The Oldest Railway Tunnel in the World - Butterly Gangroad

Welcome to another video, this week we explored parts of the Butterly Gangroad with MartinZero, Manchesters famous KZbinr, in the search for two very old railway tunnels!
Martins Channel: / @martinzero
If you like our videos please consider becoming a Patreon here:
/ everydisusedstation
We set out with no real plan in place other than to explore what old railway infrastructure might remain from this old Gangroad built in 1793 by Benjamin Outram. We were delighted to bump into John and Sally Midgley owners of the property above part of the old tunnel that went under part of Fritchley.
A few disclaimers and notes:
1) This was a day in which we also visited the Old Crich tramway built by George Stephenson some 50 years on. That was quite a treat and subsequently we filmed another video about that line, coming next week.
2) Please do respect the owners of the house John and Sally, we were lucky enough to bump into them on an open garden day. There are leaflets outside of their house and the embankment can be viewed from the road. The Tunnel ends are now capped.
3) Another Tramroad Video next week, but then we shall be back to #EveryDisusedStation once again.
Thanks
A massive thanks to:
John and Sally for their extended time.
John and Sally for the use of their photos.
John and Sally for Tea and Cake!
Links:
More information: www.butterleygangroad.co.uk/
Our website: www.paulwhitewick.co.uk
Patreon: / everydisusedstation
Side by side maps from: www.nls.uk/
Railmaponline: www.railmaponline.com/UKIEMap.php
Social Media:
Twitter:
Paul: @PaulWhitewick
Martin: @Martin_0401
Mark: @limeheadmark
Instagram:
@pwhitewick
@martin_zer0_
@markomarrichards

[@pwhitewick]

We have since discovered a slight correction (Potentially the first of many!). The oldest railway Bridge in the world as discussed early in the video is actually this one: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causey_Arch

[@jayh9529]

I live by the first iron bridge in the world say mainstream academia, my opinion nah check out starforts see if you can tell who built them it's all lies mush tartarian architecture is in every country hows that work

[@simontay4851]

Ive just read the wikipedia article. that is truely amazing. The oldest bridge in the world and its still standing! Bloody hell, we used to build stuff good in those days. Things built of stone and brick last literally for ever. you're lucky if modern steel and concrete bridges last 50 years.

[@pwhitewick]

@@simontay4851 it's quite something. I think we need to visit soon!

[@jayh9529]

Whitewick's Abandoned Railways oh and where they made the chain and anchor of the titanic is just up the road ,there's a replica in netherton town

[@keith800]

Whitstable in Kent once boasted as having the oldest railway bridge in the world, but despite public outrage it was demolished for a new road many years ago.

[@MartinZero]

Great stuff. Great day, great finds. John and Sally thank you 👌

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Martin. A great day indeed. Nice cuppa too!

[@RSBritain]

Love Martin! Such a great man. He should have his own documentary series!

[@pwhitewick]

Agreed. Lovely guy, proper gent.

[@Roblilley999]

This is such a beautiful piece of tunnel history. Over 220 years ago some guys dug this tunnel and it is still there today. If any other tunnel says it is the oldest tunnel then all they have to say is "I can't believe it's not Butterly"

[@pwhitewick]

...exit stage left.

[@simontay4851]

There might be older canal tunnels.

[@pwhitewick]

@@simontay4851 yup more than likely. Get googling Simon. 😬👍👍

[@KillerBill1953]

I was born in the area, and brought up in Matlock, so I was thrilled to see this particular video of something I knew of, but had never seen. Have you thought of doing the Ashover to Clay Cross line at some stage? I currently (for my sins) live in Essex, but I have been up to ride on the Peak Rail line between Matlock and Rowsley, although I remember going to Bell Vue Zoo via Buxton as a child. I have been to try out the Wirksworth to Duffield line. As a child I stayed with grandparents at Wirksworth and remember watching the mineral trains passing through the station, from the road bridge above. I also liked to watch the trains pass through the crossing at Gorsey Bank although my grandmother was always in a hurry. For a time she worked at the tape mill (Haarlem) close to the crossing. Over the years I've also been several times to the Midland line at Butterly. Years ago my son met the Fat Controller there (he's now 36). I always dream that the Peak Rail line will eventually open all the way to Manchester, but it seems local landowners, and the Derbyshire County Council are against the idea of trains returning north of Rowsley.

