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Mirfield to Low Moor (Cleckheaton Branch)
1847 - 1965
Lancashire & Yorkshire railway
Contributors:  © Reproduction prohibited / Paul Holroyd / Graham Holroyd / Alan S Bagot / David Hey / K Evans / Bernard Coomber / Brian Dean
Matthew Padget/ Vic Smith / Bob Cockcroft / Christopher Franz
 / James Cliff / John Down / Graham Smith / Michael Kaye / Paul B / Mark Wilcock
David Walbank / Bill McKelvie / Roman Soroka / Cedric Rowland / Keith Rose / John Sutcliffe / Carbootnut / Michael Ramsden / Nigel Cross / Colinne Terry
Mark Hurley / Tom Fincham / Malcolm Mallison / David Webdale
The Route
From Spen Valley junction 200 yards east of Mirfield station
To Low Moor, south of Bradford between Wyke & Bowling junction on the L & Y lines.

Length
6 miles 843 yards.

Original Company
Originally projected by the West Riding Union railway but constructed by the L&Y.
The West Riding Union Railway was formed in August 1846 by the joining of the
West Yorkshire Railway company and the Leeds and West Riding Junction Railway company.
In November 1846 it became part of the Manchester and Leeds Railway Company.

Openings
Mirfield to Cleckheaton Central 1847.
Cleckheaton Central to Low Moor Tuesday 18 July 1848.

Closures
Passengers - Heckmondwike, Liversedge & Cleckheaton Central stations 14-06-1965.
                        Low Moor south curve 01-01-1962.

Freight - Mirfield to Heckmondwike 14-06-1965.
                Low Moor south curve 19-01-1970.
                Heckmondwike to Low Moor 1981.
                Thornhill Junction to Liversedge Spen, via the 1966 spur, September 1990.
1   Northorpe
4   Heckmondwike
5   Liversedge
6   Cleckheaton
Railway Ramblers gazetteer
See also the Railway Ramblers gazetteer - L&YR Mirfield - Low Moor
London King's Cross express trains in the Spen Valley : Alan S Bagot / Paul Holroyd

On Sunday 12 April 1959 Class A1 4-6-2 pacific locomotive no. 60123 H.A.Ivatt hauled the northbound Harrogate Sunday Pullman through the Spen Valley.

During Autumn 1961 the Heckmondwike-Low Moor route was regularly used by London to Leeds and Harrogate trains,
which were diverted because of engineering work.

Sunday 8 October 1961, Class A1 4-6-2 pacific locomotive no. 60118 Archibald Sturrock hauled one southbound train,
whilst another southbound train was hauled by Class A4 4-6-2 pacific locomotive no 60026 Miles Beevor.
Class A3 4-6-2 pacific locomotive no. 60044 Melton hauled a northbound train.

8th October 1961 Deltic diesel no. D 9009 Alycidon worked the 10.10 Leeds – King’s Cross over the route.

29th October 1961 saw Deltic diesel no. D 9012 Crepello, class A4 pacific no. 60008 Dwight D. Eisenhower,
B1 no 61016 Inyala and B1 no 61135 traverse the route.

On Sunday 26 November 1961, class A4 pacific no. 60026 Miles Beevor hauled a London-bound express.

In April 1959 Class A1 4-6-2 pacific locomotive no. 60130 Kestrel was photographed by Peter Sunderland hauling a Bradford to London King's Cross service.

On Sunday 12 April 1959 Class A3 4-6-2 pacific locomotive no. 60103 Flying Scotsman hauled a Bradford-King's Cross service.

On Sunday 17 September 1961 Class A4 4-6-2 pacific locomotive no. 60014 Silver Link hauled the 12.25 p.m. London King's Cross to Bradford service.

On the same day Deltic diesel D9007 Pinza hauled a Bradford to London King's Cross service.

Holiday excursion trains in the Spen Valley :  Paul Holroyd

On 18 May 1964 B1 class 4-6-0 steam locomotive no 61115 hauled a service from Cleckheaton to Blackpool.

Saturday 12 June 1965 – the last day of regular stopping passenger trains in the Spen Valley

On this date B1 class 4-6-0 steam locomotive no. 61016 hauled southbound train 1Z02 from Cleckheaton Central
On the same date, B1 class 4-6-0 no 61189 hauled southbound train 1X34 (destined for Blackpool) from Cleckheaton Central.

Post-closure trains running via the Cleckheaton-Heckmondwike Spen Valley line

On 23 October 1965 8F Class 2-8-0 steam locomotive no 48202 hauled the Railway Correspondence and Travel Society’s “South Yorkshire No. 5” Tour southbound through the Spen Valley.

On 11 June 1966 Millbridge W.M.C. organised an excursion from Cleckheaton, Liversedge and Heckmondwike to Bridlington.

On 6th May 1967 the Railway Correspondence and Travel Society organised a railtour from Bradford Exchange via Cleckheaton to York, Northalleton, Middlesbrough and Whitby.

At 04.00 on 13th January 1968 a derailed parcels van was responsible for the fracture of a compressed air pipe controlling all points at Leeds City station. The Bradford Exchange-King’s Cross service ran via the closed Cleckheaton Branch to Wakefield Kirkgate.

The April 1968 issue of The Railway Observer reported:
“ Although the Cleckheaton branch between Mirfield and Heckmondwike Jct. was closed to all traffic on 14th June 1965 the line has survived complete demolition, as a single line of rails remains in situ.

At Northrorpe North Road, the station woodwork was recently extensively damaged by fire, although the fabric of the building remains unscathed”

The goods yards at Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton on the line from Thornhill closed from 5th May 1969

The July 1969 issue of The Railway Observer reported:
“On the Cleckheaton branch, the route between Thornhill and Low Moor continues to be used by about three freight services daily despite the closure of intermediate goods yards. All buildings have been demolished at Cleckheaton, while at Heckmondwike the warehouse and offices (an old station building) still stand and Heckmondwike Jct. box is still manned. At Liversedge the station buildings on the down side have been let. The ornate iron bridge over the Calder (between Northorpe and Mirfield) has recently been demolished”.

Timetable  1962 : Paul Holroyd website - www.vintagecarriagestrust.org
Click here to see selection of railway tickets & handbills.
 
Railway luggage label 1899 : Paul Holroyd website -  www.vintagecarriagestrust.org
Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway luggage label, 1899. The reverse of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway luggage label reads: “ 9/12/99 From Church to Skipton via Colne Mid No. 25 “
June 1966 post-closure ticket : Paul Holroyd website -  www.vintagecarriagestrust.org
Although the stations at Cleckheaton Central, Liversedge Central and Heckmondwike Central had officially closed on 14 June 1965,
they continued to be used for occasional excursion trains and the platform signs were left in place for several years.
This ticket was for a special excursion on 11th June 1966 organised by Millbridge Working Mens Club.
Trains For Heckmondwike Sign : John Stephenson
Sign at the National Railway Museum, York.

