The story of Derbyshire's passenger and freight lines began in 1840 when 3 local railway companies amalgamated to form The Midland Railway. It was soon seen that branch lines to coalpits, limestone quarries and to dairy farming areas could become profitable. By the turn of the 20th century, the county was criss-crossed with railway lines. A Golden age had begun. Sadly the railway age was not to last. As motorised transport became more accessible, lines began to close, first to passengers and then to freight. Further closures took place as a result of the Beeching Act in 1963. Today, preservation societies have taken over three of these old lines - at Butterley (The Midland Railway Centre) at Wirksworth (Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association) and at Darley Dale (Peak Railway Association). Many more disused railway lines have been converted to greeenways for the walker, the cyclist and the horse-rider.
A5 (softcover) 160 pages
