Lockwood Railway Station

 In 2015 I set out to picture the railway stations along the Penistone Line between Huddersfield and Penistone, on the day I managed to picture Berry Brow, Honey, Brockholes, Stocksmoor, Shepley and Denby Dale, missing out on Penistone and Huddersfield which I still haven't visited, and Lockwood as the time got away from me. Recently in Huddersfield I decided to visit Lockwood and finally picture that stop, these pictures were taken on the 25th July 2020.

Lockwood Railway Station opened along with the line on the 1st July 1850 as a double platform twin track stop. Located just south of the Lockwood Tunnel approx. 1.5 miles from Huddersfield . The station became a junction stop in August 1868 when the Meltham Branch line opened to goods traffic, passenger transport commencing in July 1869, until the line was closed in 1965. Lockwood Station was staffed until the 1960's and after the closure of the Meltham Branch spent many years as the subject of closure speculation along with the entire Penistone Line. In the 1980's the decision was made and the line was to remain open, although it would now be a single track. The remains of the closed platform can still be seen at Lockwood although overgrown, the connecting tunnel blocked by a door.

The station has minimal facilities with a small car park, step free access, a basic small shelter. In 2018/19 it was attended by 40006 passengers at an average of 769 per week. That's a drop of over 11000 passengers compared to 2015/16, but despite this drop the line remains popular and is growing steadily year on year. Lockwood Station is served hourly in each direction daily.

Immediately north of the station is the 255 yard Yew Green Tunnel, better known as Lockwood Tunnel it has been the scene of a couple of incidents. The first tragedy to effect the tunnel occurred before it opened.   In July 1849 the tunnel was complete although the railway line was, a group of men had been drinking at a nearby inn, when they challenged each to a race through the tunnel. Upon completing the race they realised one of their number was missing and tracked back through the tunnel until they came across the body of John Godly, who it was said had tripped and broken his neck whilst racing through the tunnel.

 The tunnel was the scene of a rail crash in March 1869 when a passenger train and a goods train collided in the tunnel, the driver error resulted in 3 people being injured.

To the south of the station lies the Lockwood Viaduct, I'll try to return to picture that but was short on time on this occasion, between the viaduct and station are the remains of the coal drops. The set of 8 former coal drops still stand, now being used as a car park. They also feature a tunnel connecting both sides of Howarth Lane.

The pictures were taken using a Nikon d3300 on the 25th August 2020, they can be seen un-watermarked and higher resolution on Clickasnap by clicking any image. Link will open in another window.

Clicking any image will open a link in another window to the un-watermarked higher resolution version on Clickasnap.

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Denby Dale Railway Station and Viaduct

Denby Dale Railway Station serves the village of Denby Dale in Kirklees, West Yorkshire, it was opened on the 1st July 1850 as a much larger, grander station featuring a number of buildings and platforms and track in both directions. Much of the Penistone Line was singled north of Stocksmoor Station but the line past Denby Dale had already been reduced, having been singled from Clayton West Junction to Penistone through the station and over the viaduct in 1969, with the north bound platform, buildings and entrance removed, not much is evident they were ever there now.

The station was planned by the Huddersfield and Sheffield Junction Railway who had received permission from parliament to build the line in June 1845, by the time the build was completed and opened the line was owned by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway who they had merged with along with many others in July 1847.

The modern day station offers only limited facilities with no toilets or refreshments available, the village centre is only a short walk away though. It is currently used by an average of 3442 passengers per week with an hourly service in each direction Monday to Saturday. 

The pictures below, which can also be seen on Clickasnap were taken on the 21st May 2016 with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera.

The start of Denby Dale Viaduct is just visible down the track.

Denby Dale Viaduct was built along with the line and opened in 1850, originally it was constructed of timber, due to the local price of stone making the project unaffordable. Despite concerns and visit from the board of trade the timber viaduct remained until in March 1877, the railway company under heavy pressure from Huddersfield County Borough Council committed to building a new stone viaduct.  Work commenced on the new viaduct adjacent to the timber one in September 1877 and it was opened on the 15th May 1880. The viaduct is now Grade II listed and features 21 arches.