Mirfield
Opened 04-1845.
Mirfield totem : Paul Holroyd 18-03-06  
See also Calder Valley line
Totem from Mirfield station, currently on display in the Museum of Rail Travel at Ingrow near Keighley.
Click here to see selection of railway tickets & handbills.   website - www.vintagecarriagestrust.org
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
An 8F approaching Sands Lane Mirfield with a westbound mixed freight train.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
A westbound coal train passes a local DMU looking west from Woodend Lane bridge Mirfield.
Note the girder bridge for the Leeds New Line.
Mirfield c1980 : David Webdale
Same spot as above 20 years later, Class 37 & tankers  heading toward Mirfield. Heaton lodge junction just visible in distance.
Mirfield facing Huddersfield c1980 :  David Webdale
Taken by surprise, not many Deltics on this route, always worth a photo. The old station building on the left now gone.
Mirfield facing Huddersfield c1980 :  David Webdale
Class 40 on its way to the sidings, all gone now, at least the mill is still there.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
A Peak class diesel approaching Sands Lane bridge Mirfield with a Liverpool bound express.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
A Black 5 heads west with a fitted van train on the approach to Mirfield station.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
Class 8F no. 48123 passing under Sands Lane road bridge Mirfield with a westbound coal train.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
English electric type 4 (now class 40) with brake tender passes under Sands Lane road bridge Mirfield with empty coal wagons.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
Flying Scotsman westbound at Mirfield passing Mirfield No. 1 box with Ledgard Mill behind the box.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
Flying Scotsman westbound passed Mirfield MPD_ with the Woodend Lane 'Photters' bridge in the distance.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
Jubilee no. 45562 'Alberta' approaching Mirfield station with a Liverpool bound express.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
Circa 1967 8F 48666 eastbound at Sands Lane Mirfield with coal empties for Healey Mills yard.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
Circa 1967 8F no. 48533 gets a Lancashire bound coal train under way from Mirfield loop.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
Circa 1967 tank loco 42149 at Sands Lane Mirfield heading west on a local parcels train.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
Circa 1967 8F no. 48666 at Sands Lane Mirfield_ heading east with coal empties from Lancashire.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
Calder Valley/B1 westbound at Mirfield.
Mirfield : Bernard Coomber
Early trans-pennine DMU passing under Sands Lane road bridge Mirfield heading East.
Mirfield MPD : Bernard Coomber
Part of the yard in front of Mirfield MPD, showing the drivers 'bothy' in the middle background.
Mirfield MPD : Bernard Coomber
The old L & Y MPD at Mirfield.
Mirfield MPD : Bernard Coomber
A 'crab' in the 'coal ole' as it was known - Mirfield MPD.
Mirfield MPD : Bernard Coomber
An 8F eastbound at Mirfield.
Mirfield MPD : Bernard Coomber
An Austerity alongside the shed at Mirfield.
Mirfield MPD : Bernard Coomber
Class B1 leading a black 5 double heading a Redbank parcels for Manchester passing Mirfield MPD.
Mirfield MPD : Bernard Coomber
An 8F passing Mirfield MPD with loaded coal wagons for Lancashire
Mirfield MPD : Bernard Coomber
A Crosti boilered 9F eastbound passed Mirfield shed (engine drivers bothy on the right) hauling a rake of cattle wagons.
Mirfield MPD : Bernard Coomber
DMU 'Calder Valley' set westbound passed Mirfield MPD_ with the shed to the left_ and the 'coal ole' to the right.
Mirfield Sheds c1960 : Graham Smith
My step-Brother worked at Mirfield sheds for 7 years before he emigrated to Australia (now lives in Cambridge). He used to travel by train to work from Cleckheation (imagine that!). He was a MAD train spotter in the 50's and 60's before I was born. He even once volunteered as a fireman on a Mallard fast run from London to Edinburgh. He said at speed that train could eat more coal than 2 men could shovel and they had to change teams every 20-30 minutes or so through the tender (I believe).
Mirfield Sheds c1960 : Graham Smith
Mirfield Sheds c1960 : Graham Smith
Mirfield Sheds c1960 : Graham Smith
Mirfield shed (1972) : Keith Rose
Mirfield Shed 1972.
Mirfield shed (1972) : Keith Rose
Mirfield Shed 1972.
Unknown c1960 : Graham Smith
The double-header is a mystery to me although the large building in the background may give you some clues.
Note : Vic Smith
Photo shows the ramped coal stage with water tank above (coal ‘ole, as previously described)
and unusual experimental signalling system. View from opposite direction on;-http://geoff-plumb.fotopic.net/p46015628.html
There is a very good article on this experimental signalling at Mirfield, can be found at http://www.signalbox.org/signals/lmsspeed.htm
Mirfield M.P.D 20 March 1984 : Alan S Bagot
The shed closed to steam on 2nd January 1967 when the new diesel depot at Healey Mills opened.
Last I heard, the surviving sheds are used by Patterson's road tankers.
Mirfield M.P.D 20 March 1984 : Alan S Bagot
Buildings & interior.

Spen Valley Junction

Mirfield - Spen Valley (Cleckheaton branch) junction OS Map 1980

Church Lane & Canal Crossing.
Church lane facing south  (06-06-04) : David Webdale
This boring photo shows bridge parapet at the bottom of Church lane, see map. The line ran under the road at this point.
The new section of wall in the middle crosses the deepest part of the cutting.
Canal crossing facing north east (06-06-04) : David Webdale
Taken from the south side of the canal. I assume an iron deck bridge crossed here, supported on these tasty rusticated stone pillars.
Canal crossing facing north west (06-06-04) : David Webdale
Same thing, different angle.
Ravensthorpe Branch : David Webdale
Seen here running along side the L&Y Ravensthorpe branch & the Leeds New Line.

Northorpe Lower station (North Road)

Opened 1847. Closed 14-06-1965.

O S Map 1902
Both Northorpe LNWR & L&Y stations shown on this map. The LNWR station not labelled is on the Leeds New Line
Station (24-08-14) : Colinne Terry
This is a picture of where the actual station was and not where mark Wilcock picture shows. His pic is of a retaining wall for the housing estate. The entrance was up some steps and can still be seen by the different stonework. The island platform as was constructed extended over north road . His picture of the access facing Heckmondwike is of a lane that did not go anywhere as I grew up by this station. The remains of the bridge as said is a retaining wall and the pic of the wall facing northorpe upper is of where the entrance was and also the bridge was, as can be seen in next photos.
Station (24-08-14) : Colinne Terry
Where the entrance was.
Station (24-08-14) : Colinne Terry
Boundary wall of station.
Bridge (23-03-08) : Mark Wilcock
Remains of bridge spanning North road looking back in direction of Ravensthorpe.
Bridge (23-03-08) : Mark Wilcock
Remains of bridge spanning North road looking back in direction of Ravensthorpe.
Station access (23-03-08) : Mark Wilcock
Access to station facing direction of Heckmondwike/Low Moor.
Station access (23-03-08) : Mark Wilcock
Access to station facing direction of Heckmondwike/Low Moor.
Wall (23-03-08) : Mark Wilcock
Wall in direction of Northorpe Higher.
Bridge (23-03-08) : Mark Wilcock
Remains of bridge span looking in direction of Ravensthorpe.
Wall (23-03-08) : Mark Wilcock
Wall at side of above photo
Facing Ravensthorpe (23-03-08) : Mark Wilcock
View in direction of Ravensthorpe.
Trackbed (23-03-08) : Mark Wilcock
Track line looking in direction of Heckmondwike/Low Moor.

