Bradford

Bradford
1846 - Present
G N R L & Y Midland

Contributors:  © Reproduction prohibited / Paul Holroyd / Harry Naylor Holroyd / Michael Kaye / Paul Corrie / Bill Harland / Malcolm Mallison
                        Colin Cross / Charles Boylan / Dave Graham / Andrew Wilson / Andrew Stopford / Bernard Coomber / Alan Thompson
                        Keith Rose / David Boocock / John Sutcliffe / Dave Graham / Andrew Gallon / David Webdale

Bradford

Development of the railway
The first rail service into Bradford was opened on 1st July 1846 by the Leeds and Bradford Railway. (later became part of the Midland Railway)
The line entered from the north via Shipley and terminated at a station on Kirkgate, opposite the end of Market Street (east of Forster Square)
The terminus was replaced in 1890 by the bigger Market street,
which was renamed Forster square in 1924.
The L&Y route from Halifax via Low moor was opened in 1850.
This terminated at Drake street, later to become Bradford Exchange.
The GNR Leeds - Bradford route opened in 1854.
Also in 1854 the GNR direct Laisterdyke - Bowling Junction line opened, enabling Leeds - Halifax trains to avoid time consuming reversal at Bradford.
The GNR opened Adolphus street on 1st of august 1854.
Its distance from the city centre meant people used the more convenient Midland station. As a result the GNR shared the L&Ys Drake St, which was enlarged as part of the deal. In January 1867 a connection was opened between the L&Y & GNR lines at Mill Lane junction. L&Y Drake street station was renamed Exchange in March 1867.

Bradford south hybrid map
Roads 2005 Rails 1906

Halifax, Queensbury, Low Moor & Wyke map (1843) : John Sutcliffe
One inch to the mile map showing Sowerby Bridge in the west and Dewsbury in the east. Published by Col. Colby dated 1843.
(This file size is about 1.4 meg, so it may take a while to download)

Bradford (1861) : Malcolm Mallison
Bradford 1861 6" OS Map (1.64 MB file size, be patient on the download)
Exchange, Forster Square, Adolphus & Bowling stations all visible.

Railway Ramblers gazetteer
See also the Railway Ramblers gazetteer - Bradford

Keighley to Bradford Exchange via Queensbury : Dave Graham (c/o Paul Holroyd)
A simulation of the journey from Keighley to Bradford if the line was still in use today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msL3L5t1uAs

Yorkshire Film Archive c/o Graham Smith
There is a superb little film on the Yorkshire Film Archive that shows a speeded up train journey from Leeds Central to Bradford Exchange in 1962. I think the makers may have used a bit of poetic licence as I’m struggling to identify some sections, but there are great views of the stations just out of Leeds before Pudsey, Laisterdyke station with Quarry Gap before, St Dunstans and the approach to Bradford Exchange.

Bradford Exchange Station
Opened 09-05-1850.
Bradford Exchange engraving (1854) : David Boocock
The attached is An engraving from a 1854 map. Don't think I've ever seen this before - presumably it's Exchange Station.
See more here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradford_timeline/sets/72157629142719068/

Bradford Exchange signs (04-02-07) : Paul Holroyd
Signs from Bradford Exchange, currently on loan to the Museum of Rail Travel, Ingrow, website - www.vintagecarriagestrust.org

Running In board (12-04-08) : Paul Holroyd
Running In board from Bradford Exchange, now on display at the Museum of Rail Travel, Ingrow Railway Centre.

Bradford Exchange/Interchange (1977) : Charles Boylan
I took this picture in 1977 just after the bus station section of what was or would become Bradford Interchange opened. Little did I know that the roof and a large proportion of the bus station would disappear by the end of the century, just like the parcels traffic evident at the Railway Station in the background. I realise this is of more interest to bus enthusiasts but the railway creeps in at the back!

Bradford Exchange to City Road Goods : Dave Graham
Simulation of the rail journey on the Bradford Exchange to Bradford City Road Goods using a class 156 train set.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aDjN15awOk&feature=relmfu

Bradford Exchange entrance, newspaper cutting (1953) : Andrew Wilson
Exchange station, built in the 1880s for the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway,
seen here decked out in honour of the coronation of the queen in 1953.

