Kirkby Malzeard & Laverton

Kirkby Malzeard Light Railway

In 1904 a report was commissioned from Edward Wilson Dixon from Harrogate, to look into two options for a railway to Kirkby Malzeard.
The first scheme, or ‘Tanfield Scheme’, was for a line 3.75 miles running from Tanfield, with suggested stations at Mickley, as well as Kirkby Malzeard. This scheme had a projected gross revenue of £850 per annum with a net income of £330. The estimate cost was £10372.

Ripon Gazette, 1905.
The second scheme, or Ripon Scheme’, would run from Ripon, and have suggested stations at Galphay and Laverton. This scheme had a projected earning of £1150 per annum with a net income of £420. The estimated cost was £25087.
The report from 1904 mentions the upcoming proposed construction of Laverton and Carlsmoor reservoirs which would increase rail useage.

An application was made in May 1906 to the Light Railway Commissioners to build a narrow gauge railway between Sharow and Kirkby Malzeard.
The Kirkby Malzeard Light Railway Company was formed, and the directors were George Bland, Dearlove Ellis, George David Richmond, Fredrick Adrian Cathcart, Robert Arthur Mossman and Charles Lister Oxley. To qualify as a director, they had to have at least £150 in the share capitol of the Company.

A few interesting facts:
• The overall length of the railway was to be 5 miles, 7 furlongs and 5 chains.
• The railway gauge was to be 3 feet.
• The Company shall not run any train on the railway at more than 25mph.
• The construction of one, single span, bridge would be required.
• Any parcel carried on the railway, weighing not more than 7lbs, would incur a threepence charge.
• The maximum rate of charge for passengers: 1st Class – twopence a mile, 2nd Class – three-half-pence a mile, 3rd Class – one penny per mile.
• The capital of the Company needed was £27,000.
• There shall be no obligation on the Company to provide shelter or conveniences at any station or stopping place.
• The termination of the line in Kirkby was at a point 450 yards measured in a southerly direction from the Market Cross.
Clearly the railway was never built, and I believe this may be as a result of certain landowners being unwilling to have the railway cross there land.