There is no doubt that the preservation of Barrow Hill Roundhouse ranks among the pinnacles of achievements of the UK heritage sector.
Britain’s sole-surviving rail-connected roundhouse has over the past three decades evolved from a redundant artefact from a long bygone age into a vibrant multipurpose visitor attraction offering a now unique perspective on both the distant and recent past, with an interior that can be changed in an instant to accurately recreate the glories and fascination of either its steam or diesel and electric eras.
Now widely recognised as a true gem of the Derbyshire town that it was built to serve 152 years ago, Barrow Hill Roundhouse came within 48 hours of meeting the same fate as far too many other treasures of Britain’s railway heritage.
Saving it from demolition with the clock at one minute to midnight was local enthusiast Mervyn Allcock, who, at the age of 23, was shocked to hear that BR not only planned to close it, but demolish it too – and responded with unswerving determination to save it.
Mervyn formed what became the Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, and after successfully lobbying Chesterfield Borough Council, a preservation order was placed on the classic structure within hours of the demolition contractors preparing to move in. The granting of Grade II-listed status by the Department of
