All language subtitles for Great British Train Journeys From Above - S01E02

Join us on a voyage of discovery...

Join us on a voyage of discovery...

TRAIN HOOTS

..as we follow the most spectacular
steam train journeys in Britain

..as we follow the most spectacular
steam train journeys in Britain

..as we follow the most spectacular
steam train journeys in Britain

from above.

We'll showcase these machines
in all their glory,

We'll showcase these machines
in all their glory,

travelling through
the most breathtaking landscape

travelling through
the most breathtaking landscape

the country has to offer...

..the North Yorkshire Moors...

..the Highlands of Scotland...

..the Highlands of Scotland...

..the rolling hills of Somerset...

..the rolling hills of Somerset...

..and Snowdonia,

known today as Eryri.

known today as Eryri.

Our trains are time travellers...

Our trains are time travellers...

..transporting us back
to the golden age of steam

..transporting us back
to the golden age of steam

..transporting us back
to the golden age of steam

to unravel the truth

to unravel the truth

about Britain's great
railway revolution.

about Britain's great
railway revolution.

Sit back,

soak up the scenery
and enjoy all the romance

soak up the scenery
and enjoy all the romance

and the thrill
of a steam train journey

and the thrill
of a steam train journey

like you've never seen it before.

like you've never seen it before.

Eryri is the most enchanting
range of mountains in Britain.

Eryri is the most enchanting
range of mountains in Britain.

Eryri is the most enchanting
range of mountains in Britain.

And carving a path...

..up to its towering peaks...

..up to its towering peaks...

TRAIN WHISTLES

..is a railway that changed
the course of Welsh history.

..is a railway that changed
the course of Welsh history.

And its small size

And its small size

and unique shape was its superpower.

and unique shape was its superpower.

Its story captures the essence
of the Industrial Revolution -

Its story captures the essence
of the Industrial Revolution -

Its story captures the essence
of the Industrial Revolution -

the dramatic transformation
of the landscape

the dramatic transformation
of the landscape

and the people of a quiet corner
of rural Wales...

and the people of a quiet corner
of rural Wales...

..into a global
industrial powerhouse

..into a global
industrial powerhouse

that roofed the world.

that roofed the world.

Built within two decades
of the very first railway...

Built within two decades
of the very first railway...

..this line's cargo was
an iconic piece of Welsh rock.

..this line's cargo was
an iconic piece of Welsh rock.

..this line's cargo was
an iconic piece of Welsh rock.

Slate.

And by the late 19th century...

And by the late 19th century...

..Snowdonia provided a third
of the roofing slate

..Snowdonia provided a third
of the roofing slate

for buildings across the globe.

for buildings across the globe.

The train's destination
is a man-made industrial landscape

The train's destination
is a man-made industrial landscape

The train's destination
is a man-made industrial landscape

dominated by monumental heaps
of slate waste.

dominated by monumental heaps
of slate waste.

dominated by monumental heaps
of slate waste.

And it will be preserved forever
as a World Heritage Site...

And it will be preserved forever
as a World Heritage Site...

..alongside the Pyramids,
Machu Picchu

..alongside the Pyramids,
Machu Picchu

and the Great Wall of China.

and the Great Wall of China.

To discover how all this happened,

To discover how all this happened,

we're following a steam train...

we're following a steam train...

..with an epic tale to tell.

..with an epic tale to tell.

People have been quarrying for slate
in Eryri for nearly 2,000 years.

People have been quarrying for slate
in Eryri for nearly 2,000 years.

People have been quarrying for slate
in Eryri for nearly 2,000 years.

Generation after generation
of farmers

Generation after generation
of farmers

scratched a living by digging
what they could from the ground.

scratched a living by digging
what they could from the ground.

To supplement their meagre earnings,
they collected slate.

To supplement their meagre earnings,
they collected slate.

It was a life of struggle
and sacrifice,

It was a life of struggle
and sacrifice,

and the value of the slate
was limited by the difficulty

and the value of the slate
was limited by the difficulty

and the cost of getting it
to market.

and the cost of getting it
to market.

