Hull and Hornsea Railway

The Hull and Hornsea Railway was a branch line in the East Riding of Yorkshire, which connected the city of Kingston upon Hull with the seaside holiday resort of Hornsea.

Early proposals

In 1847 there was a proposal by George Hudson's York and North Midland Railway, to build a railway to Hornsea from a junction with the Yorkshire Coast Line near Arram railway station. This line would have terminated at a site to the north of Hornsea Mere. However, due to Hudson's downfall, this project was abandoned.

Construction

A second line, this time from Hull to Hornsea, was promoted by Hornsea resident and Hull timber merchant, Joseph Armytage Wade. This proposal was successful, and the first sod was cut, by Mr Wade, on October 8 1862.

The line as originally planned was to run from the east of Cleveland Street (now Stoneferry Road) to Hornsea Bridge, but the plans were changed and a decision was made to extend right to the seafront. This proved costly, as the land on which the extension ran was boggy, requiring extensive piles to support the line. Consequently the cost of construction increased from £68,000 to £122,000.

Opening day

The line was officially opened on March 28 1864, with the first train departing Wilmington railway station at 12:00 noon.

Takeover

The line quickly ran into financial difficulties, and merged with the North Eastern Railway on July 16 1866.

Closure

Following further changes of ownership, namely the London and North Eastern Railway, and finally British Railways, the passenger service was axed following the Beeching Report. The last passenger train ran on October 19 1964. Goods traffic continued to use the line as far as Hornsea Bridge until May 3 1965.

Today

The whole route today can be followed as a public footpath known as the Hornsea Rail Trail.

References

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