Accrington’s Lost Engine Sheds, Then & Now.

Accrington actually had two engine sheds. The original shed, built in 1848, proved to be inadequate. However, to the frustration of the staff, it remained in use until a new larger shed was built in 1873. This was an eight-road affair. The original shed was located inside the triangular junction, close to the station.

The new shed was modernized in 1899 and reduced to six roads. That is the version shown on the map below. In 1936 a new coaling and ash plant was built by the LMS. This had two large 75-ton bunkers that could automatically fill a locomotive tender. The building was very large and could be seen for miles around.

In the image below many of the terraced houses are still in use. However, trees cover much of what was the railway yard. The later engine shed is at the top right of the 1920s image. The shed in the middle was a later carriage shed. Confusingly the engine shed on the 1890 map is marked as a carriage shed on the 1931 map!

At its peak over fifty locomotives were stabled here. However, by 1961, the last engine was transferred to Rose Grove. Today there is little evidence that Accrington was once the main regional depot for the LMS.

1890 OS map.

The image below shows the back of the sheds looking towards Blackburn Road. The old Grammar School can be seen on the right. This has now been demolished and is the site of houses.

Accrington goods shed, Photo Robert Wade

The engine shed is outlined below. The building behind was a goods shed and still exists. Lonsdale Street runs across the centre of the image.

Accrington shed in 1935, Photo Disused stations

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