KWVR – Steam Railway History
21/02/1804
Richard Trevithick’s Penydarren, the world’s first steam locomotive made its first journey. It hauled ten tons of iron, 60 – 70 passengers and five wagons on the nine-mile journey from Penydarren to Merthyr Tydfil.
27/09/1825
The Stockton Darlington Railway opened. It was the first passenger rail service, the steam locomotive travelled at 10mph.
06/10/1829
The directors of the Liverpool and Manchester company held a competition called the “Rainhill Trials” to find the most suitable locomotive.
The winner was Robert Stephenson’s Rocket which was awarded the prize of £500
15/09/1830
The Manchester and Liverpool railway opened. During the ceremony, William Huskisson MP, became the first person to be killed by a train.
02/07/1846
Leeds and Bradford Railway opened.
16/03/1847
Leeds and Bradford Railway Extension line opened to Keighley.
15/08/1858
Edith Nesbit who wrote the novel The Railway Children in 1906 was born.
28/08/1861
“We are directed to the favour of your attendance at a meeting to be held at the Black Bull Inn, in Haworth on Friday 13th September at Three 0′ clock in the afternoon, commenced for the purpose of considering and determining if any and what steps shall now be taken to obtain to Haworth and the Vale of Worth the advantages of that Railway communication it so much requires.”
Extract from copy of circular calling the first meeting of proposed Haworth railway
08/10/1861
“That this meeting being fully convinced that a Railway from Keighley to Haworth is necessary for the maintenance of the present value of property, the general welfare of the locality and the industrial progress, pledges itself to subscribe and to obtain subscription for the accomplishment of the object, being convinced that it will form a good investment of capital and that the question of its prolongation to Lowertown depend upon its survey, and probable traffic and subscription.”
Extract from KWVR minutes at the Black Bull Haworth to propose the formation of the Worth Valley Railway.
01/11/1861
“That the Promoters of the proposed Keighley and Worth Valley Railway consider that they have sufficient capital subscribed to justify them going to Parliament for the requisite powers to enable them to make the proposed Railway from Keighley to Oxenhope and determine that the necessary steps to obtain an act be forthwith taken.”
Extract from KWVR minutes.
31/12/1861
“the following names were agreed upon to be inserted in the Bill as the first Directors (Keighley and Worth Valley Railway) George Oates Greenwood, James Sugden, Jonathan Nowell Craven, Isaac Holden, Robert Newsholme Sugden, Edwin Merrall, John Feather, Michael Merrall and James Haggas.”
07/01/1862
“It is required by the standing orders in Parliament, that eight per cent upon the whole cost of the proposed undertaking (Keighley and Worth Valley Railway) viz £2880 must be deposited in the Chancery.”
24/01/1862
“It was unanimously resolved that the course of the line (Keighley and Worth Valley Railway) as shown on the deposited plans, at its junction with the main line at Keighley Station be approved, and that the Engineer be authorised to make a definitive survey of the whole line”.
07/02/1862
“It was distinctly understood by the deputation who waited upon the Midland Directors, that no charge was to be made to this company for either the Keighley Station or the short length of line in connection with the work of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.”
21/02/1862
“The directors pledge themselves to make a Bridge with approaches at the crossing of Woodhouse Road, either under or over the Rails in lieu of a level crossing, and that with respect to the crossing of the Road at the Damems, it is deemed impracticable to give other than a level crossing”
“Moved by Mr Butterfield and seconded by Mr Craven, that the Road from the Terminus in Oxenhope to Lower Town Bridge, be made at the expense of the Company, provided the Railway be made to Oxenhope.”
Extract from KWVR minutes of meeting at the Black Bull Haworth
30/06/1862
The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Company were granted Royal Assent to an Act of Parliament allowing them to build the railway from Keighley to Oxenhope.
15/08/1862
“That having considered the proposals of the two engineers for the Parliamentary, and construction charges, viz £85 and £300 per mile, the same be agreed to on the distinct understanding that they keep down the cost of construction as near to the Estimate as possible.”
Extract from KWVR minutes at the Black Bull Haworth on building the Worth Valley Railway.
