Reasons For The Line

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

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

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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Horse Drawn Trains

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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Steam Trains On The Line

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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Popularity of The Line

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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From Steam To Electricity

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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War and Post war Years

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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End of The Line

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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Reminders of the line

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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Future of the line

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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Newspaper articles

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Reasons For The Line Begining of The Line First Passenger Service Horse Drawn Trains Steam Trains On The Line Popularity of The Line From Steam To Electricity War and Post war Years End of The Line Reminders of the line Future of the line Newspaper articles