Hull & Barnsley Railway Volume 1: Formation and the Early Years

Although the main line route of the Hull & Barnsley Railway plus its associated branches enjoyed a relatively short independent operational life of just 37 years from 1885-1922, its importance as a 55-mile conduit from the collieries of South Yorkshire to the Humber was key to the future development of the port of Hull. This volume traces the formation and early years of the company, its struggles to carve out its own share of the lucrative coal traffic and its fight against the competition. Against a background of strong local passions within Hull, and numerous cloak-and-dagger manoeuvres from its competitors to bring about its extinction, it was a miracle the H&BR managed to survive - indeed, it was brought to its knees more than once and amalgamation seemed to offer the only way out. This profusely illustrated narrative also describes the H&BR's 'way and works', including the company's 'jewel in the crown' that was Alexandra Dock.