Bradford Exchange Drake street entrance 29th July 2006 : Paul Holroyd
The remains of the Drake Street entrance to Bradford Exchange. On 3 June 1964, three people were killed when a Manchester Victoria to Leeds diesel multiple unit ran out of control down the gradient from Bowling Junction and crashed into a stationary parcels train in Bradford Exchange station.

Bradford Exchange Drake street entrance 29th July 2006 : Paul Holroyd
The sad remains of the once-great Bradford Exchange station. Built in 1888, the magnificent twin-arched Bradford Exchange saw its last steam-hauled train on 1 October 1967. Its 10 platforms were closed in 1973, to be replaced by a more modest 4-platform station on the other side of Bridge Street.

Bradford Exchange Drake street entrance 29th July 2006 : Paul Holroyd
The twin roof spans met just to the left of the entrance. Offices were located above and to the right of this entrance.
The steps led to the circulating area in front of platforms 1 to 5.
Compare this photo with that on page 32 of Railway Memories No. 4: Bradford, published by Bellcode Books.

Bradford Exchange : Bernard Coomber
A 2-6-4 tank loco on station duties at Bradford Exchange station.

Bradford Exchange (01-1972) : Keith Rose
Bradford Exchange Station, Parachute Water Column, January 1972.

Bradford Exchange (c1980) : Bill Harland
Class 03 060 takes a break from shunting duties.

Bradford Exchange (01-1972) : Keith Rose
Bradford Exchange, January 1972.

Bradford Exchange c1970 : c/o Paul Holroyd
Photographer unknown Paul Holroyd collection. Bradford Exchange in the early 1970s.

Bradford Exchange (09-1973) : Malcolm Mallison
Bradford exchange September 1973. Look at the background detail.

Bradford Exchange, newspaper cutting (1976) : Andrew Wilson
The trains had gone from the old Exchange station after the travel interchange was built on the other side of Bridge street.
The space relieved the pressure on a city chronically short of parking space.

Bradford Exchange, newspaper cutting (1976) : Andrew Wilson
One of Bradford's best known landmarks, the Exchange station, with its two arched roofs just before demolition began in 1976. The new Interchange terminal (foreground) had replaced it.

Bradford Exchange (29-08-11) : David Webdale
Similar view to above in 2011. I have always been intrigued by the arched hole in the wall on the right, usually has some sort of building in it.
Bradford Crown Court in the background stands on the site of the old station.

Bradford Exchange, newspaper cutting (nd) : Andrew Wilson
August bank holiday Monday at Exchange station, with trains bound for coast or country. But the bread still had to be delivered. Bottom right is one of the endearing Scammel 'Iron Horse' towing trucks.

Bradford Exchange, newspaper cutting (1961) : Andrew Wilson
The new Yorkshire Pullman prepares to leave Exchange station in 1961. It linked Bradford with London Kings Cross. British Rail were so pleased they put the first & second class coaches on show to the public.

Bradford Exchange, newspaper cutting (1970) : Andrew Wilson
Resplendent in bowler hat & formal top coat, stationmaster Mr Wilfred Ellaby, sees his last train out of Exchange station in1970.
He was retiring after 49 years on the railway.

Steam World : Paul Holroyd website - www.vintagecarriagestrust.org
There is an 8-page photo feature on the route from Bradford Exchange to St. Dunstan’s in the March 2011 issue of Steam World.

Bradford Forster Square Station
Opened 01-07-1846.

Forster Square station concourse, newspaper cutting (1962) : Andrew Wilson See also Leeds Bradford
Bradfords Forster Square station concourse in1962. The terminal also housed a busy parcels depot.

Forster Square station entrance & Midland hotel (29-08-11) : David Webdale
The station entrance consisted of this wall with gates & archways.
The wall was at some point reconstructed to turn left around the corner. Originally it continued in a straight line with a clock in the middle.

Forster Square station entrance & Midland hotel (29-08-11) : David Webdale
Close up of the entrance to the hotel.

Forster Square station entrance & Midland hotel (29-08-11) : David Webdale
The other side of the wall around the corner. A clock was fitted into the round bit of stone work on top.
The very impressive Midland hotel in the background. Had a look inside the reception area. The building is even more impressive inside.

