The second volume of this detailed history of the Hull and Barnsley Railway. Although the H&BR enjoyed only a relatively short independent operational life of just thirty-seven years from 1885 until 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 second volume picks up the narrative from around the turn of the 20th century, describing the events which contributed to the upturn in the company’s fortunes during the Edwardian years and the short period until the outbreak of the Great War. It recounts the three major additions to the H&BR route mileage and the joint enterprise formed with the North Eastern Railway which led to the construction of Hull’s King George Dock.
The period of the Great War and its immediate aftermath, leading up to the amalgamation with the NER and the Grouping are then described. This is followed by the story of the long period of decline and closure through the ensuing decades, bringing the story finally into the 21st century.
The Hull & Barnsley Railway Volume 2: Expansion, Pride, Prosperity, Eclipse is illustrated throughout with archive black & white images. It also contains several diagrams and maps, plus several appendices and a full index to both volumes. 328 pages. Hardback.