Port Erin Breakwater Railway
54°05′06″N 4°46′01″W / 54.085°N 4.767°W
The Port Erin Breakwater Railway refers to a construction railway in the village of Port Erin on the Isle of Man. It came into use sometime in 1864 and had the distinction of being the first steam railway on the island, as well as the only broad gauge line.[1]
Port Erin Breakwater
In the 1840s, it was desired to provide a harbour of refuge at Port Erin. There was no other suitable place available at all states of tide between Port St. Mary and Peel. On 30 June 1864, an enabling act of Parliament,the Isle of Man Harbours Act 1863, was passed by the British Government [2] this paved the way for the construction of the breakwater.
The locomotive was built in Leeds by E. B. Wilson and Company in 1853 (works number 454)[3] named Henry B. Loch[4] after the then lieutenant governor of the island. Some photographs exist of the construction and locomotive[5]
Present Day Remains
The most notable surviving relic from the railway is the former workshop and engine shed, now known as the Harbourmaster's Office And Coal Shed. It is entered on the Isle of Man Protected Buildings Register.[6] The building is now occupied by a wine bar [7] and workshop space.
See also
References
- ^ https://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/fulltext/bd1881/p077.htm
- ^ https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/26-27/86/enacted
- ^ https://www.leedsengine.info/leeds/locolist.asp
- ^ "'Henry B. Loch' being used to haul materials for the construction of Port Erin breakwater - Photographic Archive - iMuseum". iMuseum - Manx National Heritage. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
- ^ "Port Erin breakwater works, using steam engine 'Henry B. Loch' to haul materials - Photographic Archive - iMuseum". iMuseum - Manx National Heritage. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
- ^ https://www.gov.im/media/1373622/307-notice-and-entry-summary.pdf
- ^ https://www.foragingvintners.com/