Double-headed goods train approaching Harrogate on The Stray cutting. This was the 'new' route into Harrogate in 1862 when the line was diverted and Brunswick Station (near the present site of Trinity Church) was made redundant. A stone and plaque now mark the location of Harrogate's first station.
Class D49 62774 "Staintondale" and an unidentified WD behind it, a very familiar sight in those days, trundling along at about ten mph. It looks as if the train has come to a halt at a signal. The lead engine has one lamp on left meaning that the train is Class J, Through mineral or Empty Wagon Train - it looks like the latter.
The pedestrian bridge on the right is at the Harrogate end of Tewit Well Road. The railway track in the vicinity of the bridge took a dip (and may still be present) as the bridge clearance was not sufficient.
The houses are in Stray Walk.
This cutting was the result of negotiations between Harrogate councillor Richard Ellis and the Duchy of Lancaster, around 1860. The deal involved taking a bit of The Stray for the new rail line (pictured here) into central Harrogate (where Harrogate railway station now is), and giving Lancaster the land where the former Brunswick railway station (Harrogate) stood.
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