The Manchester South District Railway : Memories of a much-loved line

In its heyday, the Manchester South District Railway was an important route into Manchester from the south. Built by the Midland Railway, it carried express trains between Manchester Central and London St. Pancras, as well as local services to Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Withington, Didsbury, Heaton Mersey and Stockport Tiviot Dale. Following the closure of Manchester Central station, the line suffered decline and eventual closure, but the 21st century brought a reversal in fortunes, with a section of the line now reopened as part of the Metrolink network. Local author and renowned railway historian, E.M. Johnson, is our guide to the South District Railway. Drawing on extensive research and his own personal insight, he documents this important route and recalls the key role it played in the development of Manchester and its railways.