The Nidd Valley Light Railway

[rogerfarnworth]

The short paragraph immediately below appeared in the February 1952 edition of The Railway Magazine in reply to a question submitted by G. T. Kaye.

“The Nidd Valley branch of the former North Eastern Railway (which was closed to passengers on 31st March 1951) terminated at Pateley Bridge, 14 miles from Harrogate. In 1900, a Light Railway Order was obtained for a 2 ft. 6 in. gauge line from Pateley Bridge to Lofthouse-in-Nidderdale, six miles further up the valley, but the promoters had difficulty in finding the necessary capital. At that time, the Bradford Corporation was about to undertake the construction of reservoirs in the Nidd Valley, and a railway was required to carry materials to the sites. The Corporation took over the powers for the light railway, and extended it for a further 6 miles, from Lofthouse to Angram. The railway was laid to the standard-gauge, and was opened to passengers between Pateley Bridge and Lofthouse on 1st May 1907. The remainder of the line did not carry public traffic. The line was worked by two 4-4-0 tank engines and passenger coaches purchased from the Metropolitan Railway. The passenger services were withdrawn on 31st December 1929, and the line was closed completely some months later.” [1: p143]

It appeared close to the back of the magazine in the section called, “The Why and the Wherefore”. It seemed like a good idea to explore what further information there is available about the Nidd Valley Light Railway. …….

The Nidd Valley Light Railway

The short paragraph immediately below appeared in the February 1952 edition of The Railway Magazine in reply to a question submitted by G. T. Kaye. “The Nidd Valley branch of the former North…

rogerfarnworth.com

 

[weepingwillowb]

From the Hull newspaper, The Daily Mail, Thursday,12th September 1907



and from the Leeds Mercury, Wednesday, 11th April 1900.



Here's a transcription of the above article, as some of it isn't clear—

OPENING UP THE COUNTRY.

PROPOSED LIGHT RAILWAY IN NIDDERDALE

....A public meeting was held at Lofthouse, near Pateley Bridge, on Monday night, to consider an offer of the Power and Traction Company Limited to construct a light railway from Pateley Bridge to Lofthouse, a distance of seven miles. There was a good attendance, presided over by Mr. J. H. Metcalfe, chairman of the committee.—Mr. Smith, one of the directors of the company, attended, and placed the views of his company before the meeting. The valley had been surveyed, and the company recommended that a 2ft. 6in. gauge line should be laid along the north side of the valley, with stations at Pateley Bridge, Wath, Ramsgill, and Lofthouse. The preliminary expenses in obtaining Parliamentary powers, &c., would probably be about £1,000. If the residents would subscribe £500, the company would find the remainder. If the line proceeded, the £500 would be returned in shares. The company was also willing to subscribe the necessary capital for the construction of the line, as, from the reports of their engineer, they were confident the line would pay. The valley is rich in minerals, especially splendid stone and lime, and a considerable income would be derived from this. In addition, the scenery of How Stean, the wonderful Goyden Pot, and other noted places would also attract thousands of visitors during the year. After some discussion, subscriptions were asked for to cover the preliminary expenses, and £320 was subscribed in the room, Mr. Metcalfe subscribing £100, Mr. Barlow £100, Mr Robert Ingleby £50, and Mr. William Foster £50. There is no doubt the remainder will be forthcoming during the next few days.

 

[rogerfarnworth]

From the Hull newspaper, The Daily Mail, Thursday,12th September 1907

View attachment 199333

and from the Leeds Mercury, Wednesday, 11th April 1900.

View attachment 199334

Here's a transcription of the above article, as some of it isn't clear—

OPENING UP THE COUNTRY.

PROPOSED LIGHT RAILWAY IN NIDDERDALE

....A public meeting was held at Lofthouse, near Pateley Bridge, on Monday night, to consider an offer of the Power and Traction Company Limited to construct a light railway from Pateley Bridge to Lofthouse, a distance of seven miles. There was a good attendance, presided over by Mr. J. H. Metcalfe, chairman of the committee.—Mr. Smith, one of the directors of the company, attended, and placed the views of his company before the meeting. The valley had been surveyed, and the company recommended that a 2ft. 6in. gauge line should be laid along the north side of the valley, with stations at Pateley Bridge, Wath, Ramsgill, and Lofthouse. The preliminary expenses in obtaining Parliamentary powers, &c., would probably be about £1,000. If the residents would subscribe £500, the company would find the remainder. If the line proceeded, the £500 would be returned in shares. The company was also willing to subscribe the necessary capital for the construction of the line, as, from the reports of their engineer, they were confident the line would pay. The valley is rich in minerals, especially splendid stone and lime, and a considerable income would be derived from this. In addition, the scenery of How Stean, the wonderful Goyden Pot, and other noted places would also attract thousands of visitors during the year. After some discussion, subscriptions were asked for to cover the preliminary expenses, and £320 was subscribed in the room, Mr. Metcalfe subscribing £100, Mr. Barlow £100, Mr Robert Ingleby £50, and Mr. William Foster £50. There is no doubt the remainder will be forthcoming during the next few days.

Thank you for these insights, weepingwillowb.