A coloured postcard of the Cliff Lift at Saltburn, replacing the orignal Vertical Lift in 1884; viewed from the Pier which was some 1,500 feet long at this date. The slender gas lamps on the pier look far too fragile for being exposed to the North Sea Storms.
”Talk of the Town” – Saltburn’s Free Monthly Magazine has further information regarding the lift: ”Birmingham businesses were involved in the provision of machinery and cables. Tangye Ltd representative was George Marks (later 1st Baron Marks of Woolwich) who was responsible for the design and construction of the railway. The railway began operating in June 1884 proving very reliable, safe and convenient. The Cliff Lift is the oldest operating water balanced system in Great Britain and continues to be very popular with visitors and locals. The original Otto Gas Engine was replaced with a DC Generator in 1913 and adapted to a mains supply in 1930. The track was re-laid to a slightly wider gauge during the winter of 1921/22. Saltburn and Marske Urban District Council purchased the railway in 1930.” Since then the Cliff Lift has been maintained by Langbaurgh Borough Council and latterly by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.
Image courtesy of Ken Johnson and additional information courtesy of Cath and Tony Lynn for ”Talk of the Town” Saltburn.
Recent Comments