I spotted what I thought were a couple of derelict van bodies today whilst canoeing on Rudyard Lake, just outside Leek in Staffordshire (SJ949587). Jumping out of the boat and scrambling up the slippery overgrown bank I found that they were actually a couple of very rotten coach bodies. They look to be ancient 4 wheeled coaches, however it does occur to me that they could be two seperate sections of the same vehicle (or even two sections cut from two vehicles!). There are a number of holiday homes, caravans and boathouses along the lower west side of Rudyard, my guess is that these bodies were once used as holiday accommodation. Rudyard was a popular Victorian leisure destination, a certain Mr and Mrs Kipling enjoyed the place so much that they named their son after it...
The first, most northerly body;
A few metres to the south lies the second body;
I'd like to see someone try and identify these two! Which I reckon that I've done - see my second comment below.
Not the best photographs I'm afraid, due partly to an overcast sky and undergrowth and partly down to my lack of skill with a camera.
Paul.
That's a fantastic find. I wouldn't like to even hazard a guess as to what we are looking at, other than it once ran on rails!! Your photographs are fine...it's almost impossible to take a decent picture in the light we've been having and yours are excellent. I hope somebody can identify the coach.
ReplyDeleteI had a feeling that you'd like these two Iain!
ReplyDeletePerhaps I should take a tape measure with me next time, measuring the length of the bodies might help work out if these are complete vehicles or sections of a longer coach. Its interesting to see the internal structure, and they appear to be flat sided with only minimal tumblehome. The first coach is green inside with white above the window line. They might be too far gone to identify!
These were the best of my pics., my hands were rather cold and shaking! However, winter is probably the best time to photograph finds like this whilst nature is dormant.
Its a shame that they've fallen out of use and deteriorated, if they were in better condition and fitted with stoves and suitably furnished they'd probably appeal to the 'glamping' market.
These are probably North Staffordshire Railway (which served Rudyard) four wheel first class carriages, built in the 1870s. It seems that a number were sold off for use as outbuildings and chalets. A few have been rescued around Staffordshire and preserved. I found a photo, quite by chance, of one in use as a chalet circa 1910 in a setting not unlike that above in 'Railway Archive' No.2. 'Archive' Issue 14 has an article on Rudyard Lake. And I never thought that I could ever identify it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting this extra information up...and it sounds right, given the location and the lack of tumblehome. Mystery solved! What a wonderful find, a real link to the past and something genuine...far beyond restoration. Ah, "Archive" magazine...brilliant, my favourite read. After looking at this I read your other blog and realise why you were so cold...considering what you had to put up with the photos are amazing.
ReplyDeleteI am involved with a group of volunteers based at the Foxfield Railway, Blythe Bridge, who restore this sort of "Knotty" coach. We have recently restored two such coaches to pristine condition. I would love to attach photos of the restored vehicles but don't know how to do so with this post.
ReplyDeleteWe had rumours of these other coaches & would very much like to go out & inspect them. Can anyone give more precise details of their location?
Richard Warren
I've seen photos of those two restored coaches, and they look superb! I shall visit Foxfield later in the year, and hope to ride in one of them.
ReplyDeleteThe two above are located on the west bank of the lake at the southern end. There's an OS grid reference in the main post above. It would be worth contacting the visitors centre about inspecting the bodies, the warden is a very helpfull and friendly chap. I accessed them from the water so I'm not sure how to get to them from land, the map does show two public footpaths nearby. I'd be happy to come out and show you where to find them.
Paul,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, will certainly take up your offer, will discuss with my colleagues & return to you.
Richard