Crich Railway/Tramway - Butterley Gangroad and the World's Oldest Railway Tunnel
We are back in the Amber Valley for the 4th and final part of our lost Derbyshire series. This time we're looking tracing the route of the former Benjamin Outram Crich Railway. Tramway or Tramroad as it's also referred, but was better known as the Butterley Gangroad.
We start at the southern end at Amber Wharf where the former tramroad met with the Cromford Canal and later the Midland Railway. Lime kilns can still be seen from the old Bulbridge Limeworks.
History is littered across the area and shortly after climbing out of the Amber Wharf area we see a very old bridge crossing the narrow lane. This is Droves Way bridge and dates back to the mid 1800s. The
The original tramway opened in 1793 as a horse drawn tramway on L-shaped rails. Upon the arrival of stream around 50 years later, the track was re-aligned on most of the route to iron out the kinks.
Next we arrive at the charming village of Fritchley. A sleepy village that in recent years has found itself planted into the history books. When John and Sally moved in to their dwellings 30+ years ago, they were unaware that not only were they buying a house, but were inheriting what turned out to be the worlds oldest railway tunnel. The existence of the tunnel was known, but a number of years ago they were suprised to discover that the north tunnel portal of the Fritchley Tunnel was still intact at the end of their garden. In fact, not just the tunnel, but 200 yards of trackbed and historic embankment.
The entrance to the tunnel was dug out in 2013 as part of the Gangroad Project and inside the tunnel was documented. The Guinness Book or Records recognise the Fritchley Tunnel as the worlds oldest railway tunnel.
Moving further up the line, we arrive at the Hat Factory. Site of old cottages, the engine shed and where the line splits in two to the Warner Quarry and Hilts quarry.
And that is the end of the line as far as we can see.
***Link to the other Crich railway (George Stephenson Clay Cross Company Railway) - • Crich Tramway & Tunnel...
Thanks for Phil for all his efforts, knowledge and time spent exploring with me. The local knowledge and valuable insights made it a special journey.
Thanks to John and Sally for the hospitaility at Fritchley, telling the story and showing us around their beautiful garden.
#fritchly #frichley #butterly
**Wobbly Runner**
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My channel was set up in 2020 mainly to feature my running adventures. I planned to film and showcase the days out and destinations my running travels took me. Mainly the Peak District and the sights and marvels of Sheffield and the surrounding regions.
However due to Covid restrictions, I found a new interest in researching and exploring old abandoned places - railway lines, canal, woodland, parks to name a few.
So the videos you'll find will be mainly be of those things. Of course, where possible I'll be running to my destination.
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25 июл 2024
