Aberystwyth Cliff Railway: Difference between revisions

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Adding local short description: "Funicular railway in Ceredigion, Wales", overriding Wikidata description "Grade II listed building in Ceredigion. At the bottom of the terrace, facing down Queen's Road; the railway rises up Constitution Hill which forms the northern termination of the Promenade."
 
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{{Short description|Funicular railway in Ceredigion, Wales}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox Public transit
{{Infobox Public transit
| name = Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
| name = Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
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| stations = 2
| stations = 2
| ridership =
| ridership =
| track_gauge = {{RailGauge|sg}}
| track_gauge = {{RailGauge|ohio}}
| operator = [[Constitution Hill, Aberystwyth|Constitution Hill Ltd]]
| operator = [[Constitution Hill, Aberystwyth|Constitution Hill Ltd]]
|}}
|}}
The '''Aberystwyth Cliff Railway''' ({{lang-cy|Rheilffordd y Graig}}) is a [[funicular]] railway in [[Aberystwyth]], [[Ceredigion]], [[Wales]]. Opened in 1896 at {{convert|778|ft}} in length, it was the longest funicular railway in the [[British Isles]], surpassed in length by the [[Cairngorm Mountain Railway]] at 1,970m, with a height difference of 462m.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article2966552.ece|title=Focus on... Aberystwyth|publisher=The Times|date=2007-11-30|accessdate=2010-06-04 | location=London | first1=Andrew | last1=Riley | first2=Lorna | last2=Blackwood}}</ref>
The '''Aberystwyth Cliff Railway''' ({{lang-cy|Rheilffordd y Graig}}) opened on 1 August 1896. It is a {{convert|778|ft}} long [[funicular]] railway in [[Aberystwyth]] and is the second longest funicular railway in the British Isles, after the [[Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway]]. Since November 1987, the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway has been a [[listed building|Grade II listed structure]].


The Cliff Railway was developed as an element of [[Constitution Hill, Aberystwyth|Constitution Hill]], a [[Victorian era|Victorian]] business venture by the Aberystwyth Improvement Company in the 1890s. The funicular took visitors to the top of the hill, where attractions such as a [[camera obscura]] were established. The cliff railway was originally a water balance system, but it was electrified during 1921. Passengers numbers were high during its initial decades, but dropped after the outbreak of the [[World War II|Second World War]] and stayed depressed for decades. The cliff railway is now owned and run by Constitution Hill Ltd, a registered [[Charitable organization|charity]]. It is open to passengers during the summer months, typically operating between April and October, with a reduced timetable during the rest of the year.
==Development==
The railway is part of [[Constitution Hill, Aberystwyth|Constitution Hill]], a Victorian development on the hill of the same name built by the Aberystwyth Improvement Company,<ref name=EngTime>{{cite web|url=http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=301|title=Aberystwyth Cliff Railway|publisher=engineering-timelines.com|accessdate=2010-06-04}}</ref> and form of early theme park. It consisted of arcades and a restaurant at the foot of the hill, the railway, and at the top of the hill a [[camera obscura]] and park. Constitution Hill was designed and engineered by [[George Croydon Marks]], who later became a [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] peer, who at the same time designed the new pavilion for the [[Royal Pier, Aberystwyth|Royal Pier]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitaberystwyth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=73&lang=en|title=Aberystwyth Royal Pier|publisher=visitaberystwyth.com|accessdate=2010-05-31}}</ref>


==Location==
As part of Constitution Hill, Croydon-Marks designed into the development a meandering footpath as an alternative route. To allow this to pass over the railway on a footbridge, in the midsection 12,000 tonnes of rock were excavated to provide the railway with a lower path.
The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway was part of the [[Constitution Hill, Aberystwyth|Constitution Hill]] development built by the Aberystwyth Improvement Company, established in 1895.<ref name=EngTime>{{cite web|url=http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=301 |title=Aberystwyth Cliff Railway |publisher=engineering-timelines.com |accessdate=4 June 2010 |url-status = dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223180133/http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=301 |archivedate=23 February 2012}}</ref> It was an early [[theme park]], consisting of arcades and restaurant at the foot of the hill, and a [[camera obscura]] and park at the top. The funicular railway was developed to transport people between the areas.<ref>[https://www.stallionvalley.com/west-wales/item/119-aberystwyth-cliff-railway/ "Aberystwyth Cliff Railway."] ''stallionvalley.com'', Retrieved: 22 June 2018.</ref> Constitution Hill was designed and engineered by [[George Croydon Marks]] who also designed the pavilion for the [[Royal Pier, Aberystwyth|Aberystwyth Royal Pier]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visitaberystwyth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=73&lang=en |title=Aberystwyth Royal Pier |publisher=visitaberystwyth.com |accessdate=31 May 2010 |url-status = dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103141955/http://www.visitaberystwyth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=73&lang=en |archivedate=3 November 2013}}</ref> and a meandering footpath as an alternative to the Cliff Railway. Around 12,000 tonnes of rock was excavated for the middle section of the footpath to accommodate a footbridge over the cliff railway. The area is surrounded by the gardens and pleasure grounds of Constitution Hill.<ref name=EngTime/>