Forster Square station entrance & Midland hotel (29-08-11) : David Webdale
A view down the side facing back to the street. A good rebuilding job on this section. Close up of the archway in next photo.

Forster Square station entrance & Midland hotel (29-08-11) : David Webdale
Nicely carved Midland Railway emblem with those dragonny lizardy wyverns.

Forster Square station entrance & Midland hotel (29-08-11) : David Webdale
View of the hotel from the station side.

Forster Square station entrance & Midland hotel (29-08-11) : David Webdale
Inland revenue building now stands on the site of the original station. The new station stands further behind.

Bradford Forster Square (01-1972) : Keith Rose
Here is the water column at Forster Square, January 1972.

Bradford Forster Square (01-1972) : Keith Rose
Here is the Turntable Road at Forster Square, January 1972.

Forster Square (c1990/1991) : Paul Holroyd
Bradford Market Street opened in 1897 and was renamed Forster Square in 1924.
Its 6 platforms were replaced in 1990 by a more modest 3-platform station further towards Shipley.

Forster Square (c1990/1991) : Paul Holroyd

Forster Square (06-05-90) : Michael Kaye
Taken from Platform 2 at Bradford Forster Square, 6th may 1990.

Forster Square (26-03-86) : © Andrew Gallon
Bradford Forster Square station throat on March 26th 1986, before the development of the newer, much smaller station.
A two-car Class 110 Gloucester RCW 'Calder Valley' DMU departs with an Ilkley-bound working.

Forster Square (06-05-90) : Michael Kaye

On the right you can see the 'New' Bradford F. Sq station being erected with the three platforms numbered left to right 1-3. In the 'old' station
you can see the original platforms numbered 1-6 from right to left, with only number 1 and 2 now in existence. I had a hours break in the diagram, (Three trips Leeds - Bradford F.Sq) I believe the photograph was taken from the now defunct overbridge on Inkersley Road.

Forster Square (c1980) : Bill Harland
DMU leaving for Ilkley.

Forster Square (c1980) : Bill Harland
Valley Goods. Class 31 with arriving goods train.

Forster Square (c1980) : Bill Harland
Valley Goods. Class 08, shunting the yard.

Forster Square (c1980) : C/O Michael Kaye with permission from Paul Corrie
31293 at Bradford Forster Square.

Forster Square (c1980) : C/O Michael Kaye with permission from Paul Corrie
47418 at Bradford Forster Square.

Forster Square May 1966 : Harry Naylor Holroyd
LMS design 4P no 42189 at Bradford Forster Square May 1966.

Forster Square May 1967 : Harry Naylor Holroyd
E 70685 E, built in 1950 at York photographed at Bradford Forster Square May 1967.
A Southern Railway parcels van is adjacent, and next to that is one of London, Midland & Scottish Railway design.
The diesel at the extreme right appears to be a class 03 built by Drewry.

Adolphus Street Terminal

Adolphus street terminal, newspaper cutting (1957) : Andrew Wilson
Bradford's other station the Adolphus street terminal. Built for the Leeds, Bradford & Halifax Junction Railway in 1855. It was taken over by the Great Northern Railway but was too far out of the city centre & closed to passengers in 1867. It still handled goods in this picture from 1957.

Adolphus street terminal (nd) : Malcolm Mallison
Went looking for the remains of Adolphus St station and the goods sidings http://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/image/epw054318.
This is all I could find on Dryden St. Getting my bearings as best I could and cross referencing with the 1947 1:25000 OS map, this is the north side of the original Adolphus St building.

Springmill Street Sidings
Springmill Street Sidings (c1980) : C/O Michael Kaye with permission from Paul Corrie
Sorry no accurate dates.

Laisterdyke

Opened 20.8.1856 Closed 04-07-1966
Laisterdyke Station (c1960) : Dennis Sefton See also Ardsley to Laisterdyke section
Facing west towards Bradford.

Note : Nicholas Kaye The old station house that overlooked the station has now been demolished and modern houses built on the land.
There is now nothing left of what was a grand and busy station.

Laisterdyke East Junction (c1960) : Dennis Sefton
The train on the left is taking the line to Cutlers junction. The tracks on the right lead off to Quarry Gap junction & Leeds, via Pudsey & Stanningley.

