Poortown Sidings
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The trackbed at Peel Road close to the site of the Poortown Quarry Tramway; the quarry here was served by a single spur controlled by Annett’s Key, affixed to the St. John’s - Kirk Michael portion of the single line staff, equipment originally used to control the spur off the Peel Line for Knockaloe Camp. The siding was capable of hold eight four-wheel wagons, from which the quarried material was tipped from above, a 2’ 0” tramway running atop the walling.
Name:
Year Built:
Year Lifted:
Lines Served:
Map Coordinates:
Postal Address:
Distance Ex-St. John’s:
Distance Ex-Ramsey:
Current Status:
Poortown Sidings
1885
1948
Ramsey
54.215°N 4.660°W
Poortown Road
1 Mile, 20 Chains
16 Miles, 10 Chains
Closed & Lifted
* Annett’s Key is a form of trapped-key interlocking that locks levers or other items of signalling apparatus, thereby serving as a portable form of interlocking. The purpose is to prevent access from sidings to the running line without permission. When not in use, the key is normally held in a lock that is fixed to the lever or concerned apparatus. The version at Peel Road was the only known example of this working on the railway.
Looking northwards in 1968 showing the site of the siding and its loading bank wall after the final passenger trains had passed the site; the siding was spurred off the main line just where the wall stops as can be seen in the view above showing the Annett’s Key* workings to good effect.
The loading bay wall exposed during clearance works in 2019 illustrating the size of operations in connection with a the quarry tramway.
The loading bay wall beside the trackbed of the north line looking northwards in 2019 showing the height of the bay though nature has reclaimed the original level which was at the same elevation as the trackbed.
Further section of the loading bay wall exposed during clearance works in 2019 and showing growth since lifting in 1948.
Another view of the loading bay with the 1885 wall exposed during clearance works in 2019 for the Rail Trail, this area still being a popular walkway and bridle path today.
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