The Silkstone Waggonway...

...dating from 1809...


It is now a pleasant walk that takes in both the beautiful landscape and historical heritage of the area. It was formerly the route of a horse drawn railway, built in 1809 by the Barnsley Canal Navigation Company.


This early railway transported the coal from the collieries in the Silkstone Valley 2.5 miles from Silkstone Cross to Barnby Basin Cawthorne, the terminus of the canal.


Coal had been mined in the Silkstone area for hundreds of years but this land-locked coalfield had to wait until the coming of the canal and railways to be fully exploited.


The replica wagon is displayed near the school at the entrance to Silkstone Village. Old enough for MonoMonday? ;)