History

Both the ‘real’ history of the Haggerleases Branch, which goes right back to the birth of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and the ‘not-so-real’ history of its successor, the Haggerleases Light Railway, are described here.

Part I - “Then”

This section gives a general introduction to the origins of the railways west of Darlington, including the story of the Haggerleases branch up until its closure in 1963.

      - Timothy Hackworth

Timothy Hackworth is pivotal to our story (to the extent that the HLR's first loco was named after him) and so deserves a page to himself.

Interesting though all this history undoubtedly is(!), you may find it a little long winded if you're just browsing. In that case, do have a quick look, and enjoy the pictures; then go straight on to Part II...

Part II - “Now”

This section moves on from the history to the present day by having a look at what's still to be seen of the Haggerleases branch.

But so much for reality. Why not move on to really interesing bit; Part III...

Part III - “Maybe”

This section unashamedly rewinds history a few decades and has a fairly lighthearted look at the might-have-been rebuilt Haggerleases Light Railway.

Finally, just in case you were interested...

The HLR crest

Here's a brief description of the railway's crest, which includes the seals of two local railways important in its history.