Steaming

Sunday, 23 August 2009 09:20

Now I have my camera back!

For you steam railway buffs I thought I would go back to Skipton days and the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. My repaired camera is back with me, so I could get the photos off the card and I am once again a happy bunny!

We took a bus to Embsay from Skipton on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal,  for the short but lovely steam journey to Bolton Abbey.

Embsay station was built in 1888

The four mile line took visitors to Bolton Abbey station and Bolton Abbey became a popular destination for picnic and outings. In 1890 the August Bank Holiday brought over 40,00 people to visit.

The railway was certainly busy when we travelled and here are a few photos to illustrate the journey

Steam loco Darfield, our outward loco

Stoneacre signal box Guard with line token

The Director's carriage

Bolton Abbey Station

Once we arrived at the station we caught the Heritage bus waiting to take us the short journey to Bolton Abbey. We chuckled at the word "heritage" as it was a 1962 Leyland bus that used to run in Plymouth. Both of us could remember being on similar buses in our youth!

Heritage bus at station

Bolton Abbey is the Estate of the Duke of Devonshire

Within it are the ruins of a 12th Century Augustinian Priory. The Priory was founded by Alice de Romilly and the "Black Canons," as the Augustinian monks were known, lived under a strict Rule of poverty, obedience and chastity. The dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 meant that the buildings were stripped of their lead roofs, leaving the stone walls to deteriorate.

Ruined windows

Ruined choir and chancel

However the established Priory Church, created in 13th Century, using the nave of the Priory for the use of the parish, was allowed to remain.

Parish Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert

Chancel

The Abbey was very popular the day we visited, as it was hosting the "Great Yorkshire Duck Race."

Still, despite the crowds, the Abbey and church were comparatively quiet and we enjoyed strolling around the grounds, before catching the "Heritage bus" back to the station.

Returning through some lovely Yorkshire countryside on yet another steam train!

As they say in all the magazines - look out for the next "episode" - more steam train travel to come!