23/12/1862
The first general meeting of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Company was held at the Black Bull Haworth. “Mr Mc Landsborough the Engineer addressed the meeting as to the selected route….which he believed would be less than the estimated sum.” “The seal now produced and exhibited for inspection be adopted as the seal of the said company.”
19/01/1864
The directors of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway awarded the contract to build the line to John Metcalfe of Bradford.
09/02/1864
The first sod was ceremoniously cut by the chairman of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Mr Isaac Holden. A procession left Haworth at 2 o’clock with a sliver spade of carved and polished oak supplied by Mr Manoah Rhodes of Bradford and a barrow of polished oak supplied by Messrs Pratt and Prince of Bradford.
12/02/1864
“A vote of thanks be given to Mr Holden for his kindness and liberality in promising to pay for the wine used at the public dinner at the cutting of the first sod on Shrove Tuesday Feb 9th 1864 put and carried unanimously”
Extract from KWVR minutes.
17/05/1864
“That the Clerk draw up a request and present it from this Board to the directors of The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Company that they should cause to be made a footpath underneath the line of rails which is in the course of construction near the Corn Mill to prevent the level crossing and thereby render more safety to foot passengers to and from Haworth.”
Extract from Haworth Local Board of Health Minute Book
31/05/1864
Surveyors working on the Worth Valley Railway went for lunch at a nearby farm, leaving the railway plans and their measuring equipment in a field. While they were away cows trod on the tools and ate the plans.
Bill o’th Hoylus records the date and event as: “Tkah swollod tplan ot Howorth Railway” About Bill o’ th’ Hoylus here…
16/09/1864
“Examining the map of the line (Keighley and Worth Valley Railway) and pointing out the various parties who have given possession of their Lands & other property required, and also those who have not”. “The attention of the Engineer be directed to the cutting, through the road called Ebor Lane for the intended bridge being in a very dangerous state.”
23/12/1864
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Company held third general meeting: “He has not got possession of all the Land & other property as he expected”
03/01/1865
“Carried unanimously that the Darlington Iron Company Tender for the Rails (for Keighley and Worth Valley Railway) be accepted being £7:10 per ton”
05/05/1865
Trustees of the Wesley Place Methodist Chapel (Ingrow) held a meeting to discuss the damage to the church caused by the building of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. On the advice of their solicitor they wrote a letter of complaint to the railway and eventually had the chapel rebuilt further away.
02/06/1865
“The Directors have seriously considered the case of the Wesley place Chapel (Ingrow) that notwithstanding the notice of the Railway Company that the rails would pass near the Chapel the Directors find that the Chapel is placed with insufficient foundations upon bad ground; so that the building gave way before the railway cutting was commenced.”
Extract from KWVR minutes. The Wesley Chapel near Ingrow tunnel had been damaged while building the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, it was later demolished and rebuilt.
31/10/1865
“Moved by Mr Greenwood and seconded by W George Merrall and carried unanimously that the Clerk seek advice from Mr Wright the board’s solicitor respecting the dangerous state of the new road made by the Railway Company and if deemed advisable summon the contractor.”
Extract from Haworth Local Board of Health Minute Book
26/06/1866
While building the Keighley and Worth Valley railway a labourer Martin Honley, aged 23 was seriously cut and bruised about the head by a fall of earth at Walk Mill. This is the only seriously recorded accident during the building of the line.
01/11/1866
The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway track was completed, the contractor borrowed an engine from the Ilkley line and a test run from Keighley to Oxenhope was performed.
14/11/1866
Severe Floods hit the area. At the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway forty yards of embankment were washed away at Damems, and there was a landslip at Haworth Station. This caused a delay in opening the line. The railway was officially opened on the 13th April 1867.
13/04/1867
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway was officially opened.
The first train was a tank engine pulling seven coaches and a guards van. The locomotive pulled out of Keighley station carrying the invited guests, bad weather and wet rails caused the locomotive to grind to a halt just past the station.
The train was successful on the second attempt, but between Oakworth and Haworth it got stuck again due to damp rails.
15/04/1867
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway began regular passenger service running six trains each way at weekdays and two on Sundays.
25/05/1867
“Since the Worth Valley Railway was opened it has been the means already of bringing thousands of visitors to the ancient village of Haworth. During the past few Sundays, hundreds have been enjoying the pure air and mountain breezes in the romantic neighbourhood. To all appearances it is very likely to become a general pleasure locality in the summer months.”