[@Skyeskimmer]

Excellent video and a couple of guest stars too,my what a treat!,many many thanks team.. Looking at that area from google maps there seems to be many old lines so once upon a time this area was a hub of activity. I had gander at some old railway maps in my area of Lanarkshire and was astounded to find there was a long gone railway at the end of my street which connected two main lines,old railways are taking over my life haha.. All the best and eagerly await your next superb video..

[@christopherescott6787]

Watched from Edmonton Canada. Such a beautiful area steeped in history.. So well done!!!

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Christopher. Love knowing we are reaching far and wide.

[@nilo70]

Thank you folks for taking me along with you today . I Loved It !

[@steviebaby2857]

Wow what a nice chap you guys met, awesome video thanks

[@pwhitewick]

Yup, very grateful for John and Sally's time. Lovely people

[@leelizington9501]

Great video thank you I subscribe to both channels, John and Sally are fantastic people respect to what they did for you.

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

Do you realise I'm lacking sleep... I get hooked on your vids and go bed late.. But I'm 82 years so who cares.. Thanks for another great interesting presentation. Greetings to Rebecca and Martin and co'/

[@pwhitewick]

Hahaha.... Look after yourself Keith, and thanks for watching.

[@bobingram6912]

I used to hate "double history" at school but now you & young Martin have bought alive some old forgotten bits of green wall, a solitary gatepost and a forgotten tunnel and brought it alive. I'm sat here glued to my screen not wanting it to finish. When are you bringing out a box set so that I can binge view!! History is not dull and boring, keep exploring, loving it.

[@pwhitewick]

Couldn't agree more Bob. So much to explore.

[@coldblue9mm]

Great video! Love the side by side maps and satellite shots! John seems to love sharing the tunnel with people.

[@pwhitewick]

Absolutely, we certainly turned up on the right day.

[@jordesclark]

You guys teaming up with Martin Zero, what a cracking combination!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers. More to come next week.

[@jordesclark]

@@pwhitewick Will you be visiting Devon any time soon? I know the Teign Valley line fairly well if you need a hand 😏😁

[@pwhitewick]

@@jordesclark already done I'm afriad. (But yes we will be back to Devon). Have a look at #EveryDisusedStation episode 2, I think.

[@jordesclark]

@@pwhitewick how did I miss that! If you're ever about in the area, and want a bit of history I can help you out. Might even be able to show you the 2 tunnels on the line, if there is still access. 😀

[@pwhitewick]

@@jordesclark I think the tunnels are still there, but 100% on private property.

[@andrewholloway231]

That was a fascinating video. Really enjoyed it. Thank you Paul, Rebecca, Martin and Mark.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Andrew.

[@HyperActive7]

Wow! Glad you were able to find this and share it..

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you.

[@PhilipInCoventry]

Thank you for your quality of research & presentation as well as the spirit of adventure. As always please stay safe, in particular when there is just the two of you. Best wishes.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Philip. Always about the adventure and the learning. 👍👍

[@michaelpilling9659]

Unbelievable! Your video rearly is "completely different". Knew nothing about this until I watched your film. Thanks to Martin and Mark. I've watched dozens of your films - this is by far the most interesting. Brilliant!

[@colinburton113]

Hi Paul Rebecca Martin and Mark thank you guys for a fascinating video, and thank you for time and hard work wonderful stuff.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Colin. A great little adventure, more of the same next week!

[@TheLowerman]

Great video! Super great to see you and Martin Zero again!

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you. Another one coming next week.

[@davie941]

hey paul and rebecca , yet another great video and what a really nice man john was , loved the photos of that old tunnel , loved it great work both :)

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Davie, much appreciated.

[@marcdebruin2425]

Fascinating video. The joy of making this one really shows.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Marc. Wait until next week's video... I think it shows even more!

[@yankeeclipper4326]

Fun outing! Nice to see another collaboration with Martin. I originally found your channel through his when you guys explored that viaduct together. Keep it up!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Yankee. Another one next week too!

[@davekirwin]

Great stuff and interesting history. Lovely to meet enthusiastic local people ready to share stories and their time (and tea!). Nice to see Martin and Mark too.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Dave. Always good to meet peeps on our travels, we feel it adds a lot more dimension to the videos.

[@billfunk1219]

Well done and done with a great crew! Really enjoy your videos and history plus your verifying and research efforts on these places.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Bill. Plenty more planned and ready to go!

[@ianbrown9108]

Fascinating stuff. Didn't know this existed.Well done for bringing it to people's attention.Will definitely follow the route as much as possible on a summer walk.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Ian, well worth the stroll.