Heckmondwike Junction
Heckmondwike Central station & B.R Charrington Hargreaves oil terminal spur (o.s 1985)
 
Heckmondwike L&Y junction & LNWR Leeds New Line (1930)
See Also Leeds New Line page 2
Heckmondwike Junction : Christopher Franz
Heckmondwike Central 1966 B.R spur Facing back towards Ravensthorpe 1987 (K Evans)
(Liversedge Charrington Hargreaves Oil Terminal) In 1966 a new connection was made at Heckmondwike Spen Goods yard, see Leeds New Line page 3 between the L & Y Ravensthorpe branch & The Leeds New Line to Liversedge Spen. This was to supply the Charrington Hargreaves oil terminal at the former Liversedge Spen Goods Yard. This enabled the closure of the Heaton Lodge to Liversedge Spen Goods section of the Leeds New Line. The yard was sold to Charrington Hargreaves in 1967. The terminal was mothballed in 1986.
Heckmondwike junction  (nd) : Michael Ramsden
Heckmondwike Junction box from the Cater Lane footbridge, showing the line towards Mirfield reduced to single track.
Heckmondwike junction (09-1971) : Bob Cockcroft
Heckmondwike junction signal box in 1971. This signal box is to an early design.
Footbridge Heckmondwike : Bernard Coomber
Footbridge at Walkley lane Heckmondwike crossing the old L&Y line, view looking towards Dewsbury. Now part of the Spen Valley Greenway.
Heckmondwike Central junction 3rd August 1983 : Alan S Bagot
Heckmondwike L & Y junction & footbridge.
Heckmondwike Central footbridge 1986 : K Evans
Heckmondwike Central 1986 (K Evans)
Heckmondwike Central 3rd August 1983 : Alan S Bagot
Heckmondwike L & Y boundary stone.
Heckmondwike Central 1985 (K Evans)
4 Mile marker post near Heckmondwike Central 1985.
Heckmondwike Central goods 3rd August 1983 : Alan S Bagot
Heckmondwike L & Y goods depot. Tacky new houses now built on the whole of this area.

Heckmondwike Central station
Opened 1848. Closed 14-06-1965. Freight  05-1969.
Totem from Heckmondwike Central (18-11-07) Paul Holroyd
On display at the National Railway Museum, York. Click here to see selection of  railway tickets & handbills.
Heckmondwike Central station (09-1971) : Bob Cockcroft
Heckmondwike old station in 1971 from street level.
The station was rebuilt in 1889 & renamed Heckmondwike Central from 1924 to 1961.
The original LYR station at Heckmondwike had been serving as a goods depot & is quite a grand building.
Heckmondwike Central station (09-1971) : Bob Cockcroft
Heckmondwike old station in 1971 looking towards Mirfield.
Heckmondwike Central station (09-1971) : Bob Cockcroft
Heckmondwike old station in 1971 looking towards Low Moor.
Heckmondwike (c1911) : Christopher Franz
Heckmondwike Panorama photo, using iPhone panoramic setting.
Heckmondwike (c1911) : Christopher Franz
Heckmondwike Central station visible in the distance.
Note : I'm looking for a home for these pictures, as I don't have space for them here. I've actually only scanned 1/3 of each image.
Heckmondwike (c1911) : Christopher Franz
Heckmondwike Central station closer view, cleaned & high res scan.
Heckmondwike (c1911) : Christopher Franz
Heckmondwike Central station, view from Norris Hill - written on the back of the photo.
Heckmondwike (c1945) : Graham Smith
Heckmondwike L&YR station taken from the from the location of the Beck Lane football pitch which is off Milton Road just where it meets Cornmill Lane. A neighbour brought this photo to me, as it was from a friend of his and had 3 ladies in the foreground (They are removed).
His friend was one of the ladies and it was taken just after the war I think given her age. There are photos from Christopher Franz of Heckmondwike in 1911 (see above) showing some similar location shots taken from further away. These photos show rows of bushes planted on the embankment, but it looks like these didn’t survive as they are not seen in the attached photo.
Heckmondwike (c1911) : Christopher Franz
Heckmondwike general view. (view from top left of the map).
To the extreme left of the photo is the Heckmondwike goods yard.
To the right of the photo the tracks nearest to us are the L&Y Mirfield to Low Moor line.
The tracks behind, passing under the iron bridge (Bridge 21), are the L&Y Ravensthorpe branch.
The Tracks on top of the iron bridge are the Leeds New Line.
Spenborough (c1915) : Thomas Castle c/o Christopher Franz
The view from Stanley Colliery seems to be behind Spenborough Baths.
Liversedge Spen station on the Leeds New Line visible in the background on the left hand photo.
Heckmondwike Central station (nd) : Cedric Rowland
Heckmondwike Central station island platform, viewed from Station lane.
Heckmondwike Central station (c1960) : c/o Carbootnut    See Carbootnut photo's on Flickr
Heckmondwike Central, 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley.
Heckmondwike Central station (c1960) : c/o Carbootnut
Heckmondwike Central.60004 William Whitelaw.

Note : Bill McKelvie
It is great to see that at Heckmondwike Central Station mighty A4 pacifics flying through the station I am grateful to the contributor for their submission
however I am delighted to say it is a bit more famous engine than William Whitelaw it is actually 'Silver Link' 60014.
The name plate is too short and the end letter looks like a K although the speed it is going at it is a delight that the contributor got this mighty engine at all with the detail that he has.  The confirmation of above is if you look at the following picture of 60004 At Ferryhill the nameplate complete goes beyond a bulge on its side, where as on 60014 it doesn't.   http://www.time-capsules.co.uk/picture/show/3826/William-Whitelaw-at-Ferryhill
Heckmondwike Central station (c1960) : c/o Carbootnut
Heckmondwike Central, class 40.
Heckmondwike Central station (c1960) : c/o Carbootnut
Heckmondwike Central, 60115 Meg Merrilies.
Heckmondwike Central station (c1960) : c/o Carbootnut
Heckmondwike Central, 60034 Lord Faringdon.
Heckmondwike Central station (c1960) : c/o Carbootnut
Heckmondwike Central.
Heckmondwike Central station (09-1971) : Bob Cockcroft
Heckmondwike Central station in 1971 looking towards Low Moor.
Heckmondwike Central station (c1980) : Bill McKelvie
Looking south 'UP' to Mirfield from where the island platform would be, with the 'DOWN' to Bradford rail still intact.
Passengers would descend down a ramp to the lower street level This photo was taken in the eighties.
The nearby Station pub used to have a wooden platform built and had excursions to Blackpool after the station had closed every year.
Railway street bridge facing west (02-07-06) : David Webdale
Stood on the site of the goods yard, just beyond Heckmondwike junction. The double bridge crossing Railway street.
Heckmondwike central platform was just at the other side of the bridge. The platform over grown with trees now.
The Railway pub was just to the right but has been replaced by some modern residential buildings.
Heckmondwike Central (25-10-20) : Paul Holroyd
Similar views in 2020.
Heckmondwike Central (25-10-20) : Paul Holroyd
Heckmondwike Central station (c1980) : Bill McKelvie
Back of the station office parapet.
Railway street bridge (28-07-06) : Paul B
The view from street level facing towards Heckmondwike town centre.
Heckmondwike Central (25-10-20) : Paul Holroyd
Closer view of the bridge.
Heckmondwike Central entrance facing west (02-07-06) : David Webdale
The view from under the bridge. Passenger access to the island platform was via a covered stairway leading down to street level,
I assume through this strange bricked up doorway. The steps on the right lead to a cobbled yard.
Heckmondwike Central (25-10-20) : Paul Holroyd
Closer view of the steps & information sign.
Heckmondwike Central (25-10-20) : Paul Holroyd
Closer view of alcove at the top of the steps.
Heckmondwike Central station facing east (c1960) : Mark Anthony Astley collection   website - www.vintagecarriagestrust.org
Heckmondwike Central in the early 1960s, with a Metropolitan- Cammell diesel multiple unit operating a local service along the Spen Valley
Heckmondwike Central (25-10-20) : Paul Holroyd
Facing back towards Northorpe & Thornhill.
Heckmondwike Central station facing east (02-07-06) : David Webdale
Facing back towards Railway street, platform remnants. Tacky new housing, built on the site of the goods yard, visible in the distance.
Heckmondwike Central (25-10-20) : Paul Holroyd
Platform remnants
Heckmondwike Central station facing east (c1960) : Mark Anthony Astley collection
Heckmondwike Central in the 1960s.
 