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Brockholes Railway Station: A History of Change and Resilience

Brockholes Railway Station, situated approximately four miles south of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, serves the village of Brockholes on the scenic Penistone Line. Its story is one of expansion, decline, and eventual preservation, reflecting the broader trends in British railway history.

Early Development and the Holmfirth Branch:

• 1850: A Vital Junction: The station opened on July 1, 1850, alongside the Penistone Line, built by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. Critically, it also marked the inauguration of the Holmfirth Branch Line, transforming Brockholes into a significant junction. This strategic importance led to its temporary designation as "Brockholes Junction" during the 19th century.
• Economic Significance: The railway's arrival spurred economic growth in Brockholes and the surrounding Holme Valley. It facilitated the transport of goods, particularly textiles from the local mills, and provided crucial passenger connections.

Decline and the Beeching Era:

• Holmfirth Branch Closure (1959): The closure of the Holmfirth Branch Line in 1959 marked a significant turning point. This loss reduced the station's importance and foreshadowed future challenges.
• The Beeching Axe (1963-1966): Dr. Richard Beeching's report in 1963 recommended the closure of numerous unprofitable railway lines and stations, including Brockholes. While the Ministry of Transport initially refused closure in April 1966, the cessation of goods traffic in 1965 led to the station's downgrading to an unmanned halt in August 1966. This transition reflected the shift from a full-service station to a basic passenger stop.
• Demolition and Privatization (1970s): The decline continued with the demolition of some station buildings during the 1970s. The Station Master's house and offices on the "up" (Huddersfield-bound) platform were sold into private ownership, further reducing the station's operational footprint.

Survival and Preservation:

• Threats of Closure (1980s): The threat of complete closure resurfaced in the 1980s, highlighting the ongoing financial pressures on the railway network.
• Single-Line Operation (1989): In 1989, the double track was reduced to a single line, a common cost-saving measure on less busy routes. This resulted in the "down" (Sheffield-bound) platform becoming the sole operational platform.
• Heritage Restoration: In more recent times, there has been a focus on preserving the station's heritage. The disused "up" platform and buildings have been restored, complete with period-appropriate signage, offering a glimpse into the station's past. This restoration is often done by local volunteer groups, who have great passion for the railway.
• Current Usage: Despite its reduced infrastructure, Brockholes Railway Station remains a vital transport link for the local community. It handles approximately 60,000 passengers annually, demonstrating its continued importance. The station itself consists of a simple shelter on the active platform. Services are provided by Northern Trains.
• Community Importance: The penistone line and its stations are very important to the communities they serve. The line is used by commuters, students, and leasure travellers. The line also gives access to rural areas.

The pictures below were taken on the 21st May 2016 with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

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Berry Brow Railway Station.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Holme Valley, Berry Brow railway, originally opened on the 1st July 1850, as part of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, the station served the local community until its closure on the 2nd July 1966, before reopening on the 9th October 1989 300 yards from the site of the original station. Both Halts witnessed countless journeys and stories unfold within its walls.

Today, Berry Brow station operates as a delightful single platform halt on the scenic Penistone Line. Passengers can hop on and off, enjoying the convenience of a quick commute or embarking on a leisurely exploration of the surrounding countryside. The station itself boasts a quaint charm with its single platform hidden away inside a railway cutting.

Beyond the station lies a treasure trove of sights and experiences. The village of Berry Brow itself is a quaint haven, offering traditional pubs, cosy cafes, and independent shops nestled amidst charming stone cottages. For the more adventurous, the surrounding hills beckon with their hiking trails, panoramic views, and hidden waterfalls.

Berry Brow station is more than just a transport hub; it's a vital part of the community fabric. Local residents gather here for daily commutes, weekend outings, or simply to meet friends and family visiting.

Whether you're a train enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a charming escape, Berry Brow Station is a worthwhile destination. Trains run regularly from Huddersfield and Sheffield, making it easily accessible. So, pack your bags, hop on board, and discover the magic of Berry Brow Station for yourself!

 

I took a total of 5 pictures at the station on May 21st, 2016 with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking, and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All links open in another window.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.