powered by FreeFind
	Bradford 1846 - Present G N R   L & Y  Midland	See Railway Ramblers gazetteer - Bradford
Contributors:   Paul Holroyd / Harry Naylor Holroyd / Michael Kaye / Andrew Wilson / Andrew Stopford Bradford The first rail service into Bradford was opened on 1st July 1846 by the Leeds and Bradford Railway. (later became part of the Midland Railway) The line entered from the north via Shipley and terminated at a station on Kirkgate, opposite the end of Market Street (east of Forster Square) The terminus was replaced in 1890 by the bigger Market street, which was renamed Forster square in 1924. The L&Y route from Halifax via Low moor was opened in 1850. This terminated at Drake street, later to become Bradford Exchange. The GNR Leeds - Bradford route opened in 1854. Also in 1854 the GNR direct Laisterdyke - Bowling Junction line opened, enabling Leeds - Halifax trains to avoid time consuming reversal at Bradford. The GNR opened Adolphus street on 1st of august 1854. Its distance from the city centre meant people used the more convenient Midland station. As a result the GNR shared the L&Ys Drake St, which was enlarged as part of the deal. In January 1867 a connection was opened between the L&Y & GNR lines at Mill Lane junction. L&Y Drake street station was renamed Exchange in March 1867. Bradford south hybrid map - Roads 2005  Rails 1906   Bradford Exchange Station Bradford Exchange signs (04-02-07) : Paul Holroyd Signs from Bradford Exchange, currently on loan to the Museum of Rail Travel, Ingrow,   website -  www.ingrowrailwaycentre.co.uk Running In board (12-04-08) : Paul Holroyd Running In board from Bradford Exchange, awaiting display at the Museum of Rail Travel, Ingrow Railway Centre. Bradford Exchange entrance, newspaper cutting (1953) : Andrew Wilson Exchange station, built in the 1880s for the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway, seen here decked out in honour of the coronation of the queen in 1953. Bradford Exchange Drake street entrance 29th July 2006 : Paul Holroyd The remains of the Drake Street entrance to Bradford Exchange. On 3 June 1964, three people were killed when a Manchester Victoria to Leeds diesel multiple unit ran out of control down the gradient from Bowling Junction and crashed into a stationary parcels train in Bradford Exchange station. Bradford Exchange Drake street entrance 29th July 2006 : Paul Holroyd The sad remains of the once-great Bradford Exchange station. Built in 1888, the magnificent twin-arched Bradford Exchange saw its last steam-hauled train on 1 October 1967. Its 10 platforms were closed in 1973, to be replaced by a more modest 4-platform station on the other side of Bridge Street. Bradford Exchange Drake street entrance 29th July 2006 : Paul Holroyd The twin roof spans met just to the left of the entrance. Offices were located above and to the right of this entrance. The steps led to the circulating area in front of platforms 1 to 5. Compare this photo with that on page 32 of Railway Memories No. 4: Bradford, published by Bellcode Books. Bradford Exchange, newspaper cutting (1976) : Andrew Wilson The trains had gone from the old Exchange station after the travel interchange was built on the other side of Bridge street. The space relieved the pressure on a city chronically short of parking space. Bradford Exchange, newspaper cutting (1976) : Andrew Wilson One of Bradford's best known landmarks, the Exchange station, with its two arched roofs just before demolition began in 1976. The new Interchange terminal (foreground) had replaced it. Bradford Exchange, newspaper cutting (nd) : Andrew Wilson August bank holiday Monday at Exchange station, with trains bound for coast or country. But the bread still had to be delivered. Bottom right is one of the endearing Scammel 'Iron Horse' towing trucks. Bradford Exchange, newspaper cutting (1961) : Andrew Wilson The new Yorkshire Pullman prepares to leave Exchange station in 1961. It linked Bradford with London Kings Cross. British Rail were so pleased they put the first & second class coaches on show to the public. Bradford Exchange, newspaper cutting (1970) : Andrew Wilson Resplendent in bowler hat & formal top coat, stationmaster Mr Wilfred Ellaby, sees his last train out of Exchange station in1970. He was retiring after 49 years on the railway. Adolphus Street Terminal Adolphus street terminal, newspaper cutting (1957) : Andrew Wilson Bradford's other station the Adolphus street terminal. Built for the Leeds, Bradford & Halifax Junction Railway in 1855. It was taken over by the Great Northern Railway but was too far out of the city centre & closed to passengers in 1867. It still handled goods in this picture from 1957. Forster Square Station Forster Square station concourse, newspaper cutting (1962) : Andrew Wilson Bradfords Forster Square station concourse in1962. The terminal also housed a busy parcels depot. Forster Square (c1990/1991) : Paul Holroyd Bradford Market Street opened in 1897 and was renamed Forster Square in 1924. Its 6 platforms were replaced in 1990 by a more modest 3-platform station further towards Shipley. Forster Square (c1990/1991) : Paul Holroyd Forster Square (06-05-90) : Michael Kaye Taken from Platform 2 at Bradford Forster Square, 6th may 1990. Forster Square May 1966 : Harry Naylor Holroyd LMS design 4P no 42189 at Bradford Forster Square May 1966. Forster Square May 1967 : Harry Naylor Holroyd E 70685 E, built in 1950 at York photographed at Bradford Forster Square May 1967. A Southern Railway parcels van is adjacent, and next to that is one of London, Midland & Scottish Railway design. The diesel at the extreme right appears to be a class 03 built by Drewry. Bowling Junction to Laisterdyke Hall Lane (c1987) : Andrew Stopford This is the line from Bowling Junction to Laisterdyke, near Hall Lane crossing, not long after it was abandoned. I think the photo was approx 1987. Home Maps & photos © Paul Holroyd / Harry Naylor Holroyd / Michael Kaye / Andrew Wilson / Andrew Stopford / Lost Railways / Reproduction prohibited.