Alveley Sidings and Berrington: Difference between pages

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[[File:Alveley_Sidings-1959-10-07.jpeg|thumb|200px|right|6388 passes large numbers of coal wagons at Alveley Sidings in October 1959 (Sellick collection)]]
[[File:Berrington_1962_Ben_Brooksbank.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Berrington station in 1962 (Ben Brooksbank via Geograph)]]
'''Berrington''' was the first station south of [[Shrewsbury]] on the original Severn Valley line, located at milepost 168m 12c, 36&frac12; miles from [[Hartlebury]] and 4&frac14; miles from Shrewsbury. The village of Berrington itself lay around half a mile to the south west, with the station being closer to the village of Cross Houses to the north east. The latter village stood on the main Shrewsbury to Much Wenlock turnpike and was also home to the Atcham Union Workhouse. At opening in 1862 the local population was just 772, including the 'inmates' of the Workhouse. The Workhouse was enlarged in 1871 to take up to 550 'inmates' and by 1900 the local population had increased to 968<ref name=Vanns>[[Bibliography#Books|Vanns  (1998)]] p. 25.</ref>.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Next stations pre-closure
|-
! Towards [[Hartlebury]] and [[Kidderminster]] !!  Towards [[Shrewsbury]]
|-
| [[Cressage]] (4 miles) <br>via [[Cound Halt]] (from 1934) || [[Shrewsbury]] (4&frac14; miles)
|-
|}


A set of sidings between [[Highley]] and [[Hampton Loade]] opened on 30 January 1939, built to serve Alveley Colliery, which was located across the river. The sidings were opened in the 1930s, and were kept in use beyond the closure of the line between [[Bewdley]] and [[Shrewsbury]] in 1963, accessed from Bewdley. However, the mine became uneconomical to work and was closed in 1969, with the sidings and line North of Bewdley being closed at the same time, as no other source of traffic remained.
==Opening==
On 2 January 1860, during the [[Construction of the Severn Valley Railway|construction of the SVR]], a youth named James Painting died from injuries received after he was [[Railway Navvies of the SVR#Accidents| run over by some railway wagons near Berrington]].<ref>Shrewsbury Chronicle, Friday 13 January 1860, via the British Newspaper Archive</ref>


== Alveley Colliery ==
At opening on 1 February 1862, Berrington had a single platform and siding, with the station building on the east (Cross Houses) side of the line. On 14 June 1893 the GWR authorised the construction of a passing loop with a second platform which became the Down platform. This platform was provided with a platform shelter. The Up platform was also extended, and a signal box and more significant sidings provided. The authorised cost of this work was £1,068. A year later on 14 June 1894 the work was approved by the Board of Trade inspector, Major Yorke, although he required a ladies’ waiting room and WC to be provided on the Up platform. The GWR approved the construction of this at a cost of £240 on 8 August 1894.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] p. 112.</ref><ref name = Vanns/>


The shaft at Alveley was sunk in 1935 to a depth of 360 yards by the Highley Mining Company, and was connected with their workings from their Highley shaft, which had proceeded under the river by this point. Initial work was completed in 1937, and production starting in 1938. The new shaft replaced the one at Highley, which was closed in 1939, with all production being brought to the surface at Alveley, although the old shaft was retained for ventilation and as an emergency evacuation route. The workings were very modern, with full use being made of electrical power, including completely mechanical working of the coal face.
A level crossing with a crossing keeper's cottage, [[Shropshire Historic Environment Record|now demolished]], was situated a short distance down the line to the south east. To the north west, around two miles nearer Shrewsbury at 33m 30c, the Branch reached its summit level of 217 feet<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] p. 112.</ref>.


Coal was brought across the river by a rope-worked tramway across a bridge built to serve the mine, which was later replaced with an aerial ropeway in 1961. This served the washeries and sidings.
[[SVR staff in 1922#Severn Valley Railway (North of Bridgnorth)|GWR staff records for 1922]] show the station had a staff of 6.


