History column - Stocksbridge Railway

In 1842 Samuel Fox came to Stocksbridge and initially started up in the business of wire drawing. In 1847 he then embarked on another venture, that being the manufacture of umbrella frames. By 1854, he saw another business opportunity by making cold rolled strips for ladies’ fashionable crinoline frames.

The Stocksbridge Railway Co. passenger train in the bay platform at Deepcar. One of the earliest locomotives was the ‘Wharncliffe’. Photo c1900

Other diversifications followed but with the disadvantage of ever-increasing problems with the weight of products. All raw materials inward and finished products outward had to be transported by horse and cart, which by the late 1860s was a serious problem.

It became evident that a rail link between the works and the main railway line at Deepcar station was essential. An intended route was surveyed in 1872 and the necessary enabling Act of Parliament was passed on 30th June 1874.

The Stocksbridge Railway Co. opened on 14th April 1877 and additionally ran a passenger service from the low yard (i.e. at the west end of the Fox Valley shopping centre) to a bay platform at Deepcar station. The passenger service was withdrawn in 1931 as regular bus services to Sheffield and Penistone were then available.

Stocksbridge Railway Co. generally operated with just one locomotive but this was supplemented with other locos from the works fleet. It is on record that in 1954 the total tonnage handled was 90,912.

A single line from Sheffield to Deepcar to Stocksbridge is still open, such that the business of heavy haulage can take place.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the works railway system was extended with a single line to assist with the construction of the Underbank and Langsett reservoirs.

Whilst not connected with the Stocksbridge Railway Co., a line was constructed to run from Wharncliffe Wood sidings to Ewden valley and included an overhead railway bridge at More Hall. This undertaking was in connection with the building of the Ewden valley reservoir which commenced in 1913/14; it was then interrupted by World War 1 and eventually completed in 1929.

There are lots of railway maps and plans in the Valley Museum in Stocksbridge Town Hall on Manchester Road, which is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 12.30 and 1 to 3.30 pm – do come in and have a look at them and share any stories you have. There are many other fascinating things on display in the Museum, and the volunteers from Stocksbridge and District History Society will be happy to show you around and answer your questions.