Arlesburgh Harbour

### Gauge

2'3" (686 mm, narrow gauge) (MSR) (formerly)4'8½" (1,435 mm; standard gauge) (NWR)
15" (381 mm, minimum gauge) (Arlesdale Railway)

**Arlesburgh Harbour** is a large harbour in Arlesburgh, which is served by the North Western Railway, via the Little Western, and the Arlesdale Railway.

## History

Arlesburgh is an ancient port. As its name suggests it was a burgh or fortified town at the mouth of the River Arle. Situated opposite Douglas on the Isle of Man, it is likewise a deep water harbour formed by the same geological rift. It was probably stockaded first by King Godred MacHarold. King Godred Crovan strengthened it as a base for his first and unsuccessful takeover attempt on the Isle of Man in 1075.

Arlesburgh has withstood many sieges, not always successfully, but the town has generally held out long enough to enable second lines of defence at Gob-y-Deighan (Devil's mouth), and Ulfstead to be put in a state of readiness to repel unwanted visitors. Following the Island's acceptance of Henry IV in 1404, Arlesburgh’s defences were no longer necessary, and fell into disrepair. Very little now remains.

The place has always been a port, and had a period of high prosperity in the 18th Century when mining began in Arlesdale. This rose to a peak from 1880 to 1938 when Arlesburgh was a recognised calling place for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s steamers from Douglas and Ramsey. The Mid Sodor Railway, operated a boat train service in connection with the steamers. The town became the port for the inland Peel Godred.

The normal journey time between Peel Godred and Arlesburgh, a distance of 25 miles, was, for local trains, 1½ hours. The line had to be clear to allow these trains free passage, and woe betide anyone who hindered the smart running of these trains. With two stops at Arlesdale and Ulfstead Road respectively, they covered the 25 miles in the very creditable time (for narrow gauge), of 1¼ hours. Special Observation Cars were built at Arlesdale Works for these trains, The usual load was four bogie coaches strengthened at busy times to six.

Holidaymakers in the Island were catered for during the Summer by a train which came to be known as "The Picnic". This train put on between Easter and Michaelmas, left Arlesburgh at 10am, and was given a very easy timing. It would stop, on request, at beauty spots and places of interest, to set down ramblers and picnic parties. The return train left Peel Godred at 3.30 to pick up the parties at the places where they had been set down. This train was timed to reach Arlesburgh at 5.10, thus returning passengers in good time for High Tea at the sacred hour (to Sudrian landladies) of 5.30.

The North Western Railway built a branch line from Tidmouth to here in 1916, it was initially intended to reach Harwick but this was dropped when the Admiralty found the line to Arlesburgh sufficient. The extension was again considered during the 1940s, but again was dropped. A naval base was established at Arlesburgh during the First World War.

The steamer service ended when the Mid Sodor closed its passenger service in 1938, and when the last mine in the valley closed, the port fell into sad decay. Revival began in 1956 when the NWR decided to use the port as a supplement to Knapford. They relaid the harbour extension, built new jetties, and installed up to date dockside equipment. The 15” gauge Arlesdale Railway, opened in 1969, does not generate much port traffic, as the ballast it carries is taken away by rail, but it does bring visitors and therefore trade to an interesting old town which is a useful starting point for the exploration of a very lovely valley.

The line running through the harbour was extended to run up to Harwick in 1971. After Thomas discovered a pirate ship in a cavern, the ship was restored and taken to Arlesburgh Harbour, where it would be put on display to the public. Thomas also managed to stop Sailor John from escaping with the treasure here, and when the Harwick Branch Line was officially opened, the engines went through the harbour while the treasure was recovered from the bottom of the sea.

Two railway stations are located here; Arlesburgh West where North Western and Arlesdale railway trains meet, and Arlesburgh Bridge Street, served by just the Arlesdale. Arlesburgh Bridge Street station was formerly served by the Mid Sodor Railway. The North Western Railway engine sheds at Arlesburgh are home to Ryan and Daisy.

The North Western and Arlesdale Railways run through the town. A shunting yard is located here, the Arlesburgh Maritime Museum is located here, near the harbour, and is served by a small halt. The Harwick Branch Line splits from the Little Western here, and runs north along the coast to Harwick. Arlesburgh Goods Yard serves as the base of the branch line, and is located just outside of the town.