York's Railway Boom

A tour which provides insight into York's railway history - discover the events that led to the worlds biggest railway station....

George Hudson

The tour kicks off in Goodramgate, outside what use to be the drapery where the famous George Hudson once worked as an apprentice, but is now a National Trust Gift Shop. Born in 1800, Hudson would later earn the title the 'Railway King'. He would become the chairman for the York and North Midland Railway, bringing great prosperity to York, and ensured that York was included in the development of the major new railway line running from London to Newcastle. Furthermore, by 1844, the once draper's apprentice owned over 1000 miles of railway track in the UK.




Lendal and Scarborough Bridges

Constructed in 1863 by George Hudson, Lendal bridge allowed railway lines on the west of the Ouse to be more easily linked to the city centre in order to encourage trade and travel. Further up the river lies Scarborough bridge, created to connect the famous seaside resort to York by railway. The railway line  to Scarborough was completed in 1845. The head archetect was a man named Alfred Dickens, brother of the famous author Charles Dickens.




Tanners Moat

The west side of Lendal Bridge is now dominated by the large Aviva building, however it was once the Rowntree's factory on Tanners Moat that really stood out. The tour will explain the history of the Rowntrees and how the property on Tanners Moat allowed them to take advantage of the progressive railway network.









Railway Headquarters

Opposite the old station, on Station Rise and dating from 1906, is the former headquarters of North Eastern Railway which is now the Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Spa. The North Eastern Railway was formed in 1854 after a merger which saw the combination of four separate railway companies. The headquarters itself was designed by William Bell and Horace Field, who used their architectural skills to incorporate the history of the company in the structure of the building. The shields and badges symbolising the individual parties involved in the merger of 1854 can still be seen.





Old Rail Station

It was in 1839 that York's first railway station was completed, situated outside of the city walls on Queen's Street, but due to the rising demand of the railway, it was soon realised a new and bigger station would be needed. The solution was opened in 1841, with 2 platforms and serving the same line as before but allowing travel further north to Newcastle. However, this was a 'terminus' station, and with York being such a key destination, it was determined within a mere 30 years that an even bigger station was required.





Lutyens Memorial

Placed in what was once the hive of station life during the mid 19th century as York's previous train station. The Lutyens memorial is named after Sir Edward Lutyens, the man comissioned to complete the structure. The Lutyens memorial comemorates the 2,236 North Eastern Railway Workers who lost their lives during World War One.













The Station Hotel

Next to York's current railway station is the Royal York Hotel. Built in 1878, just one year after the completion of the station, The Royal York Hotel was open to aristocratic and industrial guests who could afford 14 shillings a night.









Railway Station

York's modern railway station is one of the busiest stations in the country. Copleted in 1877, it was the biggest railway station in the world with 13 platforms. The new design made travelling through York more convenient. The station has been remodelled over the years, which has seen the number of platforms reduced to 11.








National Railway Museum

Opened by Prince Philip in 1975 who represented the royal family at the event, the National Railway Museum is home to the royal carriages of previous monarchs. York was chosen as the destination for the National Railway Museum due to the city's history as the hub of Britain's railway industry, and it is now the most visited national museum outside London.



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