Extract from Keighley News
04/06/1867
“That the Clerk write to W M Buse solicitor of Keighley respecting the rating of Railway.”
Extract from Haworth Local Board of Health Minute Book
25/06/1867
“A platform at Damems was ordered to be made 30 yards long and 2 yards broad.”
01/07/1867
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway began regular Goods traffic.
09/07/1867
“A notice to be sent to this party to remove the manure they have placed upon the Companies ground (Keighley and Worth Valley Railway) at Low Bridge or legal proceedings will be instituted.”
20/08/1867
“that all thistles must be mown and cleared away from the slopes and land belonging to the Company (Keighley and Worth Valley Railway) without further delay.”
24/09/1867
“That one Ten Tons Crane be ordered for Oxenhope Station from the Leeds Railway Plant Company Limited price £150.”
03/12/1867
“This board cannot seperate without recording its deep sense of the loss it has sustained by the death of its Vice Chairman the late James Sugden Esq – his attendance at the directors Meetings was constant & regular, his conduct that of a gentleman and a christian – his councils judicous – his interest in the welfare of the Railway deep and interest for the promotion of which his valuable aid was cheerfully rendered in every possible form.”
03/05/1870
“That new lines of rails be agreed upon to be laid at Oakworth in order that two engines may be employed to work the train required.”
Extract from KWVR minutes.
13/06/1870
On Saturday morning, a determined suicide was committed on the Keighley and Worth Valley line. A goods train left Keighley Station for Haworth at 11:55 a.m. When it had reached about midway between Keighley and Ingrow stations, the engine driver observed a man walk on to the line about 40 yards in front of him, lay down and place his neck across the metals with his face downwards. The engine driver whistled, and endeavoured to bring the train to a stand; but in vain, and the engine and four wagons passed over the poor man, severing his head completely from his body. When his remains were picked up, they were found to be those of the person well known in the neighbourhood, his name being Abraham Wildman, aged about 59 years.
Extract printed in The Bradford Observer, Monday, June 13, 1870
13/09/1870
“That the secretary go over to Derby reporting the proposed alteration of the line at Oakworth- obtain the plan and ask the Midland Company for what amount they will complete the work, they taking what material this company has as cash price to be deducted from the amount of their tender.”
Extract from KWVR minutes.
12/02/1873
On Sunday morning last, about one o’clock, P.C. Turton being on duty near to Haworth railway station, noticed four men, and his suspicion was aroused by seeing them examining the doors and windows of the Station house from the platform. The Constable remained concealed under the shadow of a wall, when the gang at once commenced work by opening the porters’ room window. Evidently finding they had made a mistake, they then directed their efforts to the booking office window, which underwent some rough usage from a violent attempt to force it with a “Jemmy.” They then tried the doors, when the Constable pounced upon them, seizing two of the burglars.
While he held his two captives one of the others threw at him the instruments with which they had been plying their midnight depredations. He eluded the intended blow, which, instead of falling upon the Constable, struck at of one of the gang. He then lost his hold of one of the men he had seized, and, holding to the other, whistled for assistance. No help reaching him, however, he took his man to the Royal Oak Inn, near the station, and subsequently conveyed him to Keighley. On Sunday morning it was discovered that the railway station at Oxenhope had been broken into and the cash and other drawers forced open and all the money only about 6s. taken away, the station master fortunately having cleared out his cash on the previous night. From the marks of “professional” instruments use in effecting this robbery, it was evidently the work of the same party who had visited Haworth and Keighley railway stations on like errands. The man who was apprehended in the act at Haworth, on being brought to Keighley, was found to be a young man named Samuel Wilde (formerly a pupil teacher at the Keighley National School, which, by the way, was some weeks ago broke into and money was stolen from the missionary boxes by forcing them and their desks open), and who had been suspected by the police for some time. This led to the apprehension of two other men named Thomas Smith and Samuel Sutcliffe, both of Keighley. We understand that there are other serious charges against all the three prisoners, who were yesterday brought before Mr J Brigg, and remanded until Friday next, pending further enquiries.