But, as the first steam trains
in the early 1800s

But, as the first steam trains
in the early 1800s

began to spearhead
the Industrial Revolution,

began to spearhead
the Industrial Revolution,

the farmers were presented
with an opportunity.

the farmers were presented
with an opportunity.

Towns and villages across Europe

Towns and villages across Europe

exploded into large
industrial cities

exploded into large
industrial cities

exploded into large
industrial cities

and there was a huge demand
for roofing material.

and there was a huge demand
for roofing material.

Welsh slate was the ideal solution.

Welsh slate was the ideal solution.

It was strong, durable,
waterproof...

It was strong, durable,
waterproof...

It was strong, durable,
waterproof...

..and could be split easily
into thin sheets.

..and could be split easily
into thin sheets.

From scratching a living
from the land,

From scratching a living
from the land,

the farmers were able to open
the first slate mines.

the farmers were able to open
the first slate mines.

But, hampered by its location
1,000ft above sea level,

But, hampered by its location
1,000ft above sea level,

But, hampered by its location
1,000ft above sea level,

they had to solve a problem.

they had to solve a problem.

How to get slate to market
quickly, cheaply

How to get slate to market
quickly, cheaply

and in large quantities.

and in large quantities.

At Porthmadog Station...

At Porthmadog Station...

..the Mountain Spirit
is being prepared

..the Mountain Spirit
is being prepared

to tackle the Welsh mountains
along the world's oldest

to tackle the Welsh mountains
along the world's oldest

narrow gauge line -
the Ffestiniog Railway.

narrow gauge line -
the Ffestiniog Railway.

narrow gauge line -
the Ffestiniog Railway.

The steam locomotive
has an unusual shape -

The steam locomotive
has an unusual shape -

two engines built back-to-back
around a central boiler.

two engines built back-to-back
around a central boiler.

two engines built back-to-back
around a central boiler.

TRAIN WHISTLES

But this eccentric engineering
was critical

But this eccentric engineering
was critical

to the success of the railway

and to the potential
of Eryri's slate mines.

and to the potential
of Eryri's slate mines.

And on Mountain Spirit' journey
to the slate mines

And on Mountain Spirit' journey
to the slate mines

that made the region famous,
we'll discover why.

that made the region famous,
we'll discover why.

From Porthmadog Station,
Mountain Spirit is about to embark

From Porthmadog Station,
Mountain Spirit is about to embark

on a remarkable 14-mile adventure

on a remarkable 14-mile adventure

from the Irish Sea into Eryri.

from the Irish Sea into Eryri.

The train will weave its way
through forested slopes

The train will weave its way
through forested slopes

to arrive at the monumental
slate quarries

to arrive at the monumental
slate quarries

clustered above Blaenau Ffestiniog.

clustered above Blaenau Ffestiniog.

As the Industrial Revolution
took hold,

As the Industrial Revolution
took hold,

the transport of Welsh slate
was stuck in the Dark Ages.

the transport of Welsh slate
was stuck in the Dark Ages.

the transport of Welsh slate
was stuck in the Dark Ages.

Miners who had once been farmers
had the backbreaking job

Miners who had once been farmers
had the backbreaking job

of loading carts with slate
and taking them down a network

of loading carts with slate
and taking them down a network

of ancient winding tracks
for more than 15 miles...

of ancient winding tracks
for more than 15 miles...

of ancient winding tracks
for more than 15 miles...

..to the River Dwyryd,

..to the River Dwyryd,

on its way to the sea.

on its way to the sea.

The journey was slow, costly...

The journey was slow, costly...

..and many slates broke
along the way...

..and many slates broke
along the way...

..so the miners were forced
to find a viable way

..so the miners were forced
to find a viable way

to get the slate to market.

to get the slate to market.

Down at the coast, Mountain Spirit
waits next to the harbour,

Down at the coast, Mountain Spirit
waits next to the harbour,

Down at the coast, Mountain Spirit
waits next to the harbour,

preparing for its journey
to Blaenau Ffestiniog...

preparing for its journey
to Blaenau Ffestiniog...