Heckmondwike Central station facing east (c1980) : Greame Walton
Taken on the Spen Valley greenway just after the old platform of the old station in  Station Lane.
The photos are from the early eighties, when freight trains used to use the lines. I remember the old Charrington Hargreaves line quite well.
Full tankers would come along early in the morning and in the evening they would come to take them away when they were empty.
Heckmondwike Central station (c1980) : Bill McKelvie
Former British Rail gate leading to Goods Yard which has now being built upon.
Heckmondwike Central station (c1980) : Bill McKelvie
Stone Loading stage. Also according to the L.M.S plans for this site at the start of the loading stage was Shell distribution fuel tanks. The yard on this side was predominately Goods Vans and house a four/five bay goods shed. Out of shot and to the left of the mainline where the sidings for the 16ton coal wagons. From the 1960's BR op manual, the majority of the trains on the up side would be for Mirfield, Huddersfield, Clayton West and Penistone, On a Saturday there would be a through train direct to London Kings Cross and a return from the majestic Blackpool Central (why they closed that down and kept North and South open baffles me) through to Wakefield Kirkgate. The DOWN side would be the reverse of above and all going to Bradford Exchange.
Spenborough (1957) : Roman Soroka
I just found the Lost Railways of West Yorkshire web site and saw a photograph of the railway at Stanley Colliery, Liversedge (above). When I was about four I lived at Stanley Pit Cottages which were only a stones throw from the railway. I have attached a photograph taken about  1957 that includes a short section of track somewhere close to the photograph. I have a vague memory of being with some older boys when they put a penny on the track to have it squashed by a passing steam train. Happy days!
Heckmondwike Central 3rd August 1983 / Feb 1984: Alan S Bagot
Site of goods yard & forecourt.
Heckmondwike Central (25-10-20) : Paul Holroyd
Trackbead facing toward  Liversedge & Cleckheaton.
Beck lane facing east (16-07-06) : David Webdale
Under the tracks a few yards west of Heckmondwike station platform.
Wormald street facing east (16-07-06) : David Webdale
200 yards further west, fence post sleepers on the corner of Cornmill lane & Wormald street.
Wormald street facing east (08-08-21) : Paul Holroyd
A pic of the other side of the bridge at Wormald Street, Liversedge.
Huddersfield road facing west (16-07-06) : David Webdale
Facing towards Liversedge the A62 Huddersfield road crossing.
Huddersfield road facing east (16-07-06) : David Webdale
View from the other side, the bridge looks to have been widened at some stage.
Strawberry Bank Colliery facing west (16-07-06) : David Webdale
100 yards beyond Huddersfield road the site of Strawberry Bank colliery Sidings, five or so tracks wide.
Tracks leading to the pit head curved off to the left.
Footpath facing south (16-07-06) : David Webdale
Footpath between Headlands road & Ashton Clough road. (just beyond the trees in previous photo)
Shot of the entrance from Ashton Clough road end.
Footpath facing north  (16-07-06) : David Webdale
View from under the tracks looking towards Ashton Clough road.

Liversedge Central station
Opened 1847. Closed 14-06-1965.
Liversedge Central 3rd August 1983 : Alan S Bagot
Liversedge Central (17-07-06) : David Webdale
Similar view to above photo in 2006. Halifax road bridge & Knowler Hill tunnel in distance
Liversedge Central post card : Mark Hurley
A post card picture of Liversedge Railway Station, West Yorkshire
Liversedge tunnel (1980) : c/o Paul Holroyd
Rail charter link to - http://www.flickr.com/photos/41294071@N02/8629457056/in/photostream/
Liversedge Central entrance (17-07-06) : David Webdale
Taken from the corner of Headlands road & Halifax road. Stone sets & gate posts.
Liversedge Central 19-08-67 : Paul Holroyd courtesy Alan S Bagot
Bridge demolition.
Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Society Magazine (2002) : Paul Holroyd
Issue 214 dated June 2002, of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Society Magazine includes a 2-page feature on Liversedge in the 1930s.
Knowler Hill tunnel facing west (16-07-06) : David Webdale
Knowler Hill tunnel facing east (16-07-06) : David Webdale
Looking back towards Liversedge station, Halifax road bridge visible at the other end.
Primrose lane facing north (17-07-06) : David Webdale
Lane between Halifax road & Bradford road. Still has the old stone sets. (Cleckheaton to the left).
Clayborn playing fields (03-06-1963) : Bernard Coomber collection
Photo taken 03 June 1963 heading north from Liversedge to Cleckheaton Central passing close by the Clayborn playing fields site is Royal Scot class 46115 'Scots Guardsman'. This locomotive is now owned and preserved by West Coast Railways at Carnforth and can be seen regularly working on the main line on charter trains.
Cleckheaton Central (09-1962) : Bernard Coomber collection
Photo taken September 1962 showing an English Electric type 4 diesel (now class 40's) number D346 heading south between Cleckheaton and Liversedge. Cleckheaton town is to be seen in the background.
Rawfolds footpath facing east (17-07-06) : David Webdale
Path between Quaker Lane & Bradford road (Cleckheaton to the right).
Cleckheaton Central (nd) : c/o Vic Smith
I have just identified a location showing a train leaving Cleckheaton station. http://www.flickr.com/photos/irishswissernie/6505037841/
See next photos below.
Cleckheaton Central 11 March 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
Bridge near junction of Pyenot Gardens and Syke Fold, Cleckheaton.
For many years Eastwoods Taxis operated from Syke Fold, Cleckheaton, opposite the old Cleckheaton bus station.
Cleckheaton Central 11 March 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
The other side of the underbridge near the junction of Pyneot Gardens and Syke Fold, Cleckheaton.

Cleckheaton Central station
Opened 1847. Closed 14-06-1965. Freight  05-1969.
Cleckheaton Central station map 1905
Cleckheaton  Map (1931) : Malcolm Mallison
From the Six inch map 1931 Survey.
Cleckheaton Central
Youtube from Darren Hosker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y54by74Tbgs
Cleckheaton Central : c/o Graham Smith
Aerial shots from Bradford Museums & Galleries website. http://photos.bradfordmuseums.org/index.php?a=QuickSearch&q=cleckheaton&WINID=1446034986327
Cleckheaton Central sign c1968 : Harry Naylor Holroyd courtesy Richard Holroyd
Happily, the sign still exists.
Cleckheaton Central sign 03-08-07 : Paul Holroyd
Another view of the sign which advertised the entrances for the passenger station and the goods depot at Cleckheaton Central.
Vintage Carriages Trust Museum of Rail Travel
Totem from Cleckheaton Central is on display at the Museum of Rail Travel, Ingrow near Keighley.
website - www.vintagecarriagestrust.org

Click here to see selection of  railway tickets & handbills.
Spenborough Guardian newspaper article (08-01-10)
When Spen had trains.
Cleckheaton Central shunting records 1958 : Paul Holroyd  see more
Until the Beeching axe, Cleckheaton Central had a busy goods yard. Fortunately, a number of Freight train and shunting records survive from 1958, covering the periods February 24-26, April 1-May 30 , August 2-31 and October 2-13.

The example shown is a fascinating historical document, showing the arrival and the departure times at Cleckheaton,
the locomotives involved: nos 52461, 44485, 90397 and 90124 as well as the origin points and final destinations of the trains,
and the number of wagons detached at Cleckheaton Central. The 06.00 from Mirfield to Cleckheaton which arrived at 06.40
consisisted of 30 wagons , while 14 wagons were detached from the Sowerby to Low Moor train which arrived at Cleckheaton at 12.10
Cleckheaton Central Westgate bridge 11 March 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
The bridge over Westgate, looking towards the site of Cleckheaton Central station. The buffer stop is at the other side of the bridge, on the left.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
The bridge over Westgate, Cleckheaton, looking towards the site of Cleckheaton Central station.
Note that the right-hand stone parapet has been replaced by railings.
Cleckheaton South signal box stood in the area on the right where the trees are.
Cleckheaton Central 11 March 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
The buffer stops by the bridge over Westgate.
Cleckheaton Central 11 March 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
The buffer stops by the road bridge over Westgate. Note the surviving pieces of track.
 
