Two 100-year-old tramway trucks were recovered from a pond on middle common in Buckley by contractors clearing the site to build houses, writes Nick Bourne from the Web Team.
And it was their discovery which led to the publication of a photo history book in 2007 called, Buckley Railway Album and Associated Industries.
It was jointly compiled by John RThomas, Chris Dawson and Paul Davies who is honorary secretary to the Buckley Society. Paul wanted to renovate one of the tramway trucks and John, who has previously published articles on railways and tramways in Flintshire, had gone along to view the trucks in their original state. During the visit the conversation got around to the Buckley Line.
Paul said: "We discovered that between us we had several old photos and at that stage merely remarked that it was a shame that there wasn't a published collection of photographs to record the line for posterity.
"During its lifetime of just over 100 years it played a major role in transporting clay products from the various industries around Buckley to both national and international markets."
The published album contains more than 200 photographs. They recall the local standard gauge railway that connected the town of Buckley with the docks at Connahs Quay, Deeside, and operated for just over 100 years.
The album charts the journey from Connah's Quay docks up line through Northop Hall to Buckley and includes views of the docks and industries served by the railway including brickyards and collieries.
More details about the book, published in 2007, can be obtained via the Buckley Society website: www.buckleysociety.org.uk
Finally, view a slideshow of old Buckley industry scenes which include a horse-drawn tram and a view of Brick Wharf, Connah's Quay, c1875.
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your comments
Ray Jones, Denbigh
Just read the report about the Buckley Deeside Tramway. Has anyone got photos of the old Chester / Denbigh / Rhyl / Ruthin lines? There are many of what's left but I can find nothing of the line in its 'heyday'.
Fri Mar 13 10:29:18 2009
Paul Davies
Ref. Emrys Evans' query about the Drury Brickworks accident, I have asked a number of people locally who cannot recall the accident. To make further enquiries would require more information. Please make contact via the Buckley Society web site if you wish more enquiries to be made.
Fri Jan 2 09:53:38 2009
Emrys Evans, originally Mold now Armagh
My dad was killed at the Drury Lane brickworks when I was a child. I should have gone into work that day with him but I did not wake up in time. His name was David Ronald Evans. If anyone remembers this accident and has information about what actually happened, I would be very grateful. Emrys Evans (son).
Mon Dec 1 08:17:50 2008
Steph ex Penarlag
Does anybody know why "The Batters" was called by that name?
Fri Jun 20 07:32:00 2008
Paul Davies
Re. the question raised by Greg from Buckley. I would suggest he approaches John Dixon of Saltney History Society who together with Geoff Pickard produced the 'Railways around Saltney' book earlier this year. I understand they have a comprehensive knowledge and collection of photographs of that area and its railways.
Mon Dec 24 09:12:28 2007
Greg, Buckley
Does anybody have any knowledge of Broughton Hall Railway Station Cottages? I understand that they once stood right next to the railways station, and opposite to the Glynn Arms. They were probably 2 or 3 separate buildings.
Thu Nov 29 11:53:45 2007
PW (peter wright), Penarlâg
There was also a 'plateway', on which carts ran along guide rails between Ewloe brickworks and colliery and Sandycroft jetty, as now marked by the electricity transmission (pylon) line which runs along Wood Lane and down past Upperdale, partly built upon, partly restored to parkland (as at 'The Batters' in Penarlâg) and farmland or gardens. Some of the original rails - or plates - are in use as fencing in surrounding fields and there is a 'legend' that there are pockets of heather along the route, sprouted from the packing used to protect the earthenware from damage en route. The most significant remaining features are the yellow brick (Ewloe brick) bridges at The Highway near the end of Wood Lane and on the junction of Upper Aston Hall Lane and Bennett's Lane.
Fri Jul 13 08:48:57 2007
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