..that will take us back 200 years
to the dawn of the railway age.

..that will take us back 200 years
to the dawn of the railway age.

..that will take us back 200 years
to the dawn of the railway age.

At the time, across Britain,

At the time, across Britain,

railway fever was beginning
to grip the nation.

railway fever was beginning
to grip the nation.

railway fever was beginning
to grip the nation.

A wealthy local landowner,
William Madocks,

A wealthy local landowner,
William Madocks,

had a crazy idea.

His dream was to link London
with Dublin

His dream was to link London
with Dublin

through a port on this stretch
of the Welsh coast.

through a port on this stretch
of the Welsh coast.

Madocks' first challenge was
almost biblical in its ambition.

Madocks' first challenge was
almost biblical in its ambition.

Madocks' first challenge was
almost biblical in its ambition.

To stem the tide.

He built a mile-long sea wall
called The Cob...

He built a mile-long sea wall
called The Cob...

He built a mile-long sea wall
called The Cob...

..to enable a transport link
across the Glaslyn estuary,

..to enable a transport link
across the Glaslyn estuary,

..to enable a transport link
across the Glaslyn estuary,

diverting the Glaslyn River
along the back of the embankment

diverting the Glaslyn River
along the back of the embankment

diverting the Glaslyn River
along the back of the embankment

and scouring out
a new natural harbour.

and scouring out
a new natural harbour.

The Cob enabled the development
of a port.

The Cob enabled the development
of a port.

And the town that grew up around it
still carries his name -

And the town that grew up around it
still carries his name -

Porthmadog.

But the colossal venture
left Madocks penniless.

But the colossal venture
left Madocks penniless.

But the colossal venture
left Madocks penniless.

Before he was able
to execute his vision,

Before he was able
to execute his vision,

his health got the better of him.

his health got the better of him.

But William Madocks' legacy

But William Madocks' legacy

was solving the miners' problem

was solving the miners' problem

of how to get their slate to market.

of how to get their slate to market.

TRAIN WHISTLES

Mountain Spirit's journey begins.

Mountain Spirit's journey begins.

The train starts out
along The Cob...

The train starts out
along The Cob...

..built 200 years ago by Madocks.

..built 200 years ago by Madocks.

Looking inland, we're greeted by
the first glimpse of Eryri's peaks.

Looking inland, we're greeted by
the first glimpse of Eryri's peaks.

Looking inland, we're greeted by
the first glimpse of Eryri's peaks.

The spectacular view encapsulates...

The spectacular view encapsulates...

..the daunting challenge
of finding a route for a track...

..the daunting challenge
of finding a route for a track...

..into the mountains
that would unlock

..into the mountains
that would unlock

their gargantuan reserves of slate.

their gargantuan reserves of slate.

That challenge fell
to a civil engineer

That challenge fell
to a civil engineer

with an entrepreneurial streak.

with an entrepreneurial streak.

James Spooner was one of the first
to have the experience necessary

James Spooner was one of the first
to have the experience necessary

James Spooner was one of the first
to have the experience necessary

to identify a route for the track.

to identify a route for the track.

His idea was not to create
a steam railway,

His idea was not to create
a steam railway,

but to build a track for wagons...

but to build a track for wagons...

..to roll down from the mountains
to the coast.

..to roll down from the mountains
to the coast.

..to roll down from the mountains
to the coast.

To achieve this,
the track had to be built

To achieve this,
the track had to be built

at an even gradient throughout
the whole of the journey.

at an even gradient throughout
the whole of the journey.

Spooner solved this problem

Spooner solved this problem

by following the contours
of the hillside

by following the contours
of the hillside

and cutting the track
into the landscape.

and cutting the track
into the landscape.

And to negotiate the tight bends,

And to negotiate the tight bends,

the track had to be built
on a narrow gauge.

the track had to be built
on a narrow gauge.