Cleckheaton Central Westgate bridge 11 March 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
The bridge over Westgate Cleckheaton, looking towards Liversedge.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Bridge over Westgate, Cleckheaton, with Tofts Road on the right immediately after the bridge.
Note that on this side, the original stone parapet has been replaced by railings.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Bridge over Westgate, Cleckheaton, showing the original stone parapet.
Cleckheaton Central 11 March 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
The scene of the accident in June 1928, now with commemorative seat and plaque. This was not the first accident at this particular set of buffer stops: on 13 July 1905 some wagons fell down the embankment overlooking Tofts Road. A postcard, originally published by E.W. Taylor of Cleckheaton, is reproduced in the book: “The Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway on old picture postcards”, compiled by Norman Ellis, published in 2000 by Reflections of a Bygone Age.

Paul Holroyd : Links to the accident : http://www.flickr.com/photos/robsue888/4302911573/     http://www.flickr.com/photos/robsue888/4303662566/
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Plaque commemorating the accident at Cleckheaton on 22 June 1928.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Bridge over Westgate, Cleckheaton, looking towards Liversedge. Note the replacement parapet on the left.
Cleckheaton Central approach 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
The bridge over Station Approach  & Katy Louise Holroyd. Liversedge is to the left, Low Moor to the right. There used to be a taxi rank where the double yellow lines are, and a lamp hung from the bottom of the bridge to illuminate the pavement on the right. The passenger entrance to the station was mid-way under the bridge - a set of stone steps on the right leading to the platforms.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Station Approach, Cleckheaton, showing new balustrade installed April 2023.
Cleckheaton Central approach 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Detail of the underside of the bridge over Station Approach. You can just make out the blue pipe for the lamp.
Cleckheaton Central station entrance 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Underneath the Station Approach bridge, looking towards the Station Hotel and Cleckheaton town centre. Tofts Road is behind the Photographer. The bricked up pedestrian entrance to the station is visible on the left.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Station Approach, Cleckheaton, looking towards Tofts Road.
The bricked-up staircase which led to the platforms is on the right.
Cleckheaton Central station entrance 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
The bricked up pedestrian entrance from Station Approach. The steps on the right were more worn than those on the left hand side.
Cleckheaton Central 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
The bricked up Staircase which led from Station Approach to the platforms.
Looking towards Low Moor. Originally this open area was surrounded by blue-painted wooden fencing.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Looking down on Station Approach from the site of the island platform at Cleckheaton Central, with the site of the former southbound platform on the right
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Site of the former southbound platform at Cleckheaton Central, with Station Approach underneath.
Cleckheaton Central 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Detail of the remains of the bridge over Station Approach
Cleckheaton Central approach 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Underneath the Station Approach bridge. The steps lead to Tofts Road. The road curves away to join Tofts Road, and there are 3 Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway stone boundary posts at the bottom of the embankment.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
New balustrade of bridge over Station Approach, Cleckheaton, looking towards Railway Street.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
New balustrade of the bridge over Station Approach, Cleckheaton, looking towards Tofts Road.
Cleckheaton Central 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
All that remains of the platform of Cleckheaton Central. This set of railings is on top of the bridge over Station Approach.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Bridge over Station Approach and the site of the island platform at Cleckheaton Central. Looking towards Low Moor. Tofts Road is to the left. The railings on the right are over Station Approach.
Cleckheaton Central 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
The staircase linking Tofts Road with Station Approach, taken from the bridge over Station Approach.
 
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Staircase leading from Station Approach to Tofts Road, Cleckheaton.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
The first Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway stone boundary post in Station Approach, Cleckheaton.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
The second Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway stone boundary post in Station Approach, Cleckheaton.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
The third Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway stone boundary post, located in Tofts Road, Cleckheaton.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Cleckheaton Central.
Cleckheaton Central (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Footpath from the Spen Valley Greenway to Tofts Road, Cleckheaton.
Tofts Road, Cleckheaton on the left, with Station Approach on the right.
Cleckheaton Central Goods Yard : Bernard Coomber
Cleckheaton Central goods yard, now the site of a Tesco supermarket. Note the Seddon coal lorry of WH Sharp.
BR type 2 Cleckheaton (nd) : Michael Ramsden
BR type 2 on diverted train passing Cleck platform from Tofts Road warehouse.
On the extreme left can be seen the station masters house just by entrance to goods yard from Railway Street, now the entrance to Tesco car park.
Cleckheaton Central goods yard (07-1964) : Bernard Coomber collection
Date taken July 1964 showing jubilee class number 45589 'Gwalior' passing through Cleckheaton Central goods yard heading for Low Moor with an excursion train. The two wooden huts directly above the loco cab were the offices for W H Sharp & Wm Bennett both coal merchants.
Cleckheaton Central goods yard (08-08-1964) : Bernard Coomber collection
Photo taken 08 August 1964 showing ex LMS 'Black 5' 44951 shunting the yard at Cleckheaton Central ex L&Y line.
The building in the background is the old L&Y goods warehouse now completely demolished.
Cleckheaton Central goods yard (08-08-1964) : Bernard Coomber collection
Photo taken 08 August 1964 view showing part of Cleckheaton Central goods yard with Cleckheaton Central station behind the signal gantry and the old L&Y goods warehouse with hoist extreme right of the picture. The locomotive is ex LMS Jubilee class 45589 'Gwalior' and is heading an express towards Low Moor.
BR type 4 Cleckheaton yard (nd) : Michael Ramsden
Type 4 no. 392, passing Cleckheaton yard.
BR Type 3 D6866 Cleckheaton (nd) : Michael Ramsden
View from D6866 approaching Cleckheaton on goods train, then same train leaving platform.
B1 Cleckheaton yard (nd) : Michael Ramsden
B1 no 61013 'Topi', in Cleckheaton yard.
BR Type 4 D210 'Empress Of Britain Cleckheaton (nd) : Michael Ramsden
D210 'Empress Of Britain' at Cleckheaton.
BR Type 3  D6870 Cleckheaton (nd) : Michael Ramsden
D6870 on Tar Distillers train at Cleckheaton.
Cleckheaton Central  Multiple unit : James Cliff   website - www.procast.co.uk
General view of the island platform & sidings. see also Cleckheaton spen  Leeds new line page 4
Cleckheaton Central  7F 49618 : James Cliff
Cleckheaton Central  Jubilee : James Cliff / Graham Smith (2010)
Second photo is a then & now same location in 2010.
Cleckheaton Central station : Bernard Coomber
Cleckheaton Central station facing towards Heckmondwike. Note the Cleckheaton South signal box in the far distance.
Cleckheaton Central 18 Feb 1968 Harry Naylor Holroyd courtesy Alan S Bagot
A young Paul Holroyd at Cleckheaton Central.
The last ordinary passenger train called at Cleckheaton Central on Saturday 12 June 1965 (there was no Sunday service),
however occasional special trains called at the station after regular passenger services had been withdrawn.
The passenger station buildings were demolished in February 1968 - but the stone-built island platform remained in situ for a few years more.
The station remained opened to freight traffic until May 1969.
A demolition contractor was accused of stealing the remains of the station in  August 1971
- stone, timber, track, rail chairs  and buffer stops  -  but he was found not guilty at a trial held on 25 April 1972 
Cleckheaton Central  A3 60109 : James Cliff
Same vantage point.
Cleckheaton Central 18th Feb 1968 : Paul Holroyd courtesy Alan S Bagot
Booking office, platforms & south signal box. Cleckheaton South signal box closed 1966. Cleckheaton North signal box closed 1970.
Note that the running-in board proclaiming the station’s name is still in situ, over two and-a-half years after closure to passengers.
Happily, both running-in boards still exist.
Cleckheaton Central 11 March 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
Think this is the remains of the Loading Gauge which stood between the goods depot buildings and Cleckheaton South signal box (see previous photo)
Signal box board 31-10-06 : Paul Holroyd
Signal box board from Cleckheaton South, currently on loan to the Museum of Rail Travel at Ingrow.
Click here to see selection of railway tickets & handbills.
Cleckheaton Central April 1962 : Harry Naylor Holroyd / Rodney Holroyd courtesy Alan S Bagot
A young Paul Holroyd with a previously unidentified LMS-design Black Five no 44731 heading from Cleckheaton Central
towards Liversedge Central. Also a couple of shots of  WD Austerity 2-8-0 no 90707 at Cleckheaton Central.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Just after leaving the site of Cleckheaton Central. Note the two rows of sleepers
 
