The current route of the York to Selby cycle path was part of the East Coast Main Line, until the threat of subsidence from the Selby coalfield forced the route of the railway to be changed in 1983. This railway heritage is one of four main avenues for historical research in the Railway to Greenway project. You can find out more about the history of this railway by clicking on the links below.
In the archive –
- Origins of the East Coast Mainline
- The LNER Encyclopedia
- Maps and plans of the proposed and actual rail network in the York area.
- Learn about the history of Naburn swing bridge courtesy of York RI Sailing Club.
- Some photos of the Naburn Swing Bridge – Courtesy of Naburn and Bishopthorpe Local History Groups
- Photos of Selby Bridge – a similar design – and its predecessor
- Steam to Diesel – images of rolling stock from Mallard to Royal Scot to Deltic and HST 125
- Photos of trains and infrastructure at Riccall and Escrick – courtesy of Riccall Local History Group
- Maps and plans of the proposed and actual rail network in the York area.
More historic photos and maps can be found on the page contributed by Frank Paterson – retired General Manager of the BR Eastern Region Search ‘Frank Paterson’
Also some personal memories of people who lived alongside the track when it was still in use –
- (Almost) de-railing the Royal Scot
- Siver Cross Pram
- Young Daredevils
- Friendly fire
The bridge was built by the York-based Nelson & Company, after the company was granted the necessary contract in 1888.…
The steam train was for many years the fastest method of surface transport, but there were constraints on the exploitation…
Until 1962, rail companies were required by law to carry any load offered to them. At first coal and other…
This item is taken from the National Railway Museum’s website, www.railwaymuseum.org.uk . More information can be found on http://www.flyingscotsman.org.uk/ and…
Photos from Selby: The Past in Pictures: Part 1 and Selby: The…
Susan Major’s book Female Railway Workers in World War II explores the role of women around the UK who took on roles…
Photos from Selby: The Past in Pictures: A Pictorial History: Part 2.
Photos from Selby: The Industrial Past – Roland Chilvers.
Notes from Gavin Wright 5/12/1 Although the East Coast Main line trains continued to run until 1983, the local passenger…
Nick Beilby worked on the East Coast Main Line from the age of 19. Here he recounts his experience as…
Stagg & Robson arrived in Selby around 1900 and purchased four acres of land off of Bawtry Road. The company…
Various groups and organizations utilized the railway to embark on different types of trips and outings. Below are photos from…
Station and signal box closure history This item lists the sequence of station and closures leading up to the diversion…
Local groups organized various events for both children and adults, including businesses and clubs. Specific groups who used the railroad…