From 1 July 2025 at Denby Dale Library.
A fantastic new exhibition researched over the past 6 months by 26 volunteers from
Researching through the centuries by Hands on History Group
Denby Dale Parish Council and Station Adopters asked Hands on History historian and facilitator, Susan Daniels if their group would research the opening of Denby Dale Station and Viaduct, and they rose to the challenge to create a fact-filled exhibition, which has taken 100’s of volunteer hours to research and install.
Come and Visit Denby Dale Library
There is an additional paper archive to explore while you have a coffee and snack, in the library’s cafe. Browse at your leisure; lots of seating is available.
Future Resource
Penistone Line Partnership (PLP) extends its heartfelt thanks to all members of the Hands on History Group who were involved in this project. PLP hopes that funding can be found to digitise the research as a future resource. A special mention to Jan Goult, Hands on History member, who has assisted Susan with the research and installation of the exhibition.
Susan Daniels Historian with Jane Goult – Hands on History Group – Denby Dale Library
See the online Denby Dale and Kirkburton Archive to discover more about the area’s rich heritage.
Further details
Denby Dale Station celebrates its 175th Anniversary during Railway 200.
Denby Dale Station opened on 1 July 1850. Events are taking place throughout the UK to mark the birth of the modern railway and 200 years of passenger rail travel.
Highlights of the exhibition
What was the village like in 1850?
Details on the construction of the first Denby Dale Viaduct (Canadian Trestle Method). PAPERS & PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF PUBLIC WORKS OF RECENT CONSTRUCTION BOTH BRITISH & AMERICAN by John Augustus Ruebling (1856). Molly Sutton, who runs Kirkwood Cafe in Denby Dale Library, found this gem of a book, which can be found in a Canadian Library Archive.
Themes
People – (case studies 26 people.) Information was found about the viaduct engineers, families such as the Greens and Naylor’s (pipe manufacturer at the time), and William Parrington, the 1st Station Master.
Impact – The Railway created mass tourism over 30 years, and the exhibition looks at Railways & Pleasure – Business – Crime – Trains – Literature – Jobs.
The exhibition runs until 31 July 2025 during the Library opening times shown below.
Other Railway 200 projects in Denby Dale
If you are visiting Denby Dale Library, please also take a look at the fantastic work that station adopters and villagers have worked hard to produce for the 175th Station Anniversary. A 16-arch installation at Denby Dale Station can be seen on the platform until 31 August 2025.
Top right – Dave and Adam, Denby Dale Parish Council Countryside Officers/Station Adopters, Bottom left – Chris Goodacre, Denby Dale Men’s Shed, Mark ISS (Northern Contractor), Bottom left – Kate Tunstall – Viaduct Craft Project.
Special thanks to Kate Tunstall, who steered the project, and a big thanks to everyone involved from the participating groups. Men’s Shed Denby Dale has created a Locomotive to celebrate the 175th station anniversary during Railway 200, which can be seen outside the White Hart in Denby Dale village.
Railway 200 Installation by Denby Dale Men’s Shed