[@peterarmstrong3298]

Great and fascinating video. Thanks guys.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Peter

[@trevorwright6165]

this was great thank you all for sharing this

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Trevor. Glad you enjoyed.

[@EdenValleyAdventuresUK]

Another great video I love all the History and thanks for sharing.

[@markwallace1727]

Another interesting video Paul & Rebecca (as expected). John & Sally are brilliant. Found a hole, investigated, called the right people, and now keeps the history alive, sharing with the public. Great fortune they were the people to buy the house. Love the enthusiasm that came across from everyone, a treat to watch.

[@3kimcarter]

Thank you Paul, Rebecca, Martin and Mark,fantastic film how on earth can you top that next weekend.

[@pwhitewick]

Next weekend is definitely one to watch!!!

[@helenawanders]

What about absolutely fabulous video, how lucky to live there. Fantastic as always!

[@charlottewilson8740]

Excellent as always Xx

[@arrangrant6037]

Just discovered your channel fascinating stuff guys thanks for posting

[@pwhitewick]

Welcome to the channel Arran

[@phillipbateman2284]

Thank you Rebecca for a wonderful story, oh, and Mark, Sally, John, Martin and Paul. Take care.

[@iangrange7124]

Hi guys, that video was special. Really enjoyed it! You are going to have some amazing stories to put into your book and when I buy a copy I need you and Rebecca to sign it and by the way you were only 20 minutes or 12.5 miles from where I live. Massive thank you for posting your video. Keep up the good work and don't become overheated in the sun! 👍😁🍦🍦

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Ian. We fully intend on writing a book about our travels, but it may be some time yet! A lovely area.

[@lindamccaughey8800]

Thank you so much. You are so informative I just love it

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Linda. 👍

[@jenratcliffe7232]

Fascinating!

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Jen.

[@cargy930]

Paul, Rebecca AND Martin in one video. You're spoiling us, ambassador!! John and Sally were amazing too; well done guys. I was worried that Rebecca was too quiet. So the postscript was something of a relief. :D

[@pwhitewick]

More to come from the team next week too!

[@tardismole]

Loved it. And such a beautiful place, too.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers. Yup, lovely part of the country.

[@shaunwest3612]

Amazing video Paul, Rebecca, Martin and mark, really interesting place,😀👌👍

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Shaun. Indeed great company and a beautiful area of the country.

[@mrbillmacneill]

wow ...that was very nice of John and Sally ! cool vid as well.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you. Yup I'm not sure how pleased about it Sally is, but John has a significant passion for the history and story of the tunnel. A lovely couple.

[@traceyprescott8347]

Ahhh you came to our lovely county. What a great vid, seems Benjamin Outram was a busy boy. Regards Paul.

[@pwhitewick]

Yep, another railway name that keeps proping up

[@traceyprescott8347]

@@pwhitewick yes known a bit more around here , as the founder of Butterly engineering.

[@McMieke]

Great work, thanx

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers John. 👍👍

[@ericprice3225]

Fantastic story. Love it.

[@michaelpilling9659]

Amazing. Thank you for the superb and extremely interesting video

[@johndufton9686]

Brilliant video.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks John.

[@jayh9529]

The Black Country museum is worth a visit nice canal tunnel goes under a castle,cool video even my mate Martin made an appearance 👍

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Jay. We will check it out.

[@jomillie12]

Love the videos. 👍

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you. 👍👍

[@terryansell6641]

A very interesting video from New Zealand thank you all

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Terry. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@andrewschmitz9707]

What a fun adventure! I am flying into Manchester next year ,and man this looks so fun.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Andrew. Definitely check out the next video. "Stephenson's lost tunnels".

[@saltleywsc]

Another great video ,what a stroke of luck finding the man who owns the tunnel !!

[@pwhitewick]

Yes Merv, we couldn't believe it. Open garden day!

[@martdebs222]

Paul and Rebecca, great video as always, love watching your uploads, I remember when this tunnel was dug out it was in the local papers, just to let you know, that the old great northern back line (as it was called) has a tunnel which is open still at one end but is being back filled ready for the new bypass in the village of Gedling in Nottingham the tunnel is called Mapperly tunnel, there is also the old railway bridges and the station at Gedling and further afield Kimberley station which is now offices. Dont know if that's your thing? But assume it is watching all your uploads, feel free to get in touch if you need an old Notts railway guide. Mart.

[@pwhitewick]

Hey Mart, that sounds really good. We will check it out for sure.