Production was fairly consistent, reaching full output in 1944 with 275,000 tons raised, with that year's record being 5,547 tons in one week, and a peak of 300,000 tons per year reached in the late 1950s. Employment was 741 in 1947, rising to over 1,250 in the mid 1950s, and falling to around 700 by the mine's closure. A major expansion was undertaken in the late 1950s and early 1960s, completed in 1962, after large reserves of coal were found to the East of the current workings. These were purported to be enough to last the mine between 50 and 100 years, but a drop in the quality of coal combined with a reduction in demand forced the closure of the mine in 1969, with the last coal being lifted on the 31st of January.
==Closure==
On 2 February 1963 the goods yard was closed by BR.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Mitchell and Smith (2007)]] fig. 111.</ref> The station itself closed on 9 September 1963, when passenger services between [[Bewdley]] and Shrewsbury were withdrawn by BR. Through freight services continued until 30 November of that year, after which the signal box was taken out of use on 2 December 1963.  


== Operations ==
<gallery>
Berrington-1954-05-02.jpg|Berrington after closure in May 1964 ([[Sellick Collection]])
</gallery>


The sidings were accessed via two ground frames, [[Alveley North ground frame|Alveley North]] and [[Alveley South ground frame|Alveley South]], which were unlocked by the [[Highley signal box|Highley]]-[[Hampton Loade signal box|Hampton Loade]] token. An intermediate token instrument was provided in a cabin between the two ground frames, with direct telephone lines to Highley Signal Box and Hampton Loade Booking Office, as well as the Worcester Exchange-Bridgnorth Signal Box omnibus line. The intermediate instrument to allow trains to be locked in so that other traffic could pass on the main line whilst the sidings were being shunted.
The line through Berrington was maintained in working order for the move of boilers and other large equipment to [[Ironbridge power station]] which took place on 22 April 1966, after which time the line south of Berrington was completely closed and the track lifted.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Magner (1997)]] p. 35.</ref> The section of track between Berrington and Shrewsbury continued in use for testing Sentinel diesels until finally being closed by BR on 21 January 1968.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Mitchell & Smith (2007)]] p. 35.</ref>


The layout on the GWR side consisted of a front loop line, with a capacity of 50 wagons, and a number of other sidings and headshunts. Two connections to the private sidings were provided, one at the South end leading to the empty wagon sidings, which held 40 wagons, and another at the North end leading to the loaded wagon sidings, holding 36 wagons. The two rakes of private sidings were connected internally via the coal screens, where coal was loaded into the wagons. GWR locomotives were used to set down and pick up wagons on these sidings, but were otherwise not allowed in the private sidings.
The station is now a private residence and small business.<ref>[http://www.shropshirelife.co.uk/shropshire_business_directory_details.php?section=5&id=195&bc2=Boarding%20Kennels%20&%20Catteries&bc3=Station%20Cattery/ Shropshire Business Directory](Retrieved 16 March 2020. The 'Station Cattery' website listed was not accessible on that date)</ref>


== Photographs ==
==Traffic statistics==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ [[The Severn Valley Railway under GWR/BR ownership#Traffic statistics|GWR Traffic statistics]] for Berrington, selected years prior to 1939
|-
! !! colspan="3" | Passenger Traffic !! colspan="2" | Freight Traffic !!
|-
! Year !! Tickets issued !! Parcels despatched !! Revenue (&pound;) !! Tons received &amp; despatched !! Revenue (&pound;) !! Total revenue (&pound;)
|-
|1903||style="text-align:right"|16,855||style="text-align:right"|4,695||style="text-align:right"|881
|style="text-align:right"|8,275||style="text-align:right"|1,951||style="text-align:right"|2,832
|-
|1913||style="text-align:right"|14,073||style="text-align:right"|6,989||style="text-align:right"|989
|style="text-align:right"|7,992||style="text-align:right"|2,053||style="text-align:right"|3,042
|-
|1923||style="text-align:right"|9,014||style="text-align:right"|5,380||style="text-align:right"|973
|style="text-align:right"|5,042||style="text-align:right"|2,379||style="text-align:right"|3,352
|-
|1933||style="text-align:right"|4,811||style="text-align:right"|2,807||style="text-align:right"|456
|style="text-align:right"|6,085||style="text-align:right"|1,362||style="text-align:right"|1,818
|-
|1938||style="text-align:right"|3,348||style="text-align:right"|2,967||style="text-align:right"|303
|style="text-align:right"|6,086||style="text-align:right"|1,774||style="text-align:right"|2,077
|-
|}
 
In common with all stations on the Severn Valley Railway throughout that time, revenue from freight exceeded that from passenger services.  The fall in the number of tickets sold between 1903 and 1938 was proportionately greater at Berrington than any other station on the Branch.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Nabarro (1971)]] p. 56.</ref> During World War I Atcham Union Workhouse became Berrington War Hospital, later becoming successively a general hospital, maternity hospital and geriatric hospital after that war,<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Houses Cross Houses on Wikipedia]</ref> which may have contributed to the decline in demand.
 
