Chapter 2

From Pounds 1 2 0 Hull, via B. Bridge, the present expense per ton, is And the time of coming from 10 to 21 days From 0 5 0 Hull to Bolton Percy, per ton Removing 0 0 9 from the boat into the waggon Rail 0 6 0 dues, 18 miles, at 4d. per ton per mile Waggon 0 2 3 0 14 0 dues, 18 miles, at 1.5d. per ton, per mile 0 8 0

By this statement it appears there is a saving of 8s. per ton from Hull to Knaresbro'; and nothing seems to prevent the same ratio holding good from Hull to Pateley-Bridge; besides should the Flax come from Hull on board the regular traders, it will in all probability arrive at the Wharfe mouth in two tides, and from thence to Knaresbro' in eight or nine hours; but should the trade of Knaresbro' attract the notice of the owners of steam vessels, its dispatch would doubtless be greater; and more in proportion it would benefit the trade of the place; in as much as cheapness of carriage and dispatch of goods whether manufactured or otherwise are the very sinews of commerce, and in such proportion as these are obtained, so will the wealth and prosperity of the town or neighbourhood be regulated.

In presuming upon any increase of tonnage on this head, we feel equally safe as on any other, or more so; for if the present mills turned by water, and spinning Flax were found insufficient, some corn-mills might easily be converted, and in lieu of them, wind-mills might be erected, for which purpose many fine situations present themselves on both sides of the valley, where there is abundance of stone and lime always contiguous, which would render such erections less expensive than in many other places.

The next subject for our consideration, and which naturally follows the last, is the tonnage arising from manufactured

LINEN,

Which in former times when spinning was done by hand, was the staple trade of Knaresbro' and its vicinity, but which, of late years has been much on the decline, perhaps owing to many causes.

The principal one we are disposed to believe, arose from the capitalists originally engaged in that line becoming mill owners; and as mills for sometime did not increase by their numbers so rapidly as to glut the market with their produce, the profits in that branch were better than the other; and as this became apparent, its effects soon spread; so that few more reasons are requisite to prove the fact, of the Linen Manufacture having given place to that of Yarns.

Another reason why it hath not made equal progress with other places, may be the length of time manufactured goods are on their passage to London, where there is a market for every thing every day; the port of York is the only one where these goods have been shipped, and from what cause we cannot say, but they have been frequently so long on their passage, that good connections have been entirely lost on that account; whereas if the Railway was completed, Hull would naturally become the port of Knaresbro', and all produce of its manufacture would reach Hull in two days, at a much less expense than at present, and London most probably in five or six days more. Thus it is highly probable an order from London might be executed and warehoused in eight days, or sometimes in half that time; a convenience perhaps unenjoyed by any other place of the kind.

Notwithstanding the manufacture of Linens here has not till lately been carried forward in that variety, nor the great increase of Looms been made compared with other places, still the character of Knaresbro' Linens is maintained, when brought into service.

With regard to the tonnage arising from Linens, it alone will not be considerable, but as it is one article of tonnage in a descending direction, we beg leave to class with it, that of Linen Yarns, for should, by this improved mode of conveyance, either of these increase in quantity in a descending direction, the other as naturally will decrease, and as a considerable proportion of Yarns made in this neighbourhood, finds a market at Barnsley, and in that direction, it is presumed that along the Railway, and thence by a Barnsley boat, will be the cheapest mode of conveyance; and in the reverse direction coal will naturally become an article of tonnage and traffic. Having already from good and safe data, stated the quantity of Flax likely to come on this improved line of conveyance, at 2440 tons, and why a great proportion of it when made into Linens, Yarns, and Tow, should naturally be tonnage in a descending direction, we hope the public will give us credit for estimating this tonnage, at 2000 tons, per annum, and which we will suppose to be all delivered at Knaresbro'; hence the tonnage of it to Bolton Percy, will be 2000 tons, 18 miles, at 4d. per ton, per mile 600 pounds per annum, in a descending direction.

We now come to that consideration belonging the tonnage arising from

GENERAL MERCHANDIZE,

Which will include every thing consumed for the support of the population, and which there is no occasion to dwell upon separately under respective heads. This tonnage is made up from entries of different individuals, and amounts to 1035 tons, per annum, in an ascending direction; 570 for the town of Knaresbro'; and for the district, up to Pateley-Bridge, 465; the revenue arising from this source will be as under:

1035 tons, 18 465 pounds 15 0 miles, at 6d. per ton, per mile 465 do. do. do. 139 10 0 do. do. 605 5 0

Although the distance from Knaresbro' to Pateley-Bridge is 14.75 miles, still we have only rated it at 12 miles.