Extract printed in The Bradford Observer, Wednesday, February 12, 1873
26/02/1873
Committal of a gang of ruffians,- Samuel Sutcliffe, (25), mechanic; Samuel Wilde (18), clerk; Thomas Wilde (17), factory hand; and Thomas Smith (22), wood turner, were indicted for having lawfully and feloniously attempted to break and enter the Midland Railway Station at Haworth, about one o’clock in the morning of the 9th instant. The facts appeared recently in the Mercury. The jury found the prisoners guilty, but recommended them to mercy. Mr Thornber asked the court, before acting on this suggestion, to take into consideration the fact that he held several other briefs against the prisoners for house and shop-breaking and felony. In fact, they had been a thorough pest in the vicinity, and two other neighbouring places, by reason of their depredations. Samuel Wilde and Thomas Smith pleaded guilty. The sentence of the court was that the prisoners be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for a period of two years.
Extract printed in The Leeds Mercury, Wednesday, February 26, 1873
03/10/1873
“Mr Holden and Mr Illingworth be requested to have an interview with the official of the Great Northern Railway respecting their joining the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Line.”
Extract from KWVR minutes.
30/06/1875
“Mr R.L. Harttersley and John Laycock (Gas Superintendent) waited upon the directors from the Gas committee of the Keighley Local Board of Health to ascertain if arrangements could be made with the directors for laying a nine inches diat Gas Main along the side of the Railway from about Grove Mill to Dockroyd.”
Extract from KWVR minutes.
27/09/1875
Accident on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Wagons and empty passenger carriages had not had their brakes pinned down at Oakworth station. As a consequence they departed the station and continued down the line colliding with the Bradford to Colne train at Keighley station. Some of the passengers were injured.
04/10/1876
“That Mr Illingworth’s purchase of ground adjoining the railway at Paper Mill Bridge be completed and the necessary steps taken to that end.”
Extract from KWVR minutes.
28/09/1878
“The Directors of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Company at their meeting this day have instructed me to write you that complaints have been made to them of continued interruption of traffic across the line at the Oakworth station by reason of the gates fixed there being kept constantly closed and locked; Will you kindly give the necessary instructions that this grievance may be at once removed and the traffic along the road only impeded at the time of the passing of trains.”
Extract from KWVR minutes.
06/08/1879
“That Mr Illingworth be requested to see Mr John Redman and sell him the plot of land above Bridgehouse adjoining the Beck and also the slopes of land at Bridgehouse for the best price he can.”
Extract from KWVR minutes.
09/09/1880
“That the seal of the company be now affixed to the agreement now read between the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Company for the sale and transfer of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway to the Midland Railway Company for the sum and on the terms and conditions stated in the aforesaid agreement.”
Extract from KWVR minutes.
01/03/1881
“According to the present plans for Keighley Midland Station about to be constructed, the passengers to and from the Worth Valley Line will be put to great inconvenience in having to ascend and descend steps in passing to and from the Main Line and requesting the Board to join in petitioning the company to provide a subway.”
Extract from Haworth Local Board of Health Minute Book
01/07/1881
Midland Railway took over operating the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway line. Ownership was still with the K&WVR.;
19/08/1881
That the Board lay at the cost of the Midland Railway Company, a two inch gas main from the main in Mill Lane Oxenhope to Oxenhope Railway Station.
Extract from Haworth Local Board of Health Minute Book
19/12/1882
Binns Bancroft aged 42 was crushed by a coal train at Haworth Station.
06/05/1883
Keighley Station was opened in its present location.
21/07/1885
“Received from the Midland Railway Company the sum of £13.800 and £756.7.4 being the agreed upon balance payable by them to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Company”
02/02/1886
“Notice is hereby given that pursuant to provisions of “The Midland Railway (Additional Powers) Act, 1885″ A special meeting of the proprietors of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Company will be held on Tuesday the 2nd day of February 1886, at half past three o’clock in the afternoon, for the purpose of taking into consideration, and, if so determined of approving a scheme prepared by the Directors of the Midland Railway Company, under the authority of the above mentioned Act for the consolidation of the Capital Stocks of the Midland Railway Company, and also the Capital of certain other companies, in respect of which that Company has guaranteed the payement of interest, or Dividends, or Rent Charges, so far as such scheme relates to or affects the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Company.”