==Historic maps of Berrington station==
*1888 OS Map (surveyed 1881) showing the proximity to Berrington and Cross Houses
*1888 OS Map (surveyed 1881) showing the station single platform layout in more detail
*1902 OS map showing the second platform and passing loop


<gallery>
<gallery>
File:GWR_Alveley_Colliery_2.jpg|GWR Notice covering the opening and operation of Alveley Sidings. 1 of 2.
File: OS_Berrington_1888.JPG | 1888 (area)
File:GWR_Alveley_Colliery_1.jpg|GWR Notice covering the opening and operation of Alveley Sidings. 2 of 2.
File: OS_Berrington_1888_Detail.JPG | 1888 (detail)
File: OS_Berrington_1902.jpg | 1902
</gallery>
</gallery>


* A series of photos of 1420 and 4555 with an SLS railtour at Alveley Sidings, by flickr user "ricsrailpics", 19/09/1965. [https://www.flickr.com/photos/16749798@N08/5300686174/in/photostream/ Image 1], [https://www.flickr.com/photos/16749798@N08/5300171333/ Image 2], [https://www.flickr.com/photos/16749798@N08/6393731807/in/photostream/ Image 3]. The sidings were still in use at this time.
==See also==
* A photo of the 4555 on the same railtour, by flickr user "Prof2940", 19/09/1965. [https://www.flickr.com/photos/78911862@N06/7837700982/ Link]. The sidings were still in use at this time.
*[[The Severn Valley Railway under GWR/BR ownership# Map of the Route and Nearby Railways | The Severn Valley Railway under GWR/BR ownership]]
* A series of photos of the SVR, including six at Alveley Sidings, Alan Thwaites, 1974. [http://www.hatspics.co.uk/svr/svr_1974.php Link].
*[[Maps#Map 1 - Shrewsbury to Hartlebury | Pre-1965 Map]]
* Two photos of 5764 and 45110 passing Alveley Sidings, RCTS Mystery Photographs. [http://www.rcts.org.uk/features/mysteryphotos/show.htm?img=G-245-10 Image 1], [http://www.rcts.org.uk/features/mysteryphotos/show.htm?img=G-245-07 Image 2].
*[[Shropshire Historic Environment Record]]
 
== References ==


* "Alveley". Wikipedia article. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alveley Link]. Accessed 09/01/2015.
==References==
* "Alveley Colliery". Shropshire History article. [http://shropshirehistory.com/mining/mines/alveley.htm Link]. Accessed 09/01/2015.
<references />
* "Alveley Sidings at 144m 8 1/2c in the Section Highley-Hampton Loade". GWR Notice No. W472, 28/01/1939. [[:File:GWR_Alveley_Colliery_1.jpg|Part 1]] and [[:File:GWR_Alveley_Colliery_2.jpg|Part 2]].
{{StationNavbox}}
* Leslie Oppitz. "The Severn Valley Railway". BBC Shropshire article. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/content/articles/2008/10/10/svr_railway_feature.shtml Link]. Accessed 09/01/2015.
[[Category:Featured articles]]
* Transactions of the Alveley Historical Society, 1995-2003. [http://www.alveleyhistoricalsociety.co.uk Link]. Accessed 09/01/2015
* "Railways of Highley". Highley.org.uk article. [http://www.highley.org.uk/railhist.html Link]. Accessed 09/01/2015.

Revision as of 19:45, 26 June 2021

Berrington station in 1962 (Ben Brooksbank via Geograph)

Berrington was the first station south of Shrewsbury on the original Severn Valley line, located at milepost 168m 12c, 36½ miles from Hartlebury and 4¼ miles from Shrewsbury. The village of Berrington itself lay around half a mile to the south west, with the station being closer to the village of Cross Houses to the north east. The latter village stood on the main Shrewsbury to Much Wenlock turnpike and was also home to the Atcham Union Workhouse. At opening in 1862 the local population was just 772, including the 'inmates' of the Workhouse. The Workhouse was enlarged in 1871 to take up to 550 'inmates' and by 1900 the local population had increased to 968[1].

