WRRC Forum

Hi,

I've received this and wondered if anyone could help:

Good morning... I'm writing a family history and am seeking information on the route a passenger needed to take from Rugby in England to Dollgellau in the first decade of the 20th century.

I wonder if WRRC could help, and I would of course apply to become a member.

To get the fullest picture of the journey described, timetables, details of fares, connections and the like would make it possible to paint a picture of the extent that ordinary people could move around the country.

The social changes brought about by the spread of the rail network were profound and well understood.
The example in question involves a family members move from her home in England to take up a position as a domestic servant in one of the great house of Wales Nannau. In terms of the family's history the journey has significance in that a marriage that led to the present generation took place.

Looking at the network of the era this young single womans jouneys career move seems not to have been a simple direct journey, into the wilds of Mid Wales. it must have been something of an adventure. I wonder if one the experts in your group can help me to untangle some of the the complexities. and perhaps suggest a published source....

best regards...... Nigel Horne

Many thanks,

Simon

I received this message via Tony Miller. My thoughts were Rugby to Wolverhampton High Level, change to Wolverhampton Low Level to Ruabon and change for Dolgelly. I discounted Rugby to Crewe, Crewe to Whitchurch, Whitchurch to Machynlleth, Machynlleth to Barmouth Junction, change here for Dolgelly due number of changes and the time it takes. Also Rugby to Stafford, Stafford to Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury to Ruabon and change for Dolgelly, this would maximize LNWR revenue as Rugby to Shrewsbury could count as LNWR miles as Wellington to Shrewsbury was a joint GW/LNWR line.

I know nothing about Fare Tables.

Alan

There is another alternative: Rugby - Leamington - change to adjacent GWR station - Ruabon - Dolgelly.

The Wolverhampton route would have been likely to incur a change at Birmingham New Street - this route would almost certainly give a through Leamington - Ruabon journey.

The 1910 Bradshaws has mileages between the first station on a line and subsequent stations so the mileages could be worked out. The 1895 Bradshaws has fares, 1st, 2nd and 3rd from the major stations. So my questions are:

1) How early in the 20th century did this young lady do the journey?
2) When was 1d a mile introduced for 3rd class fares?

If it would be helpful I could calculate a guess at the fare she paid, (I would show all my working), and I also have a calculator for the value of the pound then, (whenever then was), compared to now. If there is no better way let me know and I will work it out.