An EXHIBITION celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Mansfield & Pinxton Railway – claimed to be England’s oldest continuously running commercial railway – is being staged in Mansfield until March 2, with the help of a £90,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant.
More than 200 years ago, plans were mooted to link Mansfield to the expanding canal network, but because of the terrain, it was decided to build a railway to the nearest artificial waterway instead.
On April 13, 1819, the 7½-mile Mansfield & Pinxton Railway was officially opened amid much ceremony.
The original route went from Mansfield Wharf, over the viaduct at Kings Mill – the oldest railway viaduct in England – past Kirkby Hardwick, over the summit, through Kirkby, Portland Park and New Selston, before arriving at the Pinxton Wharf.
The opening celebrations included a marching band, a bonfire in Mansfield market place, the ringing of church bells, a procession, and feasting. The line relied on horse traction and it was not until 1849 that Mansfield saw its first steam locomotive.
Read more in Issue 251 of HR – on sale now!
Railway Reads
From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.Get The Railway Hub Weekly Round-up
Enter your e-mail address below and you will receive weekly rail news straight into your inbox...You can unsubscribe at any time.
About the Author
- Book of the Week: Railways and Recollections - 27th June 2022
- Passenger numbers as low as 12% as services disrupted by rail strikes - 23rd June 2022
- What rail services will run on Friday after the latest strike? - 23rd June 2022