TIMBER AND IRON

Will also become articles of tonnage in an ascending direction, and although different when considered respectively, are in their application so liable to meet, that perhaps it may not infringe much on their respective rights if classed together for their amount of tonnage; the amount handed to us is composed of returns made by such individuals as are concerned in the trade, and although it does not form a conspicuous figure, nor produce a great sum, still perhaps it is not the less likely to make up its full share of increase; for with these, cast metal may be classed, and recollecting the great wear and tear in mills, machinery, and waggons on the Railway, the quantity is more likely to be doubled, in a short period, than that of any named before; the amount of revenue as at present calculated, would be 1250 tons, up to Knaresbro' from Bolton Percy, being 18 miles, at 3d. per ton, per mile, is 281 pounds 5s. 0d. And for the district of Pateley-Bridge, the returns are 450 tons, taken at 12 miles, at 3d. per ton, per mile, amounts to 67 pounds 10s. 0d. per annum.

Another article of tonnage both ascending and descending may be named, and on which some revenue may be expected to arise, although the data for estimating it may be greatly clouded; it is that of

PASSENGERS.

The market of Knaresbro' is generally well supplied, and prices moderate, as they are in other equally fertile districts, except in a few articles, such as poultry, butter and eggs; but the increase of price in these articles is the most felt during the Harrogate season, when large quantities are in great demand for that improving place. Contemplating the execution of this project, it would immediately afford a most complete opening for all produce of this kind, coming to the market, in an easy, comfortable, and cheap manner, from a neighbourhood which hath not before enjoyed such an advantage, and would bring with it a corresponding demand for such articles of merchandize as are sold at Knaresbro', and in daily consumption in all farm houses. Contemplating again the prospect of a steam conveyance from the lower end of the Railway to Hull, which is highly probable, it is only natural to suppose, that very few journies would be taken, by the inhabitants of Knaresbro', and its vicinity, by any other conveyance to Hull, because cheapness, expedition, and comfort would recommend it.

Having stated such as we can at present call the ascending tonnage, our next duty is to say what there is which presents itself, that we can rely upon for a descending tonnage, more than what hath already been treated of.

Of these we find a tolerable variety, and of some articles a never failing supply; viz. lead; stone for building; stone for highways; lime and lime stone; slates; flags; oak bark; wood; cotton twist; Irish flax and linens; ashes and several other kinds of American produce; which if we treat of as they are respectively named, that of

LEAD

First takes our attention. This article from time immemorial has been extracted from the bowels of the earth, at Greenhowhill, near Pateley-Bridge, in large quantities, the greatest part of which, of late years, has been carted to Ripon, a distance of twelve miles, and thence shipped for Hull, at an expense of one pound per ton.

From good authority we are informed that these mines produce annually, 3000 tons, out of which quantity 2500 will become tonnage along the Railway, as below:--2500 tons, 33 miles, 1.5d. per ton, per mile, is 515 pounds 12 6.

The advantage which the proprietors of these mines will derive from this improved mode of conveyance, is made apparent, by the following statement:--

From Pateley Pounds 1 0 0 Bridge to Hull, by way of Ripon and Boroughbridge, per ton, is BY THE RAILWAY, From 4 1.5 Pateley-Bridge to Bolton Percy, 33 miles, 1.5d. per ton Rail dues, 33 4 1.5 miles, at l.5d. per ton, per mile Removing from 0 3 the waggon into the boat Freight to Hull 4 0 0 12 6 from Bolton Percy 0 7 6

By this statement it appears there is a clear saving of 7s. 6d. per ton; but should the freight and carriage at present be only 19s. instead of 20s. as before stated, then the saving will be 6s. 6d. which is an object of no small moment, and contributes its full share of recommendation to the project.

STONE FOR BUILDING,

Next claims our attention: It is of various kinds and qualities, some about Birstwith is of a strong coarse grit, will bear an immense pressure, is well adapted for bridges, locks, wiers, &c. but is not to be had in blocks large enough for pier works. There is another kind of stone at Dacre-Pasture, of a much finer grit than the last, paler in colour, and well adapted for finer masonry, such as columns, pediments, &c. Blocks of this kind may be had of large dimensions. Another kind of stone is found at Wilsill, in quality similar to that at Birstwith, but may be risen in much larger blocks. When the Ouse-bridge at York was building, in 1818, the contractors for, or the inspectors of that work, got some stone from this neighbourhood for the piers, and by a letter from Mr. William Craven, one of the inspectors, there is no doubt of its being fit for any kind of public works, as bridges, locks, &c. The expense of land carriage from the quarry to Ripon was the sole cause why a greater quantity was not made use of.

There is another kind of stone found a little way above Pateley-bridge, well adapted for flags, window heads and soles, staircases, landings, tomb-stones, and grind-stones; but owing to the beds being thin, it is not well adapted for general building purposes.

