A work “which must rank as one of the finest railway history books of 2020” from the author of Llanelly West to Carmarthen (West Somerset Railway Association). Railways and Industry in the Sirhowy Valley is the first full history of the railways that served this important area of Welsh industry, covering all aspects of its rail transport and manufacturing history. It is the latest volume in an ongoing series of books, covering the history and development of rail transport in the South Wales valleys. The area once boasted some very important industrial manufacturers, including the Tredegar Iron Works and numerous other iron smelting companies. This volume covers the industrial, economic and social history of this fascinating area of the South Wales valleys and the railway that once served the area. “A welcome addition to the literature, placing the line in a more appropriate context than previous volumes about the valley railways . . . John Hodge’s very attractive book presents a wealth of detail in a very readable form.” —Books on the Line “The photographic section is tremendous, with 36 road maps and a collection of 530 black and white photographs that offer us an interesting portrait of the area studied.” —Miniaturas JM

This book covers the Vale of Neath line, the eastern portion of which was originally the Taff Vale Extension line, opened in the mid 19th Century, and taking in all the locations in this first book. It was unique in South Wales railway history as it was the only line running east to west across several of the valley lines which ran north to south, with connecting junctions into and from each. The line was famous for the iconic Crumlin Viaduct, hailed as one of the best examples of technological achievement during the Industrial Revolution and lasting 107 years until the line was closed as a through route in 1964. The line ran through several important valley towns, creating need for High Level and Low Level stations at several locations. The standard gauge Taff Vale Extension originally ran as far as Mountain Ash where it met and amalgamated with the broad gauge Vale of Neath line from Neath to Aberdare and Merthyr, locations that will be dealt with in future volumes. Fortunately the line was well photographed as the coverage given to each location will show.

This is the first in a new series on the South Wales Valleys by John Hodge, author of the South Wales Main Line series and North and West series, each of four volumes. The South Wales Valleys were famous for coal mining, iron and steel, tinplate works and the railways that served both industries, between them accounting for a very high percentage of employment in the area. This book relates the history of the early years of each industry and follows this through the railway steam and diesel age to the present day. The book traces the original Newport stations of Courtybella and Dock Street for the Valleys services and how this changed to High Street from 1880. Individual sections are presented on each main railway activity, accounts of each location along the route with sections on the railway layout, collieries and other industrial concerns, all illustrated by an abundant supply of photographs of the railway steam and diesel era, with accounts of the many collieries from the early years of the nineteenth century, to the end of coal mining in the Western Valley in 1989.A detailed, widely illustrated series on the valleys such as this, is long overdue and this first book in the series. The book is divided into two parts, the first covering the area as far as Aberbeeg and the second continuing to the heads of the Valley at Ebbw Vale and Brynmawr, as well as an account of the Halls Road line.

Although a great deal has been published on the economic, social and engineering history of nineteenth-century railways, the work of historical geographers has been much less conspicuous. This overview by David Turnock goes a long way towards restoring the balance. It details every important aspect of the railway’s influence on spatial distribution of economic and social change, providing a full account of the nineteenth-century geography of the British Isles seen in the context of the railway. The book reviews and explains the shape of the developing railway network, beginning with the pre-steam railways and connections between existing road and water communications and the new rail lines. The author also discusses the impact of the railways on the patterns of industrial, urban and rural change throughout the century. Throughout, the historical geography of Ireland is treated in equal detail to that of Great Britain.

Full-colour throughout, The Rough Guide to Wales is the ultimate guide to this beautiful country. With 30 years experience and our trademark 'tell it like it is' writing style, Rough Guides cover all the basics with practical, on-the-ground details, as well as unmissable alternatives to the usual must-see sights. At the top of your list and guaranteed to get you value for money, each guide also reviews the best accommodation and restaurants in all price brackets. We know there are times for saving, and times for splashing out. In The Rough Guide to Wales: - Over 50 colour-coded maps featuring every listing - Area-by-area chapter highlights - Top 5 boxes - Things not to miss section Make the most of your trip with The Rough Guide to Wales. Now available in ePub format.

This book covers the railway and industrial history of the lines that once operated in the Sirhowy valley in South Wales.Railways and Industry in the Sirhowy Valley, is the first full history of the railways that served this important area of Welsh industry, covering all aspects of its rail transport and manufacturing history.Being the latest volume in an ongoing series of books, covering the history and development of rail transport in the South Wales valleys.The area once boasted some very important industrial manufacturers, including the Tredegar Iron Works and numerous other iron smelting companies.This volume covers the industrial, economic and social history of this fascinating area of the South Wales valleys and the railway that once served the area.