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Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Derbyshire

In 1830 George Stephenson's Rocket locomotive began pulling the world's first scheduled steam hauled passenger and freight railways service, between Liverpool and Manchester. Within two years the company's shares had doubled in value and a huge surge of railway building had begun. Up until this time British business and industry had been mainly based around family businesses or partnerships. The railway companies rapidly became what T.R. Gourvish describes as Britain's "first large scale enterprise," introducing the management and accounting practices of big business to Britain (see Railways and the British Economy 1830 - 1914 P57). The preserved roundhouse engine shed at Barrow Hill near Chesterfield is a good place to get some idea of the scale on which the railways worked. Nineteenth century railways in Britain represented the world's first mass transport system, and the Barrow Hill Roundhouse has twenty four sections of line for the storage of locomotives in a huge covered area. Completed in 1870 the shed had a working life of 121 years before closing in 1991.

The Roundhouse now displays historic locomotives, and offers train rides around the yard and along a short branch line. Refreshment facilities are available.

 

 

Address: Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre, Campbell Drive, Barrow Hill, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S43 2PR

Opening Times: Saturdays and Sundays 10am - 4pm.

There are special Santa days on the 17th and 18th December. Please ring the number below to book tickets.

Throughout the year gala days are held when visiting steam and diesel locomotives will be on display. Gala days also feature extensive trade stands. Free buses offer transport from Chesterfield railway station. For details of gala days, go to the official web site, using contact details below.

Directions: Barrow Hill Roundhouse is just off the A619 between Chesterfield and Worksop. Come off the M1 at junction 29A or junction 30, and head towards Chesterfield. Then follow brown signs. Click here for an interactive map centred on Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

Access: No details at present.

Contact:

telephone: 01246 472450

fax: 01246 472450

web site: http://www.barrowhill.org/index.htm