because, in the days before dining cars, express trains stop here for lunch. The menu offers a six-course meal for 2/6 (half a crown = 12.5 pence); a world away from the Travellers Fare of my youth.
Journey’s End:
The journey continues across the 99 arch viaduct into Wakefield Westgate station. We then travel on to Leeds and the end of today’s journey.
Listen to the podcast to hear about my journey and the magnificent lunches in Normanton.
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Music:
AKM Music licenses Steam Railway and Funny Corporate for use in this podcast.