Monument record MDR11473 - Midland Railway, Wirksworth branch, Derbyshire Dales and Amber Valley

In 1863 the Midland Railway received assent for a new branch railway from Duffield to Wirksworth, with an additional short stretch to connect with the Cromford and High Peak Railway (at that time leased by the LNWR). The line opened to passengers in 1867. The main purpose of this line was to provide the Midland with an alternative route to Rowsley, to connect with the route to Manchester. However, before the stretch between Wirksworth and Rowsley could be built, the LNWR capitulated, the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway passed into the Midland’s hands, and the Wirksworth line was neither extended nor provided with a second line of rails. The railway closed as a passenger link in 1947. (1)