The town of Knaresborough boasts a delightful Victorian station, with many unusual and original features. It was completed in 1865 and further developed in 1890. Today, the line extends from York to Leeds.
Building the railway was problematic. The track needed a viaduct to cross the River Nidd. The first attempt to create one in 1848 was a disaster. With a thunderous roar lasting five minutes, the stone masonary of the newly viaduct collapsed into the waters below. The river rose by 12 ‘ and the fish in the area were poisoned by the lime in the mortar. The second more spectacular viaduct was completed in 1851, and was 90’ high and crenalated with four arches. It remains today as the highlight of the magnificant and famous view across the Nidd Gorge from Knaresborough Castle Courtyard.
Another difficulty in establishing the railway was that a tunnel had to be built under the town’s High Street leading into the station and this was completed in 1850. It is a listed structure still in use today. The station signal box is also unique in that it was built onto the end of an adjoining row of terraced houses on Kirkgate.
Today the station is used by the many commuters who live in the town and also by numerous tourists.
On embarking the train at Knaresborough Station, passengers are greeted by an array of interesting little shops, historic railway posters and trompe l’oeils. These attributes along with the floral displays and hanging baskets surely mean that Knaresborough Railway Station must be one the prettiest and quirkiest places for railway enthusiasts to visit.
Photo Courtesy of Charlotte Gale
Article contributed by Margy Longhurst, Yorkshire Blue Badge Guide: https://yorkshiresbestguides.co.uk/project/margy-longhurst/