Cleckheaton Central 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
The remains of the loading dock by the former W H Sharpe coalyard.
Cleckheaton Central 11 March 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
Sleepers in the remains of Cleckheaton Central goods yard. Where once there was a yard full of railway wagons, there is now a supermarket car park
Cleckheaton Central goods yard 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
All that is left of the entrance to Cleckheaton Central goods yard - Some stonework and some ironwork in the pavement. Where once Scammell mechanical horse lorries operated the collection and delivery service, now the area is used as a supermarket car park. (Katy Louise Holroyd taking part, bless)
Cleckheaton Central (02-03-10) : Matthew Padget
Lately Yorkshire water have closed the greenway and started digging it up. Took a couple of pictures from my mobile.
You can't really see, but the pile of wood is some old sleepers from the track.
Cleckheaton Central (09-04-10) : Graham Smith
The work by Yorkshire Water has cleared lots of trees so the cutting looks a bit more like it would have when trains were still running rather than the woodland it had become recently.
Cleckheaton Central (09-04-10) : Graham Smith
Cleckheaton Central Whitcliffe Road 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
The Whitcliffe Road overbridge & Katy Louise Holroyd looking towards Cleckheaton Central station.
Cleckheaton Central Whitcliffe Road 11 March 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Whitcliffe Road overbridge, looking towards Low Moor. The slope on the right has been created in the late 1990s by Sustrans to link the Spen Valley Greenway to a public access point. In British Railways days all the earth was at the lower trackbed level.
Cleckheaton Central Whitcliffe Road bridge : Bernard Coomber
Whitcliffe Road bridge Cleckheaton crossing the old L & Y line looking towards Low Moor. Now part of the Spen Valley Greenway.
Cleckheaton Central Royal Scot : James Cliff  website - www.procast.co.uk
Same bridge back in the old days.
Bridge over Whitechapel Road 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
looking towards Low Moor. The remaining part of Cleckheaton Gas Works is to the right of the photographer, on this side of the bridge. On the far side of the bridge , on the right hand side, there used to be Ellisons Tar Works, which later became Yorkshire Tar Distillers. (see later)
Cleckheaton Central (09-04-10) : Graham Smith
I was surprised to find the 2 mile marker post opposite the old gasworks sidings (other side of the Hunsworth Lane bridge compared to Ellinson’s) Incredibly, the 2 mile marker post is also shown on the plans in the L&YR Cleckheaton Branch booklet in exactly the place I found it.
Cleckheaton Central (09-04-10) : Graham Smith
Sleepers still in place. I couldn’t figure out why the sleepers were on the opposite side of the embankment from the gasworks when I though they were the gasworks sidings. 
Cleckheaton Central (09-04-10) : Graham Smith
The main line seems to be in the wrong place here when looking at the alignment of the Hunsworth Lane bridge so there must have been quite a kink in the line. Checking my L&YR Cleckheaton Branch booklet shows that they are actually the original up & down lines which must have curved around the gasworks sidings.
Cleckheaton Central Class 40 : Michael Ramsden c/o Paul Holroyd collection / Graham Smith (2010)
English Electric Class 40 diesel no 392 in the cutting immediately north of Cleckheaton Central. Following the end of main line steam in August 1968, the loco has lost its D prefix to the fleet number, but has not yet received its 1972 TOPS fleet number. Second photo is a then & now same location in 2010.
Cleckheaton North signalbox (c1966 - 1970) :  Nigel Cross c/o Paul Holroyd collection / Graham Smith (2010)
Photographed between 1966 - 1970. Following the closure in 1966 of Cleckheaton South signalbox, the word "North" appears to have been painted out. Cleckheaton North signalbox was itself closed in 1970, but happily a signalling instrument from Cleckheaton North is on display at the Museum of Rail Travel, Ingrow. (see photo below) Second photo is a then & now same location in 2010.
Cleckheaton North signal box (nd) : Nigel Cross c/o Michael Ramsden
Photo was taken by Nigel Cross and is a nice view northwards from Cleckheaton North signal box.
His photo of the box is already on the site and I don't think he'll mind if I send you this.
Cleckheaton North signal box (nd) : Michael Ramsden
PhB1 No 61131 leaving Cleckheaton with a goods train taken from Vine Street near Cleckheaton North box.
Signalling Instrument : Paul Holroyd 
From Cleckheaton North signal box, on display at the Museum of Rail Travel, Ingrow near Keighley.
website - www.vintagecarriagestrust.org

Click here to see selection of  railway tickets & handbills.
Cleckheaton North signal box train register book : Paul Holroyd 
Happily, at least one train register book from Cleckheaton North signal box survives.
Covering the period Saturday 12 August 1961 - Thursday 23 May 1963 (with some gaps, as the train register books were sent away periodically for checking)
The up line ran from north to south (i.e. Low Moor to Heckmondwike). Of interest are the names of the signallers and details of the weather.

Cleckheaton North signal box train register book
Saturday 12 August 1961 Down & Up - The London King's Cross train.
Cleckheaton North signal box train register book
Monday 14 August 1961.
The sheer number of trains, taking up two pages in each direction Up & Down.
Cleckheaton North signal box train register book
Saturday 19 August 1961 - The Bridlington trains.


Monday 04 September 1961 - The staff member carrying our Rule 55 - where. if a signal was not cleared within 3 minutes of the train coming to a stand - or immediately in rain, snow or fog - the fireman or guard had to go to the signal box to check that the signaller was aware of the train's presence and taken all safeguards to protect it - such as placing collars on the signal levers.
Cleckheaton North signal box train register book
Sunday 12 November 1961 Down & Up.
Cleckheaton North signal box train register book
Monday 14 May 1962  Down & Up.
Cleckheaton North signal box train register book
Monday 21 May 1962  Down & Up - The block failure
Cleckheaton North signal box train register book
Thursday 23 May 1963  Down & Up.






