On May 21st, 2016, I visited Shepley Railway Station, capturing a series of images with my Nikon d3300 SLR.
A Station Steeped in History
Shepley railway station serves the charming villages of Shepley and Shelley, nestled on the outskirts of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Its story began on July 1st, 1850, when it was opened by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company. The line itself was authorized by an act of parliament on June 30th, 1845, with the aim of connecting Huddersfield to the Sheffield, Ashton-under-Lyne, and Manchester Railway at Penistone. For those interested in railway history, it's worth noting that the line from Penistone to Manchester, which passed through the iconic Woodhead tunnels, ceased operations in 1981.
Shepley's role in the railway network grew on September 1st, 1879, when it became a junction station with the opening of a 3.5-mile branch line to Clayton West. During this period, it was even known as Shepley and Shelley station. However, the branch line closed in 1983, and at the same time, much of the Penistone line was singled. Shepley, thankfully, retained its double track layout, providing a crucial passing loop between here and Stocksmoor.
Shepley Today: A Look at the Modern Station
Fast forward to today, and the modern Shepley station features a two-platform, staggered layout, situated on either side of a bridge. It's been unstaffed since 1966 and offers limited facilities. You won't find toilets, ticketing machines, disabled access, or shops here. Despite the minimalist amenities, the station remains a vital link for the local community. During 2018/19, it was used by 71,536 passengers, averaging around 1,375 per week. This represented a slight drop of approximately 55 passengers per week compared to the previous year.
Shepley Railway Station, with its rich past and continued service, truly stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Britain's railways.
