£22.50
Michael Denman
Publication Date: 2012
Format & Edition: Hardback, First Edition
Pagination: 184 Pages, 83 Illustrations
Condition: New
Genre: Railways of Wales
Status: In Stock
The Llanelly Railway and Dock Company by Michael Denman.
The LR&DC was one of the earliest railways to acquire an Act of Parliament in 1828, pre-dating the Taff Vale by eight years and Queen Victoria’s accession by nine. After a modest beginning with a short line from their New Dock at Llanelli to the village of Dafen, the Company set its sights on the coalfield to the north, particularly in the Amman Valley. They built their line first to Ammanford, then on to Garnant, Brynamman and Gwaun-Cae Gurwen with several branches. From Pantyffynnon the Company opened the main line to Llandeilo, and also ran the services for the Vale of Towy Railway between there and Llandovery. Further expansion created new lines from Llandeilo to Carmarthen through Nantgaredig and Abergwili, and from Pontardulais to Swansea (Victoria) via the Dunvant Valley with a branch to Penclawdd.
Michael Denman reveals how hands-on management was the order of the day, with details of building and running an early railway and dock and operating the earliest locomotives providing an insight into the people who ran and worked the railway. Following years of operating in isolation in west Wales, the Company had to deal with the conflict that arose when the larger LNWR and South Wales Railway companies burst upon the scene, and the inevitable financial troubles, all with a surprising outcome. Photographs, maps and drawings help illustrate the story of a railway company that built the southern part of the Heart of Wales Line on which we can still travel in the 21st century.
Earliest Times
Venturing Northwards
Dealing with the South Wales Railway
To the Parish of Llandilo Fawr
Keeping Wagons Rolling
Company Bye-laws
The Vale of Towy Railway
Three Way Expansion
Accidents Along the Line
Company Men
The Locomotive Fleet
Managing the Business
Finale