Settle & Carlisle

Stan Abbott revisits the story behind the long, but ultimately successful, battle to save the spectacular railway from Settle to Carlisle.

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Stan Abbott tells the story of the spectacular railway from Settle to Carlisle, rightly considered an engineering triumph when, in the 1870s, thousands of workers built its dramatic viaducts and tunnels across the Pennine landscape. In particular, he revisits the long battle to save the line when British Rail set about closing it, just after naming it "England's greatest historic scenic route". This landmark victory was the first time a local campaign prevailed against the agenda of the unbending Thatcher regime. It is a timely reminder that the collective will of ordinary people can indeed prevail. Settle & Carlisle takes a crystal ball to the state of our railways and explores their place in our collective future. Three-plus decades since its reprieve, investment in public infrastructure beyond our nation's capital has come under renewed pressure. But one thing remains as true as ever: the supporters of the People's Railway stand firm.