2-995-948 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Cutting the first sod of the Conway and Llanrwst Railway, 1860. 'This railway is designed to carry the tourists of North Wales from the London and North-Western Railway, as well as the visitors at the rapidly-rising watering-place, Llandudno, by a short and most attractive route, to the verge of the grand mountain scenery of that interesting district. Leaving the Chester and Holyhead Railway at Conway, and following the right bank of the River Conway, it will traverse the entire length of the celebrated Vale of Llanrwst, and will terminate at a point where the descending spurs of the mountain prohibit the further progress of the locomotive...The first sod was cut on the 25th August, on ground belonging to Lord Newborough, at the Abbey...by William Hanmer...the principal landowner on the line, in the presence of a large concourse of persons...The ceremony was commenced by the...Rev. Morgan Davies, who offered a prayer invoking the blessing of Almighty God on the work about to be commenced. The spade - the spiral handle of which was of twisted oak and the blade of silver - was then presented by Mr. Sharpe to Mr. Hanmer, who...proceeded duly to cut, lift, and carry the "first sod" amid the hearty acclamations of the multitude'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.