Spooner's idea was that the wagons
would be taken back up to the mines

Spooner's idea was that the wagons
would be taken back up to the mines

Spooner's idea was that the wagons
would be taken back up to the mines

in Ffestiniog by horses,
who would drag them uphill.

in Ffestiniog by horses,
who would drag them uphill.

in Ffestiniog by horses,
who would drag them uphill.

Spooner's track was a great success.

Spooner's track was a great success.

Mountain Spirit's engine
proudly carries his name

Mountain Spirit's engine
proudly carries his name

to honour Spooner's reputation

to honour Spooner's reputation

as one of the leading figures in
the development of the railways.

as one of the leading figures in
the development of the railways.

as one of the leading figures in
the development of the railways.

And his track gave Snowdonia's
fledgling slate industry

And his track gave Snowdonia's
fledgling slate industry

And his track gave Snowdonia's
fledgling slate industry

the potential to be
a world-leading phenomenon.

the potential to be
a world-leading phenomenon.

By 1850, James Spooner's line
was carrying

By 1850, James Spooner's line
was carrying

50,000 tonnes of slate a year

50,000 tonnes of slate a year

down to William Madocks' port
and out to sea.

down to William Madocks' port
and out to sea.

down to William Madocks' port
and out to sea.

Coming up...

TRAIN WHISTLES

..having built his track
to only carry wagons

..having built his track
to only carry wagons

that would roll downhill,

that would roll downhill,

Spooner faced a greater puzzle.

Spooner faced a greater puzzle.

How to turn a narrow gauge track
into a steam railway

How to turn a narrow gauge track
into a steam railway

How to turn a narrow gauge track
into a steam railway

powerful enough to haul the wagons
back up the mountain

powerful enough to haul the wagons
back up the mountain

powerful enough to haul the wagons
back up the mountain

and enable even greater
quantities of slate

and enable even greater
quantities of slate

to be carried across the world.

to be carried across the world.

As Mountain Spirit heads towards
Snowdonia's great peaks,

As Mountain Spirit heads towards
Snowdonia's great peaks,

As Mountain Spirit heads towards
Snowdonia's great peaks,

the train is transporting us back

the train is transporting us back

to the dawn of the railway age.

to the dawn of the railway age.

On the second leg of its journey,

On the second leg of its journey,

Mountain Spirit reveals how
the arrival of steam trains

Mountain Spirit reveals how
the arrival of steam trains

Mountain Spirit reveals how
the arrival of steam trains

sparked Eryri's very own
slate rush...

sparked Eryri's very own
slate rush...

..transforming this quiet, remote
corner of north-west Wales...

..transforming this quiet, remote
corner of north-west Wales...

..transforming this quiet, remote
corner of north-west Wales...

..into a global hub
of industrial excellence

..into a global hub
of industrial excellence

and technological triumph.

and technological triumph.

Mountain Spirit leaves The Cob.

Mountain Spirit leaves The Cob.

As the train turns inland,
it passes Boston Lodge,

As the train turns inland,
it passes Boston Lodge,

As the train turns inland,
it passes Boston Lodge,

the world's oldest surviving
railway workshop.

the world's oldest surviving
railway workshop.

James Spooner was a great champion
of narrow gauge railways...

James Spooner was a great champion
of narrow gauge railways...

James Spooner was a great champion
of narrow gauge railways...

..and believed the Ffestiniog
could be a pioneer

..and believed the Ffestiniog
could be a pioneer

for similar lines across the world.

for similar lines across the world.

James' son Charles
took on his father's vision,

James' son Charles
took on his father's vision,

using this workshop

using this workshop

to push forward his plans
for further innovation.

to push forward his plans
for further innovation.

At the time, the first steam trains
were starting to appear,

At the time, the first steam trains
were starting to appear,

At the time, the first steam trains
were starting to appear,

and Charles' idea was to
revolutionise the gravity-fed wagons

and Charles' idea was to
revolutionise the gravity-fed wagons

and Charles' idea was to
revolutionise the gravity-fed wagons

with the addition of steam engines.

with the addition of steam engines.

