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Reasons For
The Line
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During
the Industrial Revolution, Swansea developed into an important centre
and a seaport town. The Mumbles Railway was formed so that lime
produced from the Gower kilns and coal from the Clyne Valley could
be transported to the wharfs at Swansea.
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Begining
of The Line
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There
was a growth of industry along the river Tawe during the 18th century
and Swansea became famous for its Copper Industry.The Mumbles Railway
(or the Oystermouth Railroad as it was then known) was originally
constructed as a mineral line and not as a passenger service.
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First
Passenger Service
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In
the year 1807, the Mumbles Railway carried passengers. It was the
first railway in the world to do so. The first passenger carriages
were made from the mineral wagons used on the tramroad.
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more... |
Horse
Drawn Trains
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Horse drawn trains remained on the
Mumbles Railway until 1896. The change from horse-drawn to steam
trains did cause anxiety. It was thought that the idea of a noisy,
speeding steam locomotive through the streets would frighten people
and horses.
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more... |
Steam
Trains On The Line
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Steam
trials took place on the Mumbles Railway between 1878 and 1885 and
also between 1892 and 1896. Three of the Mumbles Railway steam trains
were given names. They were called 'Crumlyn', 'Swansea' and 'Hampshire'.
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more... |
Popularity
of The Line
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In 1893, the Mumbles Railway was
extended to Southend. Previously the terminus was at Oystermouth.
The extension to the Mumbles was completed in 1898. This made the
Mumbles railway very popular with day trippers and tourists who
visited Mumbles Pier.
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more... |
From Steam
To Electricity
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The 1920's was the last decade when
the Mumbles Train was hauled by steam locomotives. Steam locomotives
ran on the Mumbles Railway until March 1st 1929. Electric trains
took over the following day.
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more... |
War and
Post war Years
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The Second World War (1939-1945)
affected Swansea very badly. Heavy bombing raids known as 'The Blitz'
caused chaos and severe damage to many buildings in the centre and
suburbs.The Mumbles Railway became an important form of transport
during the war years. The electric powered trains were unaffected
by petrol rationing.
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more... |
End of
The Line
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In October 1958, 90% of the shares
of the Mumbles Railway Ltd. passed into the hands of the South Wales
Transport Company (SWTC). The Mumbles Railway finally closed on
the 5th January 1960. The last train entered the Rutland Street
terminus at 12:20 am.
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more... |
Reminders
of the line
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There are only a few reminders of
the Mumbles Railway which remain today. The main reason for this
is that extensive redevelopmnet has taken place along the route.
This is particularly the case around the area of the old terminus
at Rutland Street, Swansea.
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more... |
Future
of the line
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Some people have campaigned for the
Mumbles Railway to be restored. For example, the 'Mumbles Railway
Society' was formed to promote interest in the line. There are arguments
for and against restoration.
What do you think?
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more... |
Newspaper
articles
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