==Design==
[[File:Aberystwyth Cliff Railway - 4 - geograph.org.uk - 1166373.jpg|thumb|An empty car descending the cliff railway]]
The cliff railway was originally a [[cable railway|cable-drawn]] balanced system moving a pair of cars, with a maximum capacity of 30 passengers, permanently connected via a continuous cable.<ref name=EngTime/> When opened, it operated using a water balance system, which used a [[Worthington Corporation]] [[compound steam engine]] [[water pump]] housed in the lower station to move water to the upper station. Each passenger car had a tank in their chassis that could hold 4 tonnes of water. Water was added to the tank of the top car, which descended under [[gravity]], hauling the lighter lower car on the parallel track to the top station.

The railway is straight, ascending about {{convert|430|ft|m}} over a horizontal distance of {{convert|778|ft|m}}, a maximum gradient of more than 1:2 (50 per cent).<ref name=EngTime/> The gauge is {{TrackGauge|4ft8in}}, slightly narrower than [[standard gauge]], and laid on timber [[Railroad tie|sleeper]]s.<ref name=EngTime/>

In 1921, the railway was [[electricity|electrified]] using a 41&nbsp;kW {{Interlanguage link|ATB AG|de|}} Morley [[DC motor]]. In 1934, after changes to the town’s electricity supply, a [[Mercury-arc valve|mercury arc rectifier]] and [[transformer]] were installed in the lower station to provide a 440V DC power output. The cars are moved using a high-tensile [[steel]] cable attached to both vehicles. It passes around a drum, mounted on a vertical axis between the tracks at the top. The motor drives the drum controlled by an automated [[Cut-off (electronics)|cut-off]] which stops the motor and the cars when required.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aberystwyth Cliff Railway |url=http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=301 |website=Engineering Timelines |accessdate=27 November 2019}}</ref>

Its twin carriages are named ''Lord Geraint'' and ''Lord Marks.''<ref>{{cite book |last=Easdwon |first=Martin |date=2018 |title=Cliff Railways, Lifts and Funiculars |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oq6IDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT10 |publisher=Amberley Publishing |isbn=978-1445680033 }}</ref>


==Operations==
==Operations==
[[File:Aberystwyth Cliff Railway - geograph.org.uk - 901622.jpg|thumb|Lower station of the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway]]
Originally operated on a water balance system, it was electrified in 1921. The 4ft 10in (1,422mm) gauge railway climbs {{convert|430|ft}} in {{convert|778|ft}}&mdash;a gradient steeper than 1:2 (50%). Its twin carriages, which both take 30 passengers,<ref name=EngTime/> are named the ''Lord Geraint'' and the ''Lord Marks.''
[[File:Aberystwyth Wales UK 1985 02.jpg|thumb|A car near the upper station of the railway, circa 1985]]
The cliff railway opened to the public in 1896; and was credited with stimulating the development of Constitution Hill as a popular leisure area.<ref name = "his point">[http://historypoints.org/index.php?page=aberystwyth-cliff-railway "Aberystwyth Cliff Railway."] ''historypoints.org'', Retrieved: 22 June 2018.</ref>

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the cliff railway was popular with visitors but during and after the [[World War II|Second World War]], passenger numbers declined significantly. In 1948, seeking to revive its fortunes, the Aberystwyth Pier Company bought it and carried out repairs and upgrades. The new owners were unable to increase passenger numbers.

In 1976, the railway was closed briefly on account of a fault in its braking system. During the late 1970s, a local mining company acquired a majority stake and formed the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway Company to operate it. In 1978 a new electrical system was installed which is used to the present day. It takes its power from and returns surplus energy to the [[National Grid (Great Britain)|National Grid]].