Next stations pre-closure
Towards Hartlebury and Kidderminster Towards Shrewsbury
Cressage (4 miles)
via Cound Halt (from 1934)		 Shrewsbury (4¼ miles)

Opening[edit | edit source]

On 2 January 1860, during the construction of the SVR, a youth named James Painting died from injuries received after he was run over by some railway wagons near Berrington.[2]

At opening on 1 February 1862, Berrington had a single platform and siding, with the station building on the east (Cross Houses) side of the line. On 14 June 1893 the GWR authorised the construction of a passing loop with a second platform which became the Down platform. This platform was provided with a platform shelter. The Up platform was also extended, and a signal box and more significant sidings provided. The authorised cost of this work was £1,068. A year later on 14 June 1894 the work was approved by the Board of Trade inspector, Major Yorke, although he required a ladies’ waiting room and WC to be provided on the Up platform. The GWR approved the construction of this at a cost of £240 on 8 August 1894.[3][1]

A level crossing with a crossing keeper's cottage, now demolished, was situated a short distance down the line to the south east. To the north west, around two miles nearer Shrewsbury at 33m 30c, the Branch reached its summit level of 217 feet[4].

GWR staff records for 1922 show the station had a staff of 6.

Closure[edit | edit source]

On 2 February 1963 the goods yard was closed by BR.[5] The station itself closed on 9 September 1963, when passenger services between Bewdley and Shrewsbury were withdrawn by BR. Through freight services continued until 30 November of that year, after which the signal box was taken out of use on 2 December 1963.

The line through Berrington was maintained in working order for the move of boilers and other large equipment to Ironbridge power station which took place on 22 April 1966, after which time the line south of Berrington was completely closed and the track lifted.[6] The section of track between Berrington and Shrewsbury continued in use for testing Sentinel diesels until finally being closed by BR on 21 January 1968.[7]

The station is now a private residence and small business.[8]

Traffic statistics[edit | edit source]

GWR Traffic statistics for Berrington, selected years prior to 1939
Passenger Traffic Freight Traffic
Year Tickets issued Parcels despatched Revenue (£) Tons received & despatched Revenue (£) Total revenue (£)
1903 16,855 4,695 881 8,275 1,951 2,832
1913 14,073 6,989 989 7,992 2,053 3,042
1923 9,014 5,380 973 5,042 2,379 3,352
1933 4,811 2,807 456 6,085 1,362 1,818
1938 3,348 2,967 303 6,086 1,774 2,077

In common with all stations on the Severn Valley Railway throughout that time, revenue from freight exceeded that from passenger services. The fall in the number of tickets sold between 1903 and 1938 was proportionately greater at Berrington than any other station on the Branch.[9] During World War I Atcham Union Workhouse became Berrington War Hospital, later becoming successively a general hospital, maternity hospital and geriatric hospital after that war,[10] which may have contributed to the decline in demand.

Historic maps of Berrington station[edit | edit source]

  • 1888 OS Map (surveyed 1881) showing the proximity to Berrington and Cross Houses
  • 1888 OS Map (surveyed 1881) showing the station single platform layout in more detail
  • 1902 OS map showing the second platform and passing loop
  • 1888 (area)

    1888 (area)

  • 1888 (detail)

    1888 (detail)

  • 1902

    1902

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Vanns (1998) p. 25.
  2. ↑ Shrewsbury Chronicle, Friday 13 January 1860, via the British Newspaper Archive
  3. ↑ Marshall (1989) p. 112.
  4. ↑ Marshall (1989) p. 112.
  5. ↑ Mitchell and Smith (2007) fig. 111.
  6. ↑ Magner (1997) p. 35.
  7. ↑ Mitchell & Smith (2007) p. 35.
  8. ↑ Shropshire Business Directory(Retrieved 16 March 2020. The 'Station Cattery' website listed was not accessible on that date)
  9. ↑ Nabarro (1971) p. 56.
  10. ↑ Cross Houses on Wikipedia
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