Knaresborough Viaduct
We couldn't not include the most picturesque viaduct we've ever seen, especially as it formed the basis for our best autumn video ever as Ren managed not to shake while filming.
The railway viaduct links Knaresborough to Harrogate via the Harrogate Railway line and has done since it was built in 1848. The original intention was to connect Starbeck Station to Knaresborough to go west from York, so the Leeds and Thirsk Railway made it happen.
Unfortunately, when the project was nearly complete the structure collapsed into the River Nidd. This was due to the heavy rain having made the river swell and the viaduct just wasn't up to scratch so it simply gave way. When rebuilding, they had to demolish the remaining structure that hadn't fallen, so in the meantime a temporary station had to be built to serve Knaresborough before the permanent one could be settled once the viaduct was complete.
Once rebuilding was settled and the stations planned, the original contractors, Wilson and Benson decided to take the railway companies to court. During this case Thomas Grainger, who happened to be employed by both railway companies involved, served as an arbitrator and therefore was responsible for deciding fault and therefore who paid for the fallen viaduct. He charged both companies the larger sums, but also made both Wilson and Benson pay individually and pushed that they give up their rights to build the new viaduct, plus their claims on any property and materials involved. The contractors complained due to Grainger's bias in the case as he was obviously on the railway's payroll.
The new viaduct opened on the 1st of October 1851 and was designed to blend in with the castle ruins which acted as a viewpoint. This is where we got to see the magnificent structure and while it caused a lot of hassle and killed an awful lot of fish when the materials fell and poisoned the water, it is still a sight to behold all these years later!
DISCLAIMER: Now for the official bit. This blog does not receive any paid promotions from the places mentioned above. We have not been approached to promote or act as spokespersons for any attraction mentioned within this post and this is simply a post intended to act as a day in the life of a couple on a cute date. All photos included are taken by ourselves and as such the rights for these images are ours, no links, brands, or companies mentioned otherwise belong or are associated with Phantom Adventures UK. We are responsible only for this blog. Opinions are our own and not influenced by any third party source..
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