In November 1987, the cliff railway was recognised as a [[listed building|Grade II listed structure]].<ref name=EngTime/> In 1998, it was purchased by Constitution Hill Ltd,<ref name = "his point"/> a registered [[Charitable organization|charity]], the [[trustee]]s are volunteers; all profits generated support the railway's maintenance and restoration activities. The cliff railway has received some external funding, including grants from [[European Union]] funds.<ref name = "his point"/>

The railway is operated under a [[Light Railways Act 1896|light railway order]].<ref name=EngTime/> The line is open to passengers during the summer months, typically operating between April and October, while transitioning to a limited timetable during the colder months.<ref>[http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Aberystwyth-Aberystwyth-Cliff-Railway/details/?dms=3&venue=1122209 "Aberystwyth Cliff Railway."] ''visitmidwales.co.uk'', Retrieved: 22 June 2018.</ref>

The upper station was refurbished with a café and gift shop during 2005 and roof repairs were made in 2014.<ref name=EngTime/> Ramps and other adaptations make the service accessible to [[wheelchair]] users. The ticket office at the lower station has been converted into a holiday apartment.{{cn|date=May 2020}} Of the four original timber bridges constructed to carry hillside paths over the railway, three remain at the northern half of the route for foot traffic.<ref name=EngTime/>


==In fiction==
==Appearance in music and literature==
The railway makes appearances in the work of [[Malcolm Pryce]].
The railway makes appearances in the work of author [[Malcolm Pryce]].<ref>Katsoulis, Melissa. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/3641737/Something-fishy-in-Wales.html "Something fishy in Wales."] ''The Telegraph'', 7 May 2005.</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Aberystwyth Cliff Railway}}
{{commons category|Aberystwyth Cliff Railway}}
* [http://www.aberystwythcliffrailway.co.uk/railway.htm Constitution Hill]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061206011740/http://www.aberystwythcliffrailway.co.uk/railway.htm Constitution Hill]
*{{oscoor gbx|SN584826}}
* {{oscoor gbx|SN584826}}


{{coord|52.42300|N|4.08379|W|region:GB_source:enwiki-osgb36(SN584826)|display=title}}<!-- Note: WGS84 lat/long, converted from OSGB36 grid ref -->
{{coord|52.42300|N|4.08379|W|region:GB_source:enwiki-osgb36(SN584826)|display=title}}<!-- Note: WGS84 lat/long, converted from OSGB36 grid ref -->


[[Category:Transport in Aberystwyth]]
[[Category:Transport in Aberystwyth]]
[[Category:Funicular railways in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Funicular railways in Wales]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1896]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1896]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Ceredigion]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Ceredigion]]
[[Category:Works by George Croydon Marks]]
[[Category:Works by George Croydon Marks]]
[[Category:Former water-powered funicular railways converted to electricity]]
[[Category:Former water-powered funicular railways converted to electricity]]
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in Wales]]
[[Category:Aberystwyth]]

Latest revision as of 03:54, 29 February 2024

Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
Overview
LocaleAberystwyth
Transit typeFunicular railway
Number of stations2
Operation
Began operation1 August 1896
Operator(s)Constitution Hill Ltd
Technical
System length778 feet (237 m)
Track gauge4 ft 10 in (1,473 mm)

The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway (Welsh: Rheilffordd y Graig) opened on 1 August 1896. It is a 778 feet (237 m) long funicular railway in Aberystwyth and is the second longest funicular railway in the British Isles, after the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. Since November 1987, the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway has been a Grade II listed structure.

The Cliff Railway was developed as an element of Constitution Hill, a Victorian business venture by the Aberystwyth Improvement Company in the 1890s. The funicular took visitors to the top of the hill, where attractions such as a camera obscura were established. The cliff railway was originally a water balance system, but it was electrified during 1921. Passengers numbers were high during its initial decades, but dropped after the outbreak of the Second World War and stayed depressed for decades. The cliff railway is now owned and run by Constitution Hill Ltd, a registered charity. It is open to passengers during the summer months, typically operating between April and October, with a reduced timetable during the rest of the year.