Laisterdyke (01-08-1986) : C/O Michael Kaye with permission from Paul Corrie
47513 at Laisterdyke 1 August 1986.

City Road

City Road Branch (20-08-14)) : Malcolm Mallison
Few relics remain. Parapet on one side of Legrams Lane. Taken on a 75 year old Leica.

City Road (1966) : Alan Thompson
Black Fives were used by Low Moor when the last of it's own B1's had been withdrawn
until the arrival of the 3 B1's from Hull.

City Road (1966) : Alan Thompson
The use of the former Hull B1's to operate the former LNER steam duties,
acquired by Low Moor after Bowling became Hammerton St diesel depot.

City Road (1966) : Alan Thompson
61337 and an unknown Black Five.

City Road (late 1930s, early 1940s) : Woods Comms c/o Alan Thompson
Part of an Aerial picture supplied by Woods Comms of Bradford showing at the top of the picture City Rd goods Depot.
looks like late 30's early 40's.

City Road (1966) : Woods Comms c/o Alan Thompson
Aerial picture of City Rd Greyhound stadium but at the top is an excellent view of City Rd. Woods Comms, Bradford.
Late 50's or early 60's with a J39 just arrived probably taking water as it has stopped at the water crane. Ahead of it is the yard shunter a J50.

City Road (1966) : c/o Alan Thompson
A rare picture taken from a mill in Thornton Rd looking up the yard near the end of its life.

St Dunstans to Horton Park Junction

St Dunstans West Junction Site (1980s) : Alan Thompson See also Queensbury to Bradford section
Taken in the early1980's. The workmen have just cleared the "forest" that had grown since the end of workings and have laid a drain before filling in the cuttings up to street level. I walked from St Dunstans to Horton Park Junction.

Ripley Street Tunnel (1980s) : Alan Thompson

Upper Castle street (1980s) : Alan Thompson

Bowling cutting (1980s) : Alan Thompson
Spring Mill street bridge in front.

Spring Mill street bridge (1980s) : Alan Thompson

Bowling cutting (1980s) : Alan Thompson

Bowling Old lane bridge (1980s) : Alan Thompson
Beyond is Newby street bridge.

Newby Street bridge (1980s) : Alan Thompson
Newby street has since been renamed Stone Arches. Beyond was Manchester Road station.

Manchester Road
Opened 14-10-1878 Closed 31-12-1915.

Manchester Road Station Site (1980s) : Alan Thompson See also Queensbury to Bradford section

Manchester Road to Horton Tunnel (1980s) : Alan Thompson

Park Avenue Cutting (1980s) : Alan Thompson
Laisteridge lane bridge crosses in front, beyond was Horton Park junction.

Great Horton Junction (09-1971) : Keith Rose
Great Horton Junction, September 1971.

Bowling Junction to Laisterdyke
Railway Ramblers gazetteer
See also the Railway Ramblers gazetteer - Bradford - GNR Bowling Junction Laisterdyke

Hall Lane (1975) : Colin Cross
The signalbox and level crossing on Hall Lane, Bradford which I took in 1975; the line connected Bowling Junction with Laisterdyke.
The crossing may have been level but Hall Lane at this point is quite steep with the possibility that longer vehicles using it could be beached.
The crossing is still there but the box is long gone.

Hall Lane (11-09-16) : David Webdale
Looking down Hall lane. Remnants of the crossing barriers with one post still intact.

Hall Lane (11-09-16) : David Webdale
Looking down Hall lane. Track went off to the right through the gap.

Hall Lane (11-09-16) : David Webdale
Looking up Hall lane.

Hall Lane (1978) : Colin Cross
Have just refound this photo of Hall Lane signal box on the Laisterdyke to Bowling Junction line.
I took it in late 1978 as you can see the name board has gone but the "Private" sign on the door remains.

Hall Lane (c1987) : Andrew Stopford
This is the line from Bowling Junction to Laisterdyke, near Hall Lane crossing, not long after it was abandoned. I think the photo was approx 1987.

Class 08 (c1980) : C/O Michael Kaye with permission from Paul Corrie
Class 08 between Bowling & Laisterdyke.

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