Extract from KWVR minutes.
02/03/1886
The Clerk read a letter received by him from the Midland Railway Company respecting footbridge at Haworth Station. It was resolved that the Clerk write the company acknowledging the receipt of the letter and say that in the event of any accident happening the Board having brought the matter before their attention consider they will be freed from all blame.
Extract from Haworth Local Board of Health Minute book
31/12/1886
Section 31 of the Midland Railway Act 1886 the K&WVR; Co was dissolved, Midland bought the Railway.
06/11/1892
A new route on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway was opened avoiding Vale Mill dam. Part of the route was the 75 yard Mytholmes tunnel. Photo here…
04/01/1898
The Clerk reported that he had received a letter from the Midland Railway company asking if the company give effect to the wish of the Council and other local bodies respecting the erection of a new bridge across the line at Haworth station whether the Council will take steps to close the crossing on the level. Recommended that the Council will give such undertaking if the plans for a bridge meet with the approval of the Council.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
17/03/1898
That the plan submitted by the Midland Railway company of proposed footbridge over level crossing at Haworth station be approved subject to a small deviation of the 40 ft space as pencilled on the sketch and that the chairman Mr Ogden and Mr John Gott meet Captain Emmott with a view to obtaining his promise to give a few yards of land to enable the Midland Railway company to carry out satisfactorily the scheme.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
03/06/1902
That this council desires to express its approval and support of the petition presented to the Board of Trade in favour of the reduction of the price of workmen’s tickets between Haworth and Keighley.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council
09/05/1904
Great Western Railway ‘City’ class 4-4-0 no 3440 ’City of Truro’ was the first locomotive to achieve a recorded 100mph. The record was set from Plymouth to Paddington.
04/02/1908
The chairman reported that he had waited upon the manager of the Great Northern Railway at King’s Cross station on the 20th with reference to the proposed construction of a light railway from Cullingworth to Lees. That the manager had promised to look into the matter, have the proposed line of rails surveyed and an estimate of the cost got, after which he would communicate with the council again.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
24/03/1908
The Clerk reported that he had received a letter from the general manager of the Great Northern Railway with reference to suggested light railway from Cullingworth to Lees in which he states that with reference to the meeting he had with the deputation from the Haworth Urban District Council on the 20th January last, he had again looked into the question of the cost of suggested Light Railway and found that a considerable portion of the amount quoted was for goods station and warehouse. That with regard to the railway his figures work out more or less with the council’s estimate. He regretted however that at the present time the company were not in a position to entertain the proposal for railway as is suggested owing to the difficulties in raising capital for that purpose.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
01/12/1908
It was resolved that at the next meeting of the Council a report be given re the application made to the Great Northern Railway company for Railway facilities at Cross Roads.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
06/07/1909
That Messrs Harry Binns, Ineson Taylor and Joseph Mitchell be appointed a committee to draw up memorials to the Midland Railway and Great Northern Railway, pointing out the inconvenience of their present main service to visitors to Haworth and the Bronte Museum and Country.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
06/12/1910
That the Chairman of the Council and the Chairman of the Highways Committee endeavour to arrange to meet a representative of the Midland Railway Company with a view to improving the approach to the railway bridge on the west side thereof.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
07/03/1911
That the Clerk be instructed to communicate with the Midland Railway Company stating that considerable complaint has been made with regard to the very crowded state of the 5-38pm, passenger train from Keighley at Oxenhope. Every third-class compartment being filled to great inconvenience, as many as 15 and 16 persons being crowded into one compartment.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
03/10/1911
It was unanimously resolved that the Clerk communicate with the District Superintendent of the Midland Railway Company with respect to the time of departure of the first train in the morning from Haworth, stating that there were general expressions of dissatisfaction in the district at the early hour at which it leaves vis:- 5-10 am and to ask the company to look into the matter with a view, if possible, for arrangements to be made for the train to leave say 15 or 20 minutes later, as under the present arrangements work people arrive at Keighley by this train half an hour before their time at which the various works commence business.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
03/07/1917
