Transport
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Victorian Steam Train
Fantastic Fact!
The very first trains ran on steam! The process worked like a kettle: a fireman would shovel coal into a furnace. The heat boiled the water, then the steam pushed the wheels along.
Horrid Fact!
Horrid fact: In 1901, there was an accident on the Overhead Railway. One of the trains caught fire as it came into Dingle station. The wind blew the flames and smoke into the tunnel where everyone was waiting! 6 people were killed...
Bootle by Train
Bootle has had a railway since 1847 (over 170 years ago!)
In Victorian times, many trains were used to carry the cargo from the ships at the docks including: coal, cotton, sugar and wood. Train stations were built at the docks, including Canada Docks (opened in 1866) and Alexandra Dock (opened in 1881). Moving supplies by train was much faster than using the canals; people could buy and sell their products more easily!
Many dock workers used the Liverpool Overhead Railway (LOR) to travel to work. The LOR was extended into Bootle in 1894 – this was the first ever electrified railway to run in the air!
Railway Docks
Railway accident!
Horrid Fact!
Horrid fact: In 1901, there was an accident on the Overhead Railway. One of the trains caught fire as it came into Dingle station. The wind blew the flames and smoke into the tunnel where everyone was waiting! 6 people were killed...