[@pugthesecond]

Really enjoyed that. The spirit of the victorians and clearly from this, the georgians should inspire us all.

[@pwhitewick]

Absolutely!

[@furryanimal8776]

That was absolutely fascinating.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it, we loved this little trip.

[@michaelbattman2971]

Really enjoyed that, thanks.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Michael.

[@michaelwalters7333]

Great Video Thanks, What's Up Martin

[@bobparsons77]

Amazing history..and story.

[@MrVxrman]

Great video 😎 I really enjoyed it 🙂🍻🥂👍

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you 😁🚂🛤️

[@alistairshaw3206]

Great video again Paul, Martin, and Rebecca. The oldest railway in Scotland was the Kilmarnock to Troon line, the line is still in use today, but the old alignment can still be seen in places. The line was built in 1812 by the Duke of Portland, to carry coal from Kilmarnock to Troon. The first railway viaduct in Scotland still exists on the original alignment, it was rebuilt a few years ago.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Alistair. Sounds like a worthy explore. I'll add it to the list. 👍👍

[@MrBook123456]

Great video!

[@terryansell6641]

So much early railway history and very interesting thank you

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Terry, a fascinating story.

[@andrewmarriott4033]

Live not far from here about 3 miles plenty of great history involving the cromford canal and railways around here Not to mention the butterley tunnel great job

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Andrew

[@OpenRoader]

Fantastic!

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you. 👍

[@Byron2561]

excellent film. I used to holiday in the area but never knew about that

[@pwhitewick]

Likewise Paul.

[@boromickfc]

Cracking video, cant beat history especially our own industrial, new subscriber too👍

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you. Welcome to the channel.

[@wideyxyz2271]

Cool video guys......Visited this place many moons ago (lime kilns).....really cool. If i had that tunnel on my land I would open it up and use it as a workshop or storage. Way to good to leave blocked up!!

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers. Yup a lovely day and a lovely adventure.

[@carolinegray3150]

Nice video

[@carolinegray3150]

Nice the owners let you look at the tunnel

[@pwhitewick]

Yup indeed.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Brilliant video! I'd love a tunnel like that in my garden!

[@colinbarrett5120]

Great video

[@JohnReall]

I'm Watching from Massachusetts and I subscribe to both of you. Love the video's

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you John. A pleasure to have you good Sir.

[@yankeeclipper4326]

Massholes of the world unite! If you are interested in old railroads and infrastructure, check out the Keystone Arch Bridges trail in Chester, Ma. Its the first railroad in America to cross a mountain range and an excellent hike. It has a number of dry masonry arch bridges dating from the 1840's that are still in use.

[@JohnReall]

@@yankeeclipper4326 I know the neighborhood. Watch some of my video's from that very area.

[@1toppotter987]

Amazing what history lies beneath us!

[@pwhitewick]

Most definitely. More to come next week!

[@qbuk7053]

you might be interested in the queensbury tunnel that connected Bradford to Calderdale , part of the GNR line and the long gone triangle station. currently theres a campaign to open it up as one of the longest cycle/pedestrian tunnels in the country

[@pwhitewick]

Yes I've been following the news regarding Queensbury and it's fate.

[@michaelgamble296]

Thank you for this very interesting Video. Good that you've joined up with Mark Zero. I do like your side-by-side Google Photos-with-early Ordnance Survey(?) maps - very enlightening - puts it all into perspective.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Michael, always love exploring with Martin.

[@andreabeck4409]

Love it!

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Andrea. You'll hopefully enjoy next week's a tad more... (We got inside one close by.... And then got scared by a mushroom).

[@andreabeck4409]

@@pwhitewick a mushroom?!!

[@pwhitewick]

@@andreabeck4409 wait until you see it!!!

[@stannisb7693]

Very very good love the collaborations with Martin Zero and Darren (AdventureMe)

[@angr3819]

Thank you

[@20OneAtlantean]

Nicely done as ever :) & welcome to Derbyshire, an area of Railway finds! am available for any gen whilst your around but my call centre closes at 11pm lol Seriously speaking im doing some GNR Friargate line stomping this weekend so I might see you :)

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Lee. Another video from the area next week too!

[@laszlofyre845]

Fancy having something like that on your property. Am I jealous? No, not me; oh, wait a minute,,,I'm just a bloody liar!! Lol. Right now this has 4 dislikes- unbelievable, some people. BTW, it is said that the designer/ builder of the Causey arch, threw himself off it to his doom as he feared it would collapse at any time and he let the potential for blame and shame mess with his head.The late, great Fred Dibnah (one of my heroes) told the tale in one of his round Britain programs, in his distinctive style. Bit fanciful maybe, but a persistent story. Anyway, a cracking posting, and I appreciate your fine efforts involved. I believe I shall sub. More please.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Laszlo. Pleasure to have you on board! I think we need to tell the story of the bridge for sure. Worth a thorough investigate!

