WRRC Forum

I have had the following query Paul Andersen:

I am writing a social history of the Victorian era based around a Welsh family. I wish to accurately describe travel by railway from rural north Wales to Cardiff around 1860. Would this research be something to interest one of your members?


The passenger journey begins outside Corwen and ends in Cardiff docks. The information I am hoping to uncover will describe the social and engineering developments of the railways that made this particular journey in Wales possible. As well as the practical information of travelling in the 1860's: when and where it was it necessary to change railway line for such a journey? Were there alternative routes or competing travel methods during this era? Was an ordinary family using the railway at this time: what were the ticket prices?

If anyone feels they are able to assist I can pass on Paul's contact details as I suspect his query will raise as many questions as possible answers.

Many thanks,

Simon

May I offer the following for consideration:

The railway connection between Chester and Newport was completed with the opening of the Newport, Abergavenny and Hereford Railway in January 1854.

The nearest station to Corwen until 1862 was Llangollen Road (between Ruabon and Chirk).

Llangollen Road was replaced by Llangollen in June 1862 and the line extended from Llangollen to Corwen in May 1865.

Throughout the 1860s an inter-station transfer was necessary at Newport and a road transfer from Cardiff (SWR) to Cardiff docks would have been preferable to using the railway from Queen St to Bute Road.

From January 1858 a connection was possible at Quakers Yard for Cardiff Docks. (I have no access to a TVR time table for the period).

I'd advise consulting Bradshaw's Railway Guides for the period; but this will probably involve a library visit. For example see:

https://yorsearch.york.ac.uk/primo-expl ... e&offset=0

Ottley suggests all, bar some early ones, are in the British Museum.

Thank you both, I shall pass your replies on.

Best wishes,

Simon