At Fellbeck, near Smelthouse-mill, a slate quarry has lately been opened, which produces a slate of a darker colour than that of Idle, is very sound, lays well on, and will probably improve in fineness, if pursued to a greater depth. A ton of it will cover about ten square yards.

Another Slate-Quarry, at Bouthwaite, near Pateley-Bridge, has recently been discovered; the produce of which is much superior to that of Idle; a ton of it will cover about 14 square yards.

All this stone and slate is immediately upon the adopted line, or can be brought to it for 4.25d. per foot, which, with the expense of carriage to Bolton-Percy will cost at that place as below:--

Pounds _s._ _d._ Rail-dues 30 0 3 1.5 miles, at 1.25d. per ton per mile Waggon-dues, 0 3 1.5 do. do. 0 6 3 Calculating 16 0 0 4.75 feet of this stone to weigh one ton, it appears the carriage of each foot will cost And the 0 0 4.25 original cost delivered on the line Cost of this 0 0 9 stone at Bolton-Percy per foot

Which if necessity requires, may experience a little reduction. At this time the Bramley-fall stone delivered at Selby, costs 1s. per foot; and at York during the building of Ouse-bridge it cost from 15d. to 16d.

STONE FOR HIGHWAYS.

This is found in immense quantities at Greenhow-hill, distant from Pateley-bridge two miles, it resembles a grey flint; the road from Pateley-bridge to Skipton is principally composed of it; it is hard but easily broken small, and after a little using almost resembles one entire stone; its use and extraordinary properties are not known to a great distance, particularly towards Ripon or Ripley; this may be accounted for in two ways--first, the hills in either direction are long and steep; and 2dly, other materials are just at hand, of a quality sufficient for a road where the forbidding ascents deny the frequent passing of heavy carriages.

This stone has been compared to that at Middleton-Tyas, near Richmond, and when analysed is found to be exactly of the same quality, although a little lighter in colour; it was compared to this merely to prove a corresponding property.

For it is a certain fact, that the Middleton-Tyas stone has been for some time, and is now, carted from the quarry to Northallerton and Brompton, distant 14 and 15 miles, for the use of their highways, at an expence of 8s. 2d. per ton to the former, and 9s. to the latter place. This fact is the more remarkable, since there has been a quarry open for many years, within 200 yards of Northallerton, but the stone is only of a common kind. From this circumstance, it is fair to expect, that provided the stone of Greenhow-hill can be delivered at Bolton-Percy for 6s. 6d. per ton, and at Cawood, Selby, Booth-Ferry, and Howden for 8s. it will both become an article of tonnage in a descending direction, and a great acquisition to that district; but as that neighbourhood has never been in the habit of paying such a high price for highway materials, it will probably in the first instance meet with many objections, which may be replied to in two ways--1st, that whatever is worth doing, is worth well doing; and that the best materials are the cheapest;--and 2dly, if the surveyors and overseers of Northallerton and Brompton have, by their experience, established the above fact, and found this stone cheaper than that at home, it is reasonable to conclude that the surveyors and overseers of the highways in the neighbourhood of Cawood, Selby, and Howden, may do the same; for the soil of that district is equally fertile and rich as that of Northallerton; and the occupiers of it equally opulent--hence their ability to do well whatever is worth doing.

The expense of this stone at the before-mentioned places we state below:--

Pounds _s._ _d._ One ton of 0 1 3 stone delivered at Pateley-bridge 33 miles Rail 0 2 9 dues at 1d. per ton per mile 33 miles waggon 0 2 9 dues, do. Cost of stone 0 6 9 at Bolton-Percy per ton Removing do. 0 0 6 into the boat, do. Freight of do. 0 1 0 Selby, Cawood, or Howden 0 8 3

It is probable the expense of delivering this stone at Pateley-bridge, might be reduced by the application of a Railway from that place to the quarry; by this estimate horses are expected to be used; it is also possible to remove it from the waggon to the boat at less than is stated above.

The neighbourhood of Pateley-bridge possessing many water-falls on which more mills might be built, gave rise to an idea of cutting this last-mentioned stone by water-sawing, into scantlings for fire-places, hearths, and slabs; but upon an experiment being tried, it was found to contain what is termed the dry heads, which cause a division of the parts when brought into service, otherwise it yields a beautiful polish, and exhibits much of the shell and feather; but notwithstanding this last attempt hath failed to augment its value, another in reserve still remains of no small moment, which is that of the most excellent

GREENHOW-HILL LIME.

In the district where it has long been used as a manure either for arable or grassing land, no comment on its superior utility is requisite; but to those parts where its presence hitherto hath been forbidden by the rugged and steep hills, and to others at too great a distance to warrant the expense of a long land carriage, something of its superior quality as a manure in this place may not, we hope, be deemed unseasonable, especially as the carriage of it, when the Railway is constructed, will be an object of less notice, and this will be exemplified hereafter.

