Spirit of Northern Rails

The essence of northern UK railways through photographs, illustrating their impact on the landscape and their historical and modern significance.

This book endeavours to capture the very essence of the railways in the northern UK, exploring in photographs their imprint upon the landscape. Railways are illustrated as they traverse the bleak fells, pass by traditional cotton mills and industrial heritage, stride over iconic viaducts crossing vast windswept valleys and coastal estuaries, and as they share the grandeur of iconic cathedrals of both religious and railway station designs, whilst not forgetting the intricate network of canals intertwining with the rails that eventually carried the very traffic that kept these waterways in use. Here is a personal selection which I trust helps explore all that characterises and reveals the moods and atmosphere which conjure the heart and “Spirit” of railways traversing our northern climes.

Locomotives, train designs and liveries past and present will help recall the rails of the 1980’s and 90’s and offer an interesting contrast to the more modern images of the present millennium. With a mix of traction and train fleets, both in use on passenger and freight consists, this selection of images reveals their participation in capturing the heart of railways in the north. Readers are invited to share this fascinating adventure and indeed the inherent “Northern Spirit” which permeates throughout such a journey.

David Goodyear was educated in West Lancashire, and studied for his Religious Studies degree at Lancaster University. He completed his PGCE at Hull University. David has been Secondary school teacher throughout his career, with responsibilities for leading a Religious Studies department and also as coordinator for able, gifted and talented students. His teaching has often involved presentations to students using images to illustrate theoretical concepts within Religion and Philosophy.

David has been long term fixtures secretary for Plymouth Railway Circle. His regular contact with professional railway photographers has helped to develop and refine such interest and accompanying photographic skills. In retirement he fulfils roles as guard on the South Devon Railway and as PCC member and Safeguarding officer at his local church.