SCRCA structure 238700: Bridge SAC/20 - Stainforth Tunnel (a.k.a. Taitlands Tunnel)

SCRCA Location Introduction

Stainforth Tunnel (a.k.a. Taitlands Tunnel and Bridge SAC/20) is the southernmost tunnel within the SCRCA and the fourth shortest at just 120 yards long. It is also a relatively shallow tunnel (a maximum of just 40 feet below the surface).

The tunnel was formed by springing a brick arch from natural (in-situ) rock side walls and it allows the Settle & Carlisle Railway to pass beneath the B6479 (which links Settle with Horton-in-Ribblesdale via Helwith Bridge) and the driveway and grounds of Taitlands (a private Greek Revival style country house that operated as Stainforth Youth Hostel for more than 60 years).

A contract plan in the collection of the Midland Railway Study Centre depicts a cutting at this location, rather than a tunnel - see extract.

This Location Record is for the underground section of the tunnel and the geolocation data (latitude & longitude) relates to the approximate mid-point between the two tunnel-mouths (see 'Associated Locations' below).

Note: Tunnel interiors cannot be photographed by SCRCA Project volunteers.

Key details from the Location Record

Location Type
Bridge (Tunnel)
Location Variant
Not Applicable
Assessment status
Assessed
Current Use(s)
Railway ops
Shown on a land plan?
Yes 
Construction / installation period
2: MR construction phase (1869 to 31st Dec 1876)
Distance from London St.Pancras
238 miles and 57 chains
Position relative to running lines
Above
Visibility
This location is NOT visible from nearby publicly accessible land.
Accessibility (ease of access)
No Access
Protection Category
Conservation Area Only
Geographic Location
  View this location on mapping. or on aerial imagery.

Image Gallery

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Context views

Note: Tunnel interiors cannot be photographed by SCRCA Project volunteers.

Note: Tunnel interiors cannot be photographed by SCRCA Project volunteers.

Associated Locations

Further Reading (Snippets)

The following 'snippets' contain additional information relating to this location.

Tip: To view a snippet, click / tap on its title.

- SCRCA Secondary Reference: Review of Anderson & Fox (1986) for 238660

- SCRCA Secondary Reference: Review of Anderson & Fox (1986) for 238740

- SCRCA Primary Reference: Review of Contract No. 1. Specification (September, 1869)

- SCRCA Primary Reference: Review of Midland Railway contract plan for Taitlands.
 

Errors and omissions

Reasonable efforts are being made to ensure the accuracy of the information obtained and uploaded as part of the SCRCA Project. However, it is possible that a few errors will have crept-in. If you notice any such errors, we would be grateful if you would bring them to our attention using the SCRCA Project Contact Form. The Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line and the members of the SCRCA Project Team do NOT guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this database. If you intend to use and / or act upon any of this information, you are advised to verify its accuracy BEFORE doing so.