Accident report (25-12-1905) : Paul Holroyd 
Accident report.
Goods & passenger train collision at Cleckheaton North signal box.
Cleckheaton Central Whitechapel Road (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Bridge over Whitechapel Road, Cleckheaton, Cleckheaton North signal box stood on the left hand side next to the gas works, whilst Yorkshire Tar Distillers - formerly Henry Ellison's - used to be on the right.
Cleckheaton Central Whitechapel Road (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Bridge over Whitechapel Road, Cleckheaton. Cleckheaton North signal box used to stand on the right, next to the gas works.
Cleckheaton Central Whitechapel Road (18-05-23) : Paul Holroyd
Access to the Spen Valley Greenway is by this footpath from Whitechapel Road. Photographed looking towards Low Moor.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
Bridge over Whitechapel Road. Cleckheaton Gas Works was to the left, Yorkshire Tar Distillers to the right.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Looking towards Cleckheaton Central. Katy Louise Holroyd takes a rest near Cleckheaton Gas Works.
Class B1 gas works : Bernard Coomber / Graham Smith (2010)
Class B1 passes Cleckheaton gas works with Ellisons siding signal box in the distance, heading towards Low Moor.
Ellisons siding signal box was destroyed by fire in 1966. Second photo is a then & now same location in 2010.

Ellisons sidings (Yorkshire Tar Distillers)
Shunting Loco Ellisons sidings (Yorkshire Tar Distillers) : Bernard Coomber
Works shunter at Yorkshire Tar Distillers at Moorend Cleckheaton, formerly Ellisons sidings off the old L&Y line. (see below).
Andrew Barclay locomotive 1823 Harry : John Down   website http://pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk/
The last steam locomotive to work at Yorkshire Tar Distillers (Ellisons) was built in 1924 by Andrew Barclay, of Kilmarknock (works number 1823).It was originally owned by the Colzium Quarry Co. Ltd. In 1929 it was sold to Yorkshire Tar Distillers of Kilnhurst works, Rotherham, moving to Cleckheaton in 1967 and returning to the Rotherham Works of Yorkshire Tar Distillers in 1969. It was moved in 1972 to Embsay, and then in 1975 it moved to Crossley's Scrap Merchants, adjacent to Shipley Railway station who reinstated the locomotive to working order. In 1984 it moved to the Peak Railway Society, Buxton. In December 1989 it moved to the Middleton Railway, Leeds. In 1992 it moved to the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. In June 2021 the locomotive moved to a private site at Avening in Gloucestershire.
Dates :
The Loco was at Cleckheaton between 1967 and 1969.
Henry Ellison Ltd 's own private siding at Cleckheaton opened 1910.
Ellisons changed their name to Yorkshire Tar Distillers in 1926.
Ellisons siding signal box destroyed by fire in 1966.
DMU Ellisons sidings (Yorkshire Tar Distillers) : Bernard Coomber
A Bradford bound DMU passes Ellisons sidings (Yorkshire Tar Distillers)
Austerity Ellisons sidings (Yorkshire Tar Distillers) : Bernard Coomber / Graham Smith (2010)
Austerity loco on a Bradford bound freight passes Ellisons sidings on the old L&Y line.
Second photo is a then & now same location in 2010.
Ellisons sidings (Yorkshire Tar Distillers) : Bernard Coomber / Graham Smith (2010)
Austerity loco passes Ellisons sidings with a Bradford bound freight .
Second photo is a then & now same location in 2010.
Yorkshire Tar Distillers (13-07-1963) : Bernard Coomber collection
Photo taken 20 July 1963 showing ex LMS Black 5 no. 44695 heading from Low Moor to Cleckheaton Central ex L&Y line, with probably an excursion train to Belle Vue Mncr. The chimneys and factory in the background are the Yorkshire Tar Distillers works.
Yorkshire Tar Distillers (13-07-1963) : Bernard Coomber collection
Photo taken 13 July 1963 showing a ex LMS Stanier 'Black 5' pulling away from Cleckheaton heading toward Low Moor.
Immediately behind the bridge in the background and to the left was situated Ellison's sidings and the Yorkshire Tar Distillers works.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Looking back towards Cleckheaton Central.
Katy Louise Holroyd has another rest.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Footbridge after Yorkshire Tar Distillers, looking towards Low Moor.
 
Class 5 Vine street Cleckheaton : Bernard Coomber / Graham Smith (2010)
A class 5 on freight passes the bottom of Vine street Cleckheaton, heading towards Low Moor.
Second photo is a then & now same location in 2010.
Double header Vine street Cleckheaton : Bernard Coomber
A double headed freight train passes the bottom of Vine street Cleckheaton, heading towards Low Moor.
Austerity Vine street Cleckheaton : Bernard Coomber / Graham Smith (2010)
An Austerity passes Vine street with the Cleckheaton shunt, heading towards Low Moor.
Second photo is a then & now same location in 2010.
Class B1 Cleckheaton : Bernard Coomber
A Class B1 viewed from Whitechapel road with a Bradford bound freight.
Sleepers Whitechapel Road (06-09-18): Tom Fincham
Photo of two rows of sleepers on the western side of Spen Greenway, just before the bridge over Whitechapel Road, Cleckheaton on way to Low Moor.
Deltic 'Meld' Cleckheaton : Bernard Coomber/ Graham Smith (2010)
Deltic 'Meld' heads south from Low Moor at Laithe Hill Cleckheaton.
The second photo is a then & now from same location in 2010.
Austerity Cleckheaton : Bernard Coomber / Graham Smith (2010)
Low Moor bound Austerity passes under Laithe Hill bridge Cleckheaton.
The second photo is a then & now from same location in 2010.
Peak class Cleckheaton : Bernard Coomber / Graham Smith (2010)
Peak class diesel loco, Low Moor bound at Laithe Hill bridge Cleckheaton.
The second photo is a then & now from same location in 2010.
Austerity M62 Laithe Hill : Bernard Coomber / Graham Smith (2010)
An Austerity at Laithe Hill Cleckheaton, heads for Low Moor. The M62 motorway now passes under the line just ahead of the loco. The second photo is a then & now from same location in 2010.
Peak class Laithe Hill : Bernard Coomber / Graham Smith (2010)
Peak class southbound from Low Moor at Laithe Hill Cleckheaton. The M62 m-way now passes under the line just rear of the train.
The second photo is a then & now from same location in 2010.
Austerity M62 Laithe Hill (10-06-1963) : Bernard Coomber collection
Photo taken 10 June 1963 showing an Austerity class loco heading away from Cleckheaton probably the afternoon shunt heading for Low Moor,
the loco is passing directly over where the M62 now passes.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
View from the footbridge, looking towards the M62 motorway and Low Moor.
 
M62 bridge construction (nd) : Michael Ramsden
M62 bridge construction.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Bridge over the M62 motorway, looking towards Low Moor
 
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Bridge over the M 62 Motorway.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Bridge over the A58 Whitehall Road, looking towards Low Moor.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
Bridge over the A58 Whitehall Road.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
Underbridge by Cleckheaton Golf Course.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
The same underbridge, by Cleckheaton Golf Course
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Another underbridge.
 
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Graham Douglas Holroyd
View from the other side.
 
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Looking towards Low Moor. Note the milepost
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Milepost.
 
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Overbridge, looking towards Low Moor.
 
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
3/4 milepost.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Overbridge, looking towards Low Moor.
Spen Valley Greenway (18-11-07) : Ralph Rawlinson
Hatchet lane bridge at Oakenshaw. looking towards Low Moor.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Oakenshaw Tunnel, looking towards Low Moor.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Oakenshaw Tunnel, looking towards Low Moor.
 
