Kerfies, Cleggies and all that.

A family history for family and friends.

The Chester and Holyhead Railway

The Chester and Holyhead Railway was a significant railway project in the 19th century, designed to improve communication between London and Ireland. Here are some key points about its history:

  1. Purpose: The railway was conceived to facilitate the transmission of government dispatches and to serve ordinary railway traffic.

  2. Construction: The construction was expensive, primarily due to the cost of building the Britannia Tubular Bridge over the Menai Strait.

  3. Opening: The main line opened in 1850, and it was initially operated by the London and North Western Railway (LNWR) from 1859.

  4. Tourism: The railway played a crucial role in promoting tourism to North Wales, with resorts like Llandudno becoming popular holiday destinations.

  5. Modern Times: The original main line is still in use for passenger traffic, and the line continues to serve as a vital route for travel along the North Wales coast.

Rhyl Station, part of this railway, has its own interesting history:

  1. Opening: Rhyl Station opened on May 1, 1848, as one of the original intermediate stations on the Chester and Holyhead Railway main line.

  2. Expansion: The station was expanded in 1900 to accommodate increasing traffic, including the addition of new platforms, a covered footbridge, and signal boxes.

  3. Holiday Destination: Rhyl became a popular holiday resort, and the station saw significant traffic from summer holidaymakers.

  4. Decline: After World War II, the Denbigh branch line saw reduced service and eventually closed to passenger traffic in 1955.

  5. Modern Era: Rhyl Station continues to serve passengers today, managed by Transport for Wales.