SETTLE - CARLISLE RAILWAY STATION.

The railway station at Settle can be found in the centre of this small and pretty market town in the UK. The station was opened in 1876 when the rail line was first made operational and remains open to this day. The railway buildings are in the distinctive Derby Gothic style. The station forms part of what was formerly a much larger complex including a goods shed, weigh office, sidings, cattle dock, signal box and water tank. Goods facilities were withdrawn in 1970 but even today the water tank and station masters house, although now in private ownership, provide evidence of the stations past.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE WATER TANK.

 

This is the only surviving water tower out of eight between Settle and Carlisle. Settle water tower was built in 1876 the year the line opened. Its sandstone came from Shipley. The 43,000 gallon tank is of cast iron, supported by massive iron beams. The water supply came from the Hoffman kiln at Stainforth, higher up the line. No pumping was involved. The supply pipe is still alongside the up line. The original inlet, outlet and overflow pipes are still inside the tower along with the massive outlet valve. From the tower the water went by underground pipes to the water cranes on Settle station. The water tower is now a private house, a floor has been inserted half way up to create a three story building with internal stairs and a lift. The hairy - scary ladder is now the top floor fire escape. Rainwater that falls on the tower, its rear extension and on the large hut is harvested in a 1,000 gallon underground tank. The tower has triple glazing, underfloor heating, heat recovery ventilation and solar panels.

 

 

 

 

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