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Inside Oakenshaw Tunnel, looking towards Low Moor.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
Oakenshaw Tunnel looking towards Cleckheaton.
Spen Valley Greenway (18-11-07) : Ralph Rawlinson
Oakenshaw Tunnel looking towards Cleckheaton.
Spen Valley Greenway 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
The end of the Spen Valley Greenway at Low Moor.
In front, behind the trees, lie the remains of the ill-fated Transperience,
built on the site of Low Moor junction.  see Transperience

Low Moor
Opened 18-07-1848. Closed 14-06-1965. Freight 1967. (Re-opened 02-04-2017)
The new Low Moor station (22-03-16) : Paul Holroyd
The new Low Moor station taking shape Tuesday 22 March 2016. The new station is built to the west of the old station site. The new station is built to the west of the Cleckheaton Road bridge, adjacent to the where top of the triangular railway junction to Cleckheaton used to be. In this photo the Cleckheaton Road bridge is just out of shot – to the left of the photo. You can see the Spen Valley Greenway footpath behind the green fence, between the blue vehicle and the lift shaft for the new station. The building with the yellow doors in the centre of the photo used to house the buses and trolleybuses of the ill-fated Transperience visitor attraction.
The new Low Moor station (22-03-16) : Paul Holroyd
The new Low Moor station taking shape Tuesday 22 March 2016.
The new Low Moor station (22-03-16) : Paul Holroyd
The new Low Moor station taking shape Tuesday 22 March 2016.
The new Low Moor station (22-03-16) : Paul Holroyd
Looking towards Halifax. You can see the Spen Valley Greenway footpath in front of the green fence, curving round towards Clecheaton.
The Cleckheaton Road bridge is out of camera shot, just to the right of the photo.
The new Low Moor station (22-03-16) : Paul Holroyd
A Class 158 DMU passes under the Cleckheaton Road bridge on its way to Halifax.
The new Low Moor station (22-03-16) : Paul Holroyd
Low Moor leaflets
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
The new station at Low Moor opened for business on Sunday 2 April 2017. The official opening ceremony took place on Monday 3 April 2017, complete with music provided by the Harrogate-based Tom Roberts Jazz Band. Access to the station is from New Works Road, which is opposite the George Hotel on Cleckheaton Road. Unfortunately, the ticket machine was not operational.
142 096 departs from Low Moor, forming the 08.50 Selby - Huddersfield service.  The Cleckheaton Road overbridge is behind the train.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
Looking towards the Cleckheaton Road overbridge. The remains of the ill-fated Transperience are to the right of the picture.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
Looking towards Halifax. To the left of the platform there used to be the ill-fated Transperience, and before that there used to be carriage sidings in the triangular junction.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
Music provided by the Harrogate-based Tom Roberts Jazz Band.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
The site of the triangular junction for the long-lost line to Cleckheaton Central, Liversedge Central and Heckmondwike Central.
The building in the foreground used to be the maintenance workshop for the Transperience motor bus and trolleybus fleet.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
Looking towards Halifax. The car park is next to the Bradford-bound platform.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
Looking towards Bradford. . A Class 150 + Class 142 combination pass underneath the Cleckheaton Road overbridge.
The Class 142s are scheduled to be withdrawn by October 2019.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
Part of the car parking area.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
Looking towards Halifax. The Spen Valley Greenway is in the foreground.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
Sign on Cleckeaton Road, opposite New Works Road.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
View from end of the Halifax - bound platform, looking towards Bradford.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
Sign on the Halifax-bound platform, with the former Transperience workshop building behind.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
There cannot be many unstaffed stations which have an emergency evacuation plan poster.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
Metro-branded Renault Megane in the car park.
Official opening of Low Moor station (03-04-17) : Paul Holroyd
Note the original railway wall still standing.
Transperience (07-10-84) : Paul Holroyd
Before the ill-fated Transperience opened at Low Moor,
the West Yorkshire Transport Museum Trust held its first public open day
at the former Ludlam Street bus garage in Bradford on 7th October 1984.
Low Moor station sign (18-02 10) : Paul Holroyd
Original sign from Low Moor station. Photographed 18 Feb 2010 at Bradford Industrial Museum, Moorside Mills.
Telegraph & Argus The re opening of Low Moor station.
Plans to build a new rail station in south Bradford appear to have escaped Government spending cuts. Fears had been growing
for the future of Low Moor station amid a backdrop of Department for Transport funding reductions. Click here to see article.
Telegraph & Argus (19-05-13) : c/o Paul Holroyd
Bradford's Low Moor railway station project sidelined. Click here to see article.
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)
Great Northern Railway Low Moor to Dudley Hill : Bob Cockcroft
Note :
The goods shed is an unusual GN building made of stone in about 1892 when the Dudley Hill line was opened. The building is on two levels with storage and some access at the basement level. The rail level was on the first floor and was accessed by an inclined road in to the goods yard. It was never greatly used as a railway site and most local traders were based in the much older LY facility adjacently to it. No trace remains of the LY facilities, but the GN goods depot is occupied by a precision carpenter who builds staircases and large wooden constructions for older buildings as well as for new using pretty fancy technology. The GN goods shed is in very good condition. The only other surviving building is the water meter shed in the yard entrance, it may also have included gas access as well. The signal box went a long time ago (possibly not long after the time the main line was lifted in 1917), the weighbridge some time later (maybe when the yard became disused - accounts vary between 1921 and 1933) and the stable, unusually T shaped, some time between 1948 and 1980.
2-6-4 Tank : Bernard Coomber
2-6-4 Tank loco heads for Halifax out of Low Moor.
2-6-4 Tank : Bernard Coomber
2-6-4 Tank loco stood at Low Moor west box.
Austerity : Bernard Coomber
Austerity class loco shunts empty carriage stock on Low Moor triangle.
Jubilee : Bernard Coomber
Jubilee class No 45565 'Victoria' at Low Moor MPD.
2-6-4 Tank : Bernard Coomber
Tank loco 2-6-4 with a Bradford bound local at Low Moor.
2-6-4 Tank : Bernard Coomber
Tank loco 2-6-4 approaching Low Moor station bound for Halifax on a local stopper.
Low Moor shed (25-04-1962) : Bernard Coomber collection
Photo taken 25 April 1962 this shot is taken of ex LNER B1 class loco number 61386 standing outside Low Moor shed.
Low Moor (13-05-1962) : Bernard Coomber collection
Photo taken 13 May 1962 showing a Bradford bound double-headed excursion train approaching Low Moor station,
the two loco's are ex LMS jubilee class numbers 45562 'Alberta' leading 45695 'Minotaur'.
Transperience 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd  see Transperience
The remains of Transperience - West Yorkshire Transport Discovery Park. The yellow building with the dome used to be the Exploratory. Behind the former Transperience Transport Discovery Park, a frequent train service still operates over the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Bradford to Halifax route.
Transperience 27 May 2006 : Paul Holroyd
The remains of Transperience. The Bradford to Halifax main line is at the front of the picture. You can just make out the Transperience tram line curving away towards Cleckheaton. The Exploratory building is to the right of the picture, hidden by the trees.
Low Moor Cleckheaton line 21-08-83 Alan S Bagot
The line curves round from Low Moor towards Cleckheaton.
Low Moor bridge : David Walbank
A bridge that stands in the middle of a field were Low Moor was.
Low Moor No2 west box (28-08-83) Alan S Bagot / Paul Holroyd
Low Moor No 2 Signalbox (25-04-88) : Michael Kaye
We are on the 'Up' line heading towards Halifax and are about to pass Low Moor No; 2 Signalbox, the bridge was once a level crossing and the station was located here to..the line on the left was the remains of a passenger loop and of course it once took you to Thornhill, 25th April 1988
Low Moor signal box boards : Paul Holroyd  31-01-07  website - www.vintagecarriagestrust.org
Boards from Low Moor No 2 East and No 5 signal boxes, currently on display in the Museum of Rail Travel, Ingrow near Keighley.
Click here to see selection of railway tickets & handbills.
Low Moor Signs : Paul Holroyd  19-02-11  website - www.vintagecarriagestrust.org
Sign at Bradford Industrial Museum, Moorside Mills, Moorside Road Eccleshill, Bradford BD2 3HP 19 February 2011.
Showing both sides of the sign.
 

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