That a letter be sent to the Midland Railway Company asking them to make the workmen’s ticket and weekly ticket available for return on Friday forenoon, commencing with the 11-20 train from Keighley, in view of the alteration in the time of ceasing work on that day, and further to draw the attention of the company to the insufficient accommodation provided for train which leaves Keighley for Oxenhope at 5-42 p.m.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
06/05/1919
Reference was made to the new railway timetable issued by the Midland Railway Company for the Worth Valley line. Considerable dissatisfaction was expressed with regard to great inconvenience to persons using the system from Bradford and Keighley. It was resolved that the Clerk communicate with the Railway Company on the matter, and with the Member of Parliament for the division, asking him, if necessary, to interview the Board of Trade.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
03/06/1919
It was resolved that a communication be made to the Chief Goods Manager, Midland Railway Company, Derby, pointing out that all live cattle coming by train for Haworth are not allowed to be unloaded at Haworth station but must be taken to Oxenhope, and unloaded and then walked back to Haworth. The Council understand there are no pens at Haworth, but that the Butchers argument is that the cattle would not be put into pens at Haworth station, but taken straight away to slaughter. Nearly all the cattle come from long distances such as Driffield, and being in the waggons all night, they are not in a fit condition to be walked a long way, in fact cases have occurred where animals have dropped in the road between Oxenhope and Haworth in a quite helpless condition. That the walking of cattle in hot weather is detrimental to the meat and in the opinion of the Council it would be a public benefit if the loading was arranged for at Haworth.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
07/12/1920
That a communication be forwarded to the Midland Railway Company drawing their attention to the very great inconvenience caused by their being only one exit from platform by passengers arriving at the Haworth station by train due from Keighley at 5. 5 pm. That the cause of complaint would be considerably remedied if both exits from the platform were used, and ask in the interests of the public that such an arrangement be made.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
07/02/1922
It was resolved to communicate with the Midland Railway Company and the great Northern Railway Company requesting them to restore as quickly as possible of pre war cheap, fast, comfortable travelling facilities and at fares not proportionally higher than the increase in operation or ordinary fares.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
01/01/1923
The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway which was owned and run by the Midland Railway became a branch of the London Midland and Scottish Railway.
Midland Railway still ran the trains but did not own the branch
01/01/1924
It was unanimously resolved that a further letter be sent to the London Midland and Scottish Railway Co. drawing their attention to the unsatisfactory state of repair of the railway bridge at Bridgehouse, the approaches thereto and the footpaths thereon.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
04/05/1924
Edith Nesbit who wrote the novel The Railway Children in 1906 died.
07/10/1924
That the Clerk write to the London Midland and Scottish railway drawing their attention to the dangerous condition of the surface of the bridge near Tunnel, Mytholmes Lane, and its approaches, and asked them to put the same into a proper state of repair.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
01/09/1925
It was resolved that documents be sealed as follows viz:- Agreement between the Council and the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company with respect to electric cable over bridge at Bridgehouse, the Council to bear cost of 10/0 stamp thereon.
Extract from Haworth Urban District Council Minute Book
03/07/1938
The world record was set for the fastest steam train. This was hauled by the LNER 4-6-2 A4 Class No 4468 locomotive Mallard. It ran between Grantham and Peterborough, and reached 126 miles an hour.
01/01/1948
The railways were nationalised. The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway was owned by British Rail.
21/05/1949
Damems railway station on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway was closed due to little use.
20/12/1952
Jenny Agutter was born. She starred in the The Railway Children, 1969/1970 EMI production which was filmed on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
23/05/1955
The final Bradford, via Queeensbury, to Keighley train ran.
01/09/1959
The Transport Users’ Consultative Committee considered the closure of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway but deferred making any decision due to points put forward by Mayor of Keighley, Councillor H. Hammond and others.
21/09/1959
At a public hearing with the Mayor of Keighley, Councillor H. Hammond argued in the presence of British Rail, the case for keeping the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway open. Two years later the line closed.
13/06/1960
A diesel railcar service was introduced on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.
30/12/1961
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway was finally closed to passenger traffic. The last train a diesel multiple was the 11.15pm from Keighley, which carried about 150 passengers.
24/01/1962
A public meeting was held in Keighley Temperance Hall to discuss whether the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway could be run by a private group.
