Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Goole Railway
| Company type | Railway company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 1846 |
| Defunct | 1858 |
| Fate | Northern portion absorbed by Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway; southern portion incorporated into South Yorkshire, Doncaster and Goole Railway Company |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Railway transport services |
The Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Goole Railway was an early British railway enterprise founded through an 1846 statute that authorized the construction of approximately 26 miles of track, primarily extending from Wakefield to Doncaster via Barnsley.
The southern portion from Barnsley was incorporated into the South Yorkshire, Doncaster and Goole Railway Company around 1851. Meanwhile, the northern segment was absorbed by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway around 1858, resulting in the original company's eventual dissolution.
History
The Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Goole Railway (SRBWH&GR) sought parliamentary approval in 1845/6 for a route commencing near Brightside and Kimberworth, situated between Sheffield and Rotherham. This line traversed Ecclesfield, Tankersley, and Barnsley, continuing beyond Darton to connect with the Manchester and Leeds Railway east of Horbury. Numerous branch lines linked to established railways such as the Sheffield, Ashton-under-Lyne and Manchester Railway, Huddersfield and Sheffield Junction Railway, North Midland Railway, and the Wakefield, Pontefract and Goole Railway. The railway intended to serve densely populated areas in West Yorkshire and facilitate the transport of minerals like coal from Barnsley, Silkstone, and Chapeltown.
Initially supported by the Manchester and Leeds Railway (M&LR), which committed to providing half of the funding and operating the line for 40% of net profits, the venture was subsequently divided. The South Yorkshire Coal Railway and Canal Company assumed control over the section south of Barnsley, while the LYR administered the northern segment; both entities retained running rights over important branches. The capital was apportioned with £450,000 allocated to the northern section and £350,000 to the southern. Although M&LR withdrew from capital subscription, it agreed to lease the railway.
The company obtained authorization through the Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Goole Railway Act 1846 (9 & 10 Vict. c. cccliv) on 7 August 1846. This act permitted £800,000 in share capital alongside loans up to £266,000 for constructing 27 miles of railway out of a planned total of 50 miles.
Horbury (Wakefield) to Barnsley section
On 9 September 1846, shareholders of M&LR consented to lease—and potentially purchase—the line as allowed under the 1846 act. The M&LR (which became the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway or L&YR in 1847) acquired ownership of the track north of Barnsley, extending to Horbury Junction southwest of Wakefield. The lease terms stipulated a 5% return on £260,000 plus half of net profits.
The line was initially single track except at Horbury junction. It was certified ready for operation on 26 December 1849 and officially transferred to L&YR on 31 December 1849. By 1855, double tracking had been completed.
The integration of this leased portion into M&LR was sanctioned by the Lancashire and Yorkshire and East Lancashire Railway Act 1858, converting shares of the Barnsley company into £260,050 worth of L&YR 'Barnsley stock'. Following this transaction, SRBWG&GR ceased to exist.
Under L&YR control—and later LMS—this route became known as the 'Barnsley branch', with its connection to L&YR's Manchester & Normanton Line designated as Horbury Junction. Around 1900, a chord named "Horbury and Crigglestone loop" formed a triangular junction. Railway workshops were established at this junction circa 1870 (refer to Charles Roberts and Co.).
As of 2006, this line continues in active use.
Barnsley to Sheffield segment
On 5 October 1846, agreements were made to lease portions of the railway line—one segment to the Manchester & Leeds Company and another to the South Yorkshire, Doncaster & Goole Railway Company (SYD&GR).
During the parliamentary session of 1846/7, requests were submitted to alter and abandon certain sections of the originally authorized 1846 route, alongside proposals to lease or transfer ownership of the line south of Barnsley to SYD&GR. Concurrently, SYD&GR sought formal incorporation, aimed to acquire the SRBWH&GR, planned new railway constructions, and sought authority over nearby waterways. The passage of the South Yorkshire, Doncaster and Goole Railway Act 1847 officially formed SYD&GR with a capital fund of £750,000 and borrowing rights up to £250,000.
In 1850, SYD&GR requested permission for route deviations and abandonment between Ecclesfield and Silkstone; this was granted in 1851.