Bramhope Tunnel

Si · Post by Si » Fri 16 Nov, 2007 9:28 am

This will be of interest to Phill d, I'm sure! I was talking to a bloke in the pub last night who told me he had walked through Bramhope Tunnel in the early 80s. He reckons he videoed it. I'll let you know if I see the tape! Apparently, the further you go in, the smaller the refuges become. Also, the roof of the tunnel is brick vaulted only to about 300 yds in (from the Arthington end) where it becomes unfinished rock. There's a lot of water gets in - he said it was like walking in rain! I don't know if anyone else has done this, but apart from being extremely dangerous, it's also illegal - obviously.

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Fri 16 Nov, 2007 12:05 pm

Thanks Si.. A bloke called Dave left a comment on my Brahmope stuff saying a similar thingQuote..I surveyed and designed the rail alignment through the tunnel between 2002 and 2003 to allow the relay of the tracks to lift the permanent speed restriction. The airshafts from beneath are as wide from inside as they are from the outside and far more impressive. The "constant" tunnel actually breaks in between each having its own giant portal which makes for fascinating viewing. I did take pics myself but they are very dim. I think there are about 3 in total(portals that is)? Inside each portal their is a stone carved plaque detailing the date of construction amongst other things. One of your photos of the tunnel shows a TV like aeriel. This was actually installed to aid communication during the relay of the track and drainage as there is no mobile phone reception once inside the structure.

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Fri 16 Nov, 2007 12:09 pm

I've heard of people doing it Christmas day & things but to be honest anything with live railways is asking for big trouble not only is there the risk of engineers trains working the holidays but B.T.P will throw the book at you big time. It's not worth putting the effort into getting a set of pics you can't publish or do anything with. Most tunnels constantly pour water in especially down the shafts there almost like saturated sponges... Gildersome had a constant run off from no3 open shaft and it hadn't rained for weeks either.. Were all the water in Queensbury comes from i haven't a clue.. Giant icicles used to form on the East portal so they had to park a steam engine underneath it overnight in winter to stop them forming in latter years. The water cascade from the first shaft is awesome..very loud almost like a super power shower switched on.. amazing!

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Fri 16 Nov, 2007 12:19 pm

Mother natures power shower

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Fri 16 Nov, 2007 12:20 pm

Power shower 2

Si · Post by Si » Fri 16 Nov, 2007 12:21 pm

Hi Phill,Thanks for replying. Yes it is quite something. A couple of questions: who is the bust above the portal?I'm assuming the tower on the left is accessible (door, stairs?) as vandals have pushed the window mullion out. Did it have a use, or is it purely decorative?There's no way I'd walk through it. Greenside was enough!CheersSi

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Fri 16 Nov, 2007 12:30 pm

Hi Si.. There's all sorts of snippets of info & comments on my 'tunnel fit for a king set' herehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/phill_dvsn/sets/7 ... 305715/The tower was used for living space for the workers believe it or not.. There were 24 men killed working on this tunnel with a replica monument (i think it's in Otley,, I'll double check) The access door is bricked up but it's quite large in there. Hey Si Greenside is like a walk in the park compared to Gildersome.. I did Gomersal last night & it was pretty un-inspiring compared

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Fri 16 Nov, 2007 12:32 pm

The Leeds and Thirsk Railway was promoted to provide a new route from Leeds to the north, and on to Scotland. Having been given Royal Assent on 21st July, 1845, practical construction works commenced in 1846, the contractor, James Bray, facing considerable technical problems in crossing the hills and valleys along the route.The greatest challenge was to cut the Bramhope Tunnel 25ft high through 2 miles 243 yards of rock at depths of up to 290ft. Some 2,300 men and 400 horses were involved in this work, all being subject to sudden rock falls, subsidence, flooding and accidental death. One victim, James Myers of Yeadon, had the following inscribed on his gravestone;'What dangers do surroundPoor miners everywhere,And they that labour underground,Thay should be men of prayer.'

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Fri 16 Nov, 2007 12:34 pm

Yeah it's in Otley.

Si · Post by Si » Fri 16 Nov, 2007 12:52 pm

Yes it is. I live in Otley and pass it regularly. It was originally made from Caen limestone which "melted" in the West Riding acid rain!Incidentally, my brother rode through Greenside on his trials bike (c.1977) and hit a large lump of wood (sleeper?) throwing him over the bars! The site of the airshaft (locally known as the "pepperpot" when still standing) is under my late uncle's garage. He always left his car on the drive!!!Do you have pics of Gomersal?BTW thanks for the answers.CheersSi