We have said before, the stone of Greenhow-hill has been submitted to analysis, to prove a corresponding property with that of Middleton-Tyas; this inquiry was extended to ascertain if they produced similar lime, and we have great satisfaction to inform the public this was the case.

We say a great satisfaction, because we have it in proof, that the Middleton-Tyas lime is situated in a country, where a knowledge of its excellence is not confined to narrow limits by steep and forbidding hills, but being more favourably situated, it has been for a great number of years, and is now, with increasing demand, conveyed generally 17 or 18 miles, and in some instances, into the immediate vicinity of other kilns, even at 24 miles distance.

The reader will be best able to calculate the expense of this lime to the consumer, when he is informed that the cost at the kilns is 12s. per chaldron of 32 bushels Winchester, one of which weighs 7st. 8lb.

Under this view of the case, we hope it may not be deemed impertinent to recommend a trial of this lime, even in districts where lime is plentiful and cheap, and which hath been upon proof hitherto satisfactory; and should it unexpectedly fail upon arable land, we still beg it may be admitted to a trial on grassing land. For the purpose of bleaching it hath been carted to Bilton-cum-Harrogate, and used with satisfaction, and frequently 9 or 10 miles towards Ripley, to places distant from the Nidd lime-kilns only 3 or 3.5 miles. To say any thing of this lime for the purpose of building we are completely unable; for whenever it became a topic of conversation, its excellence as a manure alone may be named as one reason, and that of having at Knaresbro' kilns, a kind as well adapted for building as any lime probably can be, and at a rate as reasonable as circumstances will admit of, may be offered as another reason.

Having ascertained that two tons of this lime stone will make one chaldron of lime, weighing 1 ton 7 cwt. 2qrs. we give below a statement of what it will cost at different points on the line, recommending at the same time on all occasions the lime-stone to meet the coal.

Pounds _s._ _d._ Cost of the 0 2 6 stone at Pateley-bridge, 2 tons 10 miles 0 1 8 Rail-dues, at 1d. per ton per mile 10 do. 0 1 8 Waggon-dues, do. 7.5 bushels of 0 4 4.5 coals, at 7d. per bushel Breaking stone 0 1 0 and burning At Killinghall 0 11 2.5 Toll-bar the chaldron of lime is 5 miles 0 1 8 additional tonnage on stone 0 12 10.5 5 miles 0 0 7.5 decrease of tonnage on coal At the Bond-End 0 12 3 Knaresbro' the lime per chal. 6 miles 0 2 0 additional tonnage on stone 0 14 3 6 miles 0 0 9 decrease of Tonnage on coal 0 13 6

By the above statement it appears the Greenhow-hill lime can be burnt at Ribston, for 13s. 6d. per chaldron, a circumstance not unlikely to make it in great demand, whenever its properties are known for agricultural purposes.

Adverting now to some articles the exact quantity of which is difficult to ascertain, such as slate, oak bark, wood, Irish flax and linens, ashes and some other kinds of American and colonial produce imported into Liverpool, and which will have a cheap conveyance from Liverpool to Skipton by canal, and naturally become a back carriage from Skipton to Pateley-Bridge; as corn, &c. will move in the other direction, and from Pateley-Bridge to Knaresbro', by the Railway at a much cheaper rate than heretofore, and will as a matter of course, increase the tonnage, as example will prove:

VIA SKIPTON.

Pounds _s._ _d._ The present 1 6 8 cost per ton from Liverpool to Skipton in general Merchandize, is Do. from 1 7 6 Skipton to Knaresbro' 2 14 2 VIA LEEDS. The present 2 0 0 cost per ton from Liverpool to Leeds Do. Leeds to 0 15 0 Knaresbro' 2 15 0 VIA RAILWAY. The present 1 6 8 cost per ton at Skipton Skipton to 0 16 0 Pateley-Bridge Pateley-Bridge 0 3 9 to Knaresbro', per Railway, 15 miles, at 3d. per ton, per mile Waggon dues, 15 0 1 10.5 miles, at 1.5d. per ton, per mile 2 8 3.5

By the foregoing statement it appears, that when an average of the cost is taken, which the present modes of conveyance afford, and contrasted with the Railway when completed, the latter will have a preference of 6s. 3.5d. per ton, being a reduction of more than ten per cent. upon the present charges.

Having now dwelt on the different articles of tonnage in each direction, with as much accuracy as we are able, and finding the tonnage in the ascending direction amount to 31,735 tons per annum, and that in the contrary to 4,000; and believing from the best information we are able to obtain, that for every two tons moved in an ascending direction, three tons may be moved in the contrary; consequently we look to building stone, stone for highways and lime, and some other articles not enumerated, to make up the quantity of tonnage required to keep the whole waggons in full work; and to produce the greatest possible revenue.