[@morrislouiseeagle7161]

Nice one 👏❤️😁x

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you.

[@gavind9487]

Came here for the history, stayed for the pink miniskirt!

[@darrenhaynes865]

nice relaxed vid this much better dont know if martin had some influence on this editing, nice for you not have keep double checking and being corrected by rebecca all the time on information out .More vids like this well done guys

[@bullettube9863]

This is as much fun as watching a BBC special! We have PBS in America but the local stations do little local history, they carry shows like Ken Burns' Civil War or America's national parks and of course Time Team and other BBC specials. Where I live there are still signs of the old lake shore rail road and Interurban (large trams) that connected to Niagara Falls, but they are both fading away fast!

[@pwhitewick]

Haha... Thank you. We try and make films that we would like to see ourselves.

[@neilbain8736]

The idea of a contour following railway makes sense. It would be a logical extension to the minds of canal engineers where a contour canal had no locks to waste time using and cheaper to build because of that too. It's nice to see Martin Zero cropping up unexpectedly too.

[@pwhitewick]

Interestingly I watched this one today myself as well. Yup surprising how many early tramways we have seen that were built with a Canal head on. Cromford and High Peak springs to mind.

[@carolinegray3150]

Nice

[@chrismccartney8668]

When Martin Paul and Rebecca this should be a regular TV Documentary

[@user-ww7zf3hj3e]

The company was the Butterley company with a second e. I lived in Butterley Park House from 1947 to 1957. Roger Jackson.

[@YannaTarassi]

Bonus Time Team reference :)

[@theovanstaden5766]

wow nice video, must be a ghost or too in there, now make one going back in the nite time! lol just Joking!!

[@pwhitewick]

😅😅.... You'll enjoy next week's too!

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Well done everyone.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Richard. 👍

[@johntyjp]

Spose you could call this, "The Tunnel of Love", for all railway archaeologists' ?!!🤔😆

[@walkingtheboogie]

Despite the fact you couldn't film in the tunnel, you still made an interesting video.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you. Our goal is never to be Urban explorers as such, just to bring a decent vlog and a little bit of history.

[@gussmedways]

Another great vid. As you've concentrated on a small area you might be accused of product placement. Utterly Butterly!!

[@pwhitewick]

Ooooh dear Russ.

[@gussmedways]

@@pwhitewick I thank you. I'm here all week!!

[@pwhitewick]

@@gussmedways you should try the beef.

[@randygreen8916]

I love old abandoned railroad routes.

[@pwhitewick]

Best get yourself subscribed then Randy. 👍

[@randygreen8916]

@@pwhitewick I will.

[@paulcharlton4788]

You could have checked out the butterley canal tunnel while you were up here. 3083 yards long complete with underground wharf.

[@pwhitewick]

Lack of time I am afraid Paul. It was on the radar, so another day.

[@Sim0nTrains]

Great video, there some good photos of the tunnel but a shame by the looks you didn’t go in but guessed because it was sealed?

[@pwhitewick]

Yup sealed at both ends currently although John has some interesting plans when funds allow.

[@michaelcampin1464]

You should see the Tansay old tramway in Gateshead.

[@rockfan3299]

While you were there you should have gone down to Butterley Tunnel, The 6th longest canal tunnel in the UK. From Fritchley just a 5 minute drive.

[@TIMMEH19991]

The Causey Arch was not only 70 odd years old and already disused by the time this line was built, it was also the longest freestanding arch in the world for 30 years.

[@pwhitewick]

We shall be seeking it out!

[@TIMMEH19991]

@@pwhitewick Well worth the trip Paul and Rebecca, its quite breath taking its size. So sad that it's builder committed suicide because he was petrified it would fall down and just short of 300 years later, it still stands. Such a shame.

[@pwhitewick]

@@TIMMEH19991 wow. That's an incredible story. Ok we definitely need to tell the story.

[@davidb3979]

If I had owned that house I would have put a manhole entrance into the tunnel... firstly to let people to see it (donations to Air Ambulance) and secondly to store wine in... would make a wonderful wine cellar...

[@pwhitewick]

I think there are plans afoot for John to do something similar when funds allow.