Smallest Railway in the World, Eskdale Valley

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9456, BDB 86/1/7098 Sankey Family Photographic Archive © Cumbria Archives

https://www.sankeyphotoarchive.uk/collection/view/?id=9145

no.9456

Smallest Railway in the World, Eskdale Valley

Early 20th century

Looking north-east up Eskdale from the north slope of Muncaster Fell. Looking down on a locomotive with empty carriages, driver, guard, and another man only. The dale spreads behind with Scafell Pike on the horizon. The image is titled '9456-20 (Sma)llest Railway in theWorld Eskdale', Sankeys

9456, BDB 86/1/7098 Sankey Family Photographic Archive © Cumbria Archives

https://www.sankeyphotoarchive.uk/collection/view/?id=9145

no.9456

Smallest Railway in the World, Eskdale Valley

Early 20th century

Location:	Eskdale	Cumbria Archives Reference:	BDB 86/1/7098
Sankey Number:	9456

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9456 Sankey Family Photographic Archive © Cumbria Archives

no.9456

Smallest railway in the world Eskdale Valley

Further Information
Cumbria Archives Reference:	???
Sankey Number:	9456

9456 Sankey Family Photographic Archive © Cumbria Archives

Senders Message

"Sear Mr & Mrs Blackburn I had a good journey over here on Sunday but it has rained a lot since I have arrived. I have been round the Lakes today despite several heavy showers. All the best Tom & Pat”

Sender
Posted From:	Barrow-in-Furness Lancs
Date Posted:	The railway's official website is at https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/ The website's history of the railway is at https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/about-us/history/. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway was originally built way back in 1873 and was commercially opened on the 24th May 1875. The Railway's main purpose was to transport iron ore, that was being mined in the hills above the village of Boot, down to Ravenglass where it could be transferred onto the Furness Railway's mainline to Barrow. The Railway was also open to passenger traffic- stepped in on the day of the auction with the balance of the purchase price, £12,000, and the Railway became theirs. The Wakefield Family and New Locomotives By 1968 the Railway moved on, becoming an integral part of the Wakefield family business in the Lake District. Much work had already been done to catch up with the backlog of maintenance, new coaches had been built and the Preservation Society had funded the building of a new locomotive, the River Mite. Further major works continued; Ravenglass station was re-modelled and a further locomotive, Northern Rock was built in the company's workshops, entering service in 1976. The Preservation Society has also funded the diesel locomotive, Douglas Ferreira, named after a long-serving General Manager. New Station & Visitor Centre In 2005 work started on the building of a new station and visitor centre at the Dalegarth terminus, the building was officially opened by Pete Waterman in April 2007. In 2011 the old café on Platform 1 was renovated and extended, officially opening in 2012. 2018 saw the completion of the Ravenglass Railway Museum Renovation Project. The building was opened in June by Paul Atterbury and is full of great new interactive exhibitions. Our new project is the renovation of our carriages which will be taking place over the next few years. The full story of the Railway is outlined in the Railway Museum situated on the opposite side of Ravenglass Station car park.
Postmark Date:	22/08/1961
Stamp if Shown:	Dark purple Elizabeth II 3D

Receiver
Receivers Name:	Mr & Mrs Blackburn
Address:	Wiltham Villa, Main Road
Town or City:	Washingborough, Lincoln

no.9456

Smallest railway in the world Eskdale Valley

Further Information
Cumbria Archives Reference:	???
Sankey Number:	9456

Sender

Receiver

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