But he had a problem - the steam
engines had to be powerful enough

But he had a problem - the steam
engines had to be powerful enough

But he had a problem - the steam
engines had to be powerful enough

to pull the wagons uphill...

to pull the wagons uphill...

..which meant they would be too
heavy for the narrow gauge track.

..which meant they would be too
heavy for the narrow gauge track.

Charles' idea was to increase
the power and efficiency

Charles' idea was to increase
the power and efficiency

of steam engines
by reducing their size and weight.

of steam engines
by reducing their size and weight.

of steam engines
by reducing their size and weight.

It was a key breakthrough.

It was a key breakthrough.

Mountain Spirit starts
to cruise inland.

Mountain Spirit starts
to cruise inland.

Climbing James Spooner's
even gradient...

Climbing James Spooner's
even gradient...

..it heads for Minffordd,
the first station along the line.

..it heads for Minffordd,
the first station along the line.

..it heads for Minffordd,
the first station along the line.

But it didn't exist when
the track was first built

But it didn't exist when
the track was first built

for only slate wagons.

Charles Spooner built a series
of stations along the line...

Charles Spooner built a series
of stations along the line...

..and Minffordd is typical.

..and Minffordd is typical.

An attractive stone-built
Victorian building

An attractive stone-built
Victorian building

with a slate roof, of course,

with a slate roof, of course,

and a dual track that allows
trains to pass each other,

and a dual track that allows
trains to pass each other,

and a dual track that allows
trains to pass each other,

so Mountain Spirit
can stop for a drink

so Mountain Spirit
can stop for a drink

to build up a head of steam
before its uphill climb.

to build up a head of steam
before its uphill climb.

to build up a head of steam
before its uphill climb.

And, later in the journey,
the train will reveal...

And, later in the journey,
the train will reveal...

..why a track built to carry slate

..why a track built to carry slate

..needed stations that
are such a grand affair.

..needed stations that
are such a grand affair.

A couple of miles along the line...

A couple of miles along the line...

..Mountain Spirit is approaching
another Snowdonian community

..Mountain Spirit is approaching
another Snowdonian community

..Mountain Spirit is approaching
another Snowdonian community

that was put on the map
by the railway.

that was put on the map
by the railway.

For centuries,
Penrhyndeudraeth was swampland,

For centuries,
Penrhyndeudraeth was swampland,

For centuries,
Penrhyndeudraeth was swampland,

where locals eked out a living
by collecting cockles.

where locals eked out a living
by collecting cockles.

where locals eked out a living
by collecting cockles.

But when Charles Spooner introduced
steam trains to his railway,

But when Charles Spooner introduced
steam trains to his railway,

Penrhyndeudraeth became one
of Snowdonia's boomtowns.

Penrhyndeudraeth became one
of Snowdonia's boomtowns.

Penrhyndeudraeth became one
of Snowdonia's boomtowns.

The train is weaving its way
past terraced houses,

The train is weaving its way
past terraced houses,

The train is weaving its way
past terraced houses,

some built so close to the line

some built so close to the line

it feels like passengers
could touch them.

it feels like passengers
could touch them.

These were the homes of
a rapidly growing workforce.

These were the homes of
a rapidly growing workforce.

After crossing the road, on its
way out of Penrhyndeudraeth...

After crossing the road, on its
way out of Penrhyndeudraeth...

After crossing the road, on its
way out of Penrhyndeudraeth...

..Mountain Spirit enters
Eryri National Park...

..Mountain Spirit enters
Eryri National Park...

..where the train hugs the hillside
of the Vale of Ffestiniog.

..where the train hugs the hillside
of the Vale of Ffestiniog.

..where the train hugs the hillside
of the Vale of Ffestiniog.

As the train races along the valley,

As the train races along the valley,

it's time to sit back and let
Mountain Spirit transport us

it's time to sit back and let
Mountain Spirit transport us

it's time to sit back and let
Mountain Spirit transport us

back to the golden age of steam.

back to the golden age of steam.

