The Lancashire Derbyshire and East Coast Railway

The LD&ECR was planned to run cross country from Warrington to Sutton on Sea, however only Chesterfield to Lincoln and a branch towards Sheffield was ever completed by the company. Take a look at the self-styled “Dukeries Route" along with its later connecting branches, from the early days to today and the final coal trains to use the route.

---

In the days when coal was “King“ plans were laid for an East to West cross country railway to connect the Manchester Ship Canal at Warrington, to a new dock to be built near the east coast village of Sutton On Sea. Entitled The Lancashire, Derbyshire and East Coast Railway, as history was to show only the Chesterfield to Pyewipe Junction section and a branch from Langwith to Beighton would ever be completed. Taken over by the G.C.R. in 1907, although primarily a coal carrying railway it had a passenger service that lasted in parts until 1955. Discover the former LD&ECR, the self-styled “Dukeries Route" and its connections through the lenses of photographers from a period of over 100 years. From the main line between Chesterfield and Lincoln, the Beighton Branch, the Sheffield District Railway, plus the connecting Mansfield Railway and the Mid Nott’s Joint Railway, to the motive power depots at Chesterfield, Tuxford and Langwith Junction. This is a photographic journey bringing you the story of the railway from the early days to today, and the last coal train to use the route.