Cliff rail drawings tracked down
The original 100-year-old architect drawings of a unique Shropshire tourist attraction have been uncovered as part of a new history project. The original 100-year-old architect drawings of a unique Shropshire tourist attraction have been uncovered as part of a new history project. Experts said they were delighted with the discovery of the documents, which show the original plans for the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway. The drawings were found through the Discover Shropshire scheme which was set up by Shropshire County Council and funded by Museums, Libraries and Archives West Midlands. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
The documents have remained hidden among the Shropshire Archives for many years but leaders of the project said nobody was aware of what they were.
Digital copies of the drawings will be put on display in Bridgnorth Library for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Ray Hartley, Discover Shropshire project officer, said: "Our researcher at Shropshire archives, Jo Elcoat, uncovered the original architect's drawings. These are not just important historical documents, they are absolutely beautiful pieces of artwork that have preserved for over 100 years."
County archivist Mary McKenzie said: "Making a digital copy of these documents for display in Bridgnorth Library means that the people of Bridgnorth can now see these wonderful drawings that helped to shape the history of the town.
Mrs Reynolds said: "We have owned and operated the railway for the past 11 years. We always hoped the drawings would eventually turn up and they are even more beautiful than we imagined."
The Discover Shropshire Project opens the doors to a newly equipped local and family history research room at Bridgnorth Library today.
A history of local landmark
A public meeting was called in 1890 to discuss alternatives to having 200 steps linking High Town and Low Town.
Construction began on November 2, 1891.
The Bridgnorth Castle Hill Railway Company Ltd was the first owner.
The track measures 201ft long, with a vertical rise of 111ft. This means the railway has an incline of 33¡, one of the steepest in the UK.
It opened on July 7, 1892.
Originally the railway was powered by a simple system using water and gravity.
Between July and September 1892 over 50,000 passengers used the railway.
It closed in April 1933 and was opened again in May 1934 by new shareholders.
In 1943 the decision was made to rebuild the railway. it re-opened a year later.
Passenger cars were replaced with a more modern type, with improved lighting in 1955.
36 passengers can be transported at one time.
Current owners Allan and Jean Reynolds took over the running of the cliff railway in 1996.
