February 2010

It's easy to take for granted the awesome endeavours of 19th Century railway pioneers which thread us through, around or over the nation's natural barriers. It was an age of speculative adventure, built on innovation, will power and elbow grease.

But many magnificent creations were abandoned during the industrial vandalism of the Fifties and Sixties. Forgotten Relics of an Enterprising Age celebrates some of them.
Operating Notices

Welcome to the February update of Forgotten Relics.

Size isn't everything apparently which is good news for two of the relics featured this month.

Whilst it lacks the splendour of Shankend or Riddings, half of Thistle Viaduct - part of the former Waverley route - still reaches across the Esk near the Anglo-Scottish border.

Castle Tunnel - often known by the name of Maenclochog, a nearby village - might be less than 100 yards long but it is notable for having made a small contribution to the war effort.

Two double track bores make their debut this month. Lydgate Tunnel is looking much refreshed as a result of BRB(R)'s recent incursion to resolve some issues with the brickwork. Local residents were apparently fearing its collapse. Meanwhile, to the right side of the Pennines, Batley Carr Tunnel looks in better order than many of the cars piled up outside its only remaining portal.
New this month
Thistle Viaduct
It won't win awards for architectural significance but Thistle Viaduct, across the River Esk, did exactly what the Waverley asked of it.
Castle Tunnel
A functional little structure punched through a rocky outcrop - rock that remains exposed for those passing through to examine.
as well as...
Lydgate
Tunnel
It ranks as the 26th longest disused tunnel and has been feeling healthier of late.
Batley Carr Tunnel
It's not much of a life, is it - half filled with filth and a view into a scrapyard?
Lune
Viaduct
This attractive five-arch structure is a familiar feature to the motorists of Teesdale.

You can reach pages about these relics by clicking on their name.

Across the site, new content is identified by a symbol whilst updated pages have a .
Main site areas
The site has stories about some of our more notable railway relics, with a hike through their history and reminiscences from those who worked there. You'll also find galleries showing dozens of bridges, viaducts, tunnels, earthworks, stations and junctions.
News

stories
Online coverage of our disused network.
Bridges & viaducts
Great structures spanning a gap.
Tunnels & earthworks
Holes blasted
through hills.
Stations & junctions
Destinations torn from the timetable.

All the site areas are available via links in the tab bar and right hand column.

We'll add more relics over the coming months. We hope you enjoy your visit and come back to see more Forgotten Relics soon.

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