Preservation
A section of the railway at Murton, near York, has been preserved as part of the Yorkshire Museum of Farming. The preserved line operates a short stretch of track (half a mile), offering visitors heritage train rides with restored locomotives and rolling stock. The site also includes displays and artefacts related to the DVLR’s history and its role in supporting the local agricultural economy.
History of the Derwent Valley Light Railway
The railway was established under the Light Railways Act of 1896 to provide a cost-effective rail connection for rural areas. Opened in 1913, the DVLR ran from Layerthorpe, on the outskirts of York, to Cliffe Common, near Selby, covering a distance of approximately 16 miles. The line primarily carried agricultural goods, such as grain, livestock, and fertilizer, although it also operated limited passenger services. The DVLR was notable for being one of the last railways in Britain to operate independently of nationalization after World War II. It maintained a simple and efficient operation, often relying on second-hand locomotives and minimal infrastructure to keep costs low. By the mid-20th century, the rise of road transport and changing agricultural practices led to a decline in rail traffic. Passenger services were withdrawn in 1926, but the line continued to operate as a freight railway. The DVLR remained operational as a private railway until 1981, making it one of the longest-surviving independent railways in Britain.