Location[edit]

The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway was part of the Constitution Hill development built by the Aberystwyth Improvement Company, established in 1895.[1] It was an early theme park, consisting of arcades and restaurant at the foot of the hill, and a camera obscura and park at the top. The funicular railway was developed to transport people between the areas.[2] Constitution Hill was designed and engineered by George Croydon Marks who also designed the pavilion for the Aberystwyth Royal Pier,[3] and a meandering footpath as an alternative to the Cliff Railway. Around 12,000 tonnes of rock was excavated for the middle section of the footpath to accommodate a footbridge over the cliff railway. The area is surrounded by the gardens and pleasure grounds of Constitution Hill.[1]

Design[edit]

An empty car descending the cliff railway

The cliff railway was originally a cable-drawn balanced system moving a pair of cars, with a maximum capacity of 30 passengers, permanently connected via a continuous cable.[1] When opened, it operated using a water balance system, which used a Worthington Corporation compound steam engine water pump housed in the lower station to move water to the upper station. Each passenger car had a tank in their chassis that could hold 4 tonnes of water. Water was added to the tank of the top car, which descended under gravity, hauling the lighter lower car on the parallel track to the top station.

The railway is straight, ascending about 430 feet (130 m) over a horizontal distance of 778 feet (237 m), a maximum gradient of more than 1:2 (50 per cent).[1] The gauge is 4 ft 8 in (1,422 mm), slightly narrower than standard gauge, and laid on timber sleepers.[1]

In 1921, the railway was electrified using a 41 kW ATB AG [de] Morley DC motor. In 1934, after changes to the town’s electricity supply, a mercury arc rectifier and transformer were installed in the lower station to provide a 440V DC power output. The cars are moved using a high-tensile steel cable attached to both vehicles. It passes around a drum, mounted on a vertical axis between the tracks at the top. The motor drives the drum controlled by an automated cut-off which stops the motor and the cars when required.[4]

Its twin carriages are named Lord Geraint and Lord Marks.[5]

Operations[edit]

Lower station of the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
A car near the upper station of the railway, circa 1985

The cliff railway opened to the public in 1896; and was credited with stimulating the development of Constitution Hill as a popular leisure area.[6]

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the cliff railway was popular with visitors but during and after the Second World War, passenger numbers declined significantly. In 1948, seeking to revive its fortunes, the Aberystwyth Pier Company bought it and carried out repairs and upgrades. The new owners were unable to increase passenger numbers.

In 1976, the railway was closed briefly on account of a fault in its braking system. During the late 1970s, a local mining company acquired a majority stake and formed the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway Company to operate it. In 1978 a new electrical system was installed which is used to the present day. It takes its power from and returns surplus energy to the National Grid.

In November 1987, the cliff railway was recognised as a Grade II listed structure.[1] In 1998, it was purchased by Constitution Hill Ltd,[6] a registered charity, the trustees are volunteers; all profits generated support the railway's maintenance and restoration activities. The cliff railway has received some external funding, including grants from European Union funds.[6]

The railway is operated under a light railway order.[1] The line is open to passengers during the summer months, typically operating between April and October, while transitioning to a limited timetable during the colder months.[7]

The upper station was refurbished with a café and gift shop during 2005 and roof repairs were made in 2014.[1] Ramps and other adaptations make the service accessible to wheelchair users. The ticket office at the lower station has been converted into a holiday apartment.[citation needed] Of the four original timber bridges constructed to carry hillside paths over the railway, three remain at the northern half of the route for foot traffic.[1]

In fiction[edit]

The railway makes appearances in the work of author Malcolm Pryce.[8]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Aberystwyth Cliff Railway". engineering-timelines.com. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
  2. ^ "Aberystwyth Cliff Railway." stallionvalley.com, Retrieved: 22 June 2018.
  3. ^ "Aberystwyth Royal Pier". visitaberystwyth.com. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2010.
  4. ^ "Aberystwyth Cliff Railway". Engineering Timelines. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  5. ^ Easdwon, Martin (2018). Cliff Railways, Lifts and Funiculars. Amberley Publishing. ISBN 978-1445680033.
  6. ^ a b c "Aberystwyth Cliff Railway." historypoints.org, Retrieved: 22 June 2018.
  7. ^ "Aberystwyth Cliff Railway." visitmidwales.co.uk, Retrieved: 22 June 2018.
  8. ^ Katsoulis, Melissa. "Something fishy in Wales." The Telegraph, 7 May 2005.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aberystwyth Cliff Railway.

52°25′23″N 4°05′02″W / 52.42300°N 4.08379°W / 52.42300; -4.08379

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