01/03/1962
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society was formally constituted.
23/06/1962
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway was closed to goods traffic. The Preservation Society ran a special train from Bradford Forster Square to Oxenhope, hauled by locomotive No. 43586.
27/03/1963
“The Reshaping of British Railways” commonly known as the Beeching Report was published. The “Beeching Axe” cut many lines but not the Worth Valley line which had already closed to passenger traffic on 30th December 1961.
07/01/1965
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway began first stock movements by rail to Haworth. Locomotive 51218 was put on to the rails to become the first engine on the line for over two years.
Push and Pull records:
“A significant moment in the story of our Society and the first blow to those pessimistic locals who have said: “Tha’ll never ‘ave trains runnin up t’valley again”.
06/03/1965
Locomotive “J52” 1247 arrived at Keighley from Doncaster, it was the KWVVR first official train, it hauled a selection of stock to Haworth
31/07/1965
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway began second stock movements by rail. Locomotive No. 4744 was used.
28/08/1965
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society held an Open Day at Haworth Station to promote the railway.
08/02/1966
The Keighley & Worth Valley Light Railway Limited was incorporated. The company took over the final stages of negotiations with British Rail to purchase the entire line at a cost of £45,000. The exception was platform Four at Keighley Station which was leased for 25 years.
18/03/1967
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway locomotive Ivatt No. 41241 arrived at the Railway, having been purchased from British Rail.
25/03/1968
The BBC arrived at the Worth Valley Railway and spent 10 days filming the television serial of The Railway Children.
12/05/1968
The first episode of the BBC series The Railway Children was shown on television. It had been filmed at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway during March 1968.
29/06/1968
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway “Re-opening special” departed Keighley at 2.35pm behind Ivatt No.41241 and USA No.72 after Mayor of Keighley, Aderman J.H. Waterworth and other invited guests performed the re-opening ceremony. This heralded the start of the KWVR Preservation Society.
British Rail ran no trains due to industrial work-to-rule by the National Union of Railwaymen.
KWVR celebrating 40 years here…
KWVR celebrating 35 years here…
04/08/1968
Steam locomotive 4-6-0 No. 45212 was the last locomotive to haul a BR passenger train in normal service. This locomotive is now owned by the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.
06/04/1970
Filming for the The Railway Children began in London, and on the Keighley and Worth Valley soon after, the landslide near Mytholmes tunnel was filmed on the 8th June. The company finished filming on the 12th June.
08/06/1970
The landslide near Mytholmes tunnel which features in The Railway Children was filmed.
12/06/1970
The film company finished filming The Railway Children which had begun on the 6th April.
21/12/1970
The film “The Railway Children” was premiered in London.
17/03/1972
The name “Hamburg” was restored to locomotive 31 at Haworth in a ceremony performed by Herr Uwe Jens-Janson of Hamburg. The nameplates were originally removed from the locomotive after demonstrations by dockers in Salford on the outbreak of World War 1.
12/01/1973
Locomotive No. 1931 (renamed 90733) arrived back in Hull from Sweden and was offloaded at Ingrow the following day. About locomotive 90733 here…
19/03/1977
A double naming ceremony was held at Keighley Station: Mary Treacy the wife of the then President of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Eric, named Pullman Car Mary. The Bar Car was named The Jubilee Car in recognition of it being H.M. The Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
08/08/1985
Diesel Class 47 421 was named Brontes of Haworth at Haworth Station.
05/10/1985
Locomotive Bellerophon (built 1874) left Oxenhope station at 4:00pm for Keighley, hauling passengers for the first time in 75 years. Bellerophon in steam in the 1980’s here…
27/12/1985
Official ceremonial unveiling of the nameplate on Locomotive Bellerophon was performed at Keighley and Oxenhope stations.
17/08/1988
BR Class 31 diesel locomotive No 31444 was named The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway at a ceremony at Keighley station.
05/11/1988
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway held it’s first “Modern Diesel Traction Weekend” on 5th and 6th November 1988
22/07/1989
Ingrow Station officially re-opened by Geoffrey Reeday “whose generosity made it happen.”
12/04/1994
Bob Cryer died in a road traffic accident. He was one of a group of local people who formed the Keighley and Worth Valley Preservation Society, becoming the society’s first chairman from 1962 – 1972.
