2-979-587 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the Barnsley Branch Railway: the Procession entering the Regent-Street Station, 1857. 'The opening ceremony consisted of a procession of the workmen employed in the construction of the line, which paraded the principal streets of Barnsley, headed by the Barnsley brass band, the musicians being seated in a waggon drawn by seven very powerful horses. A procession of workmen followed on foot, who were succeeded by another waggon, drawn by four horses, in winch was the Barnsley drum and fife band...[There were] numerous arches, tastefully decorated with evergreens...The contractors for the work are Messrs. Lapish, Nichols, and Cameron. The works were commenced and partially completed under Mr. James Potter, engineer to the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway; but have been continued since June last by Mr. R. Russell'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.