He was Labour Member of Parliament for Keighley from 1974 – 1983 and Bradford South from 1987 – 1994.
Inscribed at Haworth station:
Whose idea it was….
“If you seek his memorial, look around you.”
13/10/1998
Contractors working for Yorkshire Water plc on the main A629 trunk road dislodged bricks from Ingrow tunnel. This caused severe disruption to train services.
07/02/2002
Lord Ingrow, formerly John Aked Taylor died. He was the grandson of Timothy Taylor, founder of the Keighley brewery.
He was involved with the re-building of Ingrow station.
15/12/2003
Certificate of congratulations was awarded to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway for supporting Fairtrade. It was Presented by Pete Waterman on Dec 15th 2003.
23/07/2007
Following extensive restoration W.D Austerity 2-8-0 90733 officially re-entered traffic. The official launch here…
08/08/2007
The Keighley and Worth Valley Light Railway carried its five millionth passenger.
15/10/2007
Ralph Povey died. He was a founder member of the Keighley and Worth Valley Preservation Society and was President from 1978 – 1999.
Inscribed at Haworth station:
Whose quiet genius inspired the saving of this railway for future generations
“…all things are possible for those who believe”
05/06/2008
DRS Class 37 diesel locomotive No 37087 was named The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway 40th Anniversary 1968 – 2008 at a ceremony at Oxenhope station.
Photos of the KWVR 40th Anniversary here…
25/06/2008
Ann Crier MP and President of the KWVRPS put down an Early Day Motion in Parliament congratulating 40 years of steam in the Worth Valley:
That this House congratulates the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society on 40 years of operating a safe, reliable and magnificent heritage railway from Keighley to Oxenhope in West Yorkshire, formerly the West Riding; recognises that the society has organised the running of its railway on democratic principles, which has meant that those members who do the work also make the decisions; remembers with great affection the two founder members of the society, the late Bob Cryer MP and the late Ralph Povey, who had the foresight, imagination and tenacity to call a public meeting following closure by British Railways in 1962 and then pushed forward the formation of the society and subsequently its operating company; wishes also to remember with gratitude the very many society members who have devoted a considerable part of their lives giving their time, skills and energy to volunteering on the Worth Valley Railway which will remain a wonderful and lasting memorial to all; and recognises however that were a further memorial needed then doubtless it would be the 1970 feature film, The Railway Children, all of the location work taking place on or near the line and the three steam locomotives used being the true stars of this much loved film.
Photos of the KWVR 40th Anniversary here…
10/07/2008
The first Royal Train to operate on the KWVR ran when HRH The Duke of Kent visited the line as part of its year-long 40th anniversary celebrations.
Photos of the visit of HRH The Duke of Kent here…
Photos of the KWVR 40th Anniversary here…
11/11/2008
WD Austerity locomotive No. 90733 was officially named “Remembrance – Lest we Forget” in a ceremony of dedication and remembrance at Keighley station led by Canon Bruce Grainger and representatives from the British Legion, both serving and retired military and railway servicemen.
20/06/2009
A naming ceremony was held at Oakworth Station: Ann Crier President of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, named Pullman Car Ann in her honour for the support and active involvement she had shown for many years.
19/02/2010
Lionel Jeffries, who directed The Railway Children which was filmed at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway died. Chairman of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society, Paul Brown, paid tribute to him:
“There have been many richly deserved tributes to Lionel Jeffries from the world of stage and screen, but we must remember that it was his work with our Railway 40 years ago that made our success possible. We were the first complete standard gauge branch line to be reopened by volunteers and 40 years ago no-one knew really whether or not the project had a long term future”.
“Thanks to the huge number of extra passengers the film brought – numbers trebled – we had to install an extra track (a passing loop at Damems Junction) to cope with them. The interest today is if anything, more intense than ever. The success of the Railway thanks to the film made people realise that we were not just a group of eccentric amateurs doomed to inevitable failure, but that we had shown, at a time when local railways were being closed everywhere, that communities could take them over and run them successfully”.
19/10/2013
On the 19th & 20th October 2013, The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway celebrated Coal Tank No. 1054 turning 125 years old.