TRAIN WHISTLES

As mountain spirit meanders
along the valley,

As mountain spirit meanders
along the valley,

the train is approaching

an incredible piece
of railway engineering.

an incredible piece
of railway engineering.

Rising 62ft above the valley floor,

Rising 62ft above the valley floor,

Cei Mawr is the largest
dry-stone embankment in Europe...

Cei Mawr is the largest
dry-stone embankment in Europe...

Cei Mawr is the largest
dry-stone embankment in Europe...

..and it's here that Mountain Spirit
can demonstrate

..and it's here that Mountain Spirit
can demonstrate

how Charles Spooner introduced steam
locomotives to the narrow gauge.

how Charles Spooner introduced steam
locomotives to the narrow gauge.

how Charles Spooner introduced steam
locomotives to the narrow gauge.

The first steam locomotives
weighed in at around 15 tonnes

The first steam locomotives
weighed in at around 15 tonnes

The first steam locomotives
weighed in at around 15 tonnes

and were thought to be too heavy
for a narrow gauge track.

and were thought to be too heavy
for a narrow gauge track.

But, just like its ancestors,

But, just like its ancestors,

Mountain Spirit's small size
is its superpower.

Mountain Spirit's small size
is its superpower.

A steam train light enough
for the narrow gauge.

A steam train light enough
for the narrow gauge.

In the mid 19th century,
Spooner introduced

In the mid 19th century,
Spooner introduced

his ground-breaking new steam trains
to the world.

his ground-breaking new steam trains
to the world.

Weighing just eight tonnes,
they had high-pressure boilers

Weighing just eight tonnes,
they had high-pressure boilers

that were physically smaller
but provided more power.

that were physically smaller
but provided more power.

Now Spooner's steam trains could
handle more than 300 tonnes of goods

Now Spooner's steam trains could
handle more than 300 tonnes of goods

Now Spooner's steam trains could
handle more than 300 tonnes of goods

and merchandise every week.

and merchandise every week.

The growing communities throughout
the Vale of Ffestiniog

The growing communities throughout
the Vale of Ffestiniog

became dependent on their railway.

became dependent on their railway.

Within five years,

the amount of slate transported down
the railway had almost doubled.

the amount of slate transported down
the railway had almost doubled.

the amount of slate transported down
the railway had almost doubled.

By the late 1800s,
Snowdonia slate industry

By the late 1800s,
Snowdonia slate industry

was employing 17,000 miners.

was employing 17,000 miners.

Exporting half a million tonnes
of slate every year,

Exporting half a million tonnes
of slate every year,

they provided a third of
the world's roofing slate,

they provided a third of
the world's roofing slate,

including half the skyscrapers
in New York.

including half the skyscrapers
in New York.

Thanks to the power of steam,

Thanks to the power of steam,

slate was roofing the world.

slate was roofing the world.

Coming up...

TRAIN WHISTLES

..Spooner seeks to make
railway history.

..Spooner seeks to make
railway history.

This time, his challenge is to
convince the British government

This time, his challenge is to
convince the British government

This time, his challenge is to
convince the British government

that his narrow gauge line should be
the very first to carry passengers.

that his narrow gauge line should be
the very first to carry passengers.

that his narrow gauge line should be
the very first to carry passengers.

As Mountain Spirit cruises
along the forested slopes

As Mountain Spirit cruises
along the forested slopes

of the Vale of Ffestiniog...

..the locomotive has disappeared
into a vast expanse of trees.

..the locomotive has disappeared
into a vast expanse of trees.

..the locomotive has disappeared
into a vast expanse of trees.

The only clues to the presence
of a steam train

The only clues to the presence
of a steam train

are the long plume of smoke
drifting down the valley...

are the long plume of smoke
drifting down the valley...

..and, breaking the silence....

..and, breaking the silence....

..the unmistakable
sound of the engine.

..the unmistakable
sound of the engine.

On the third leg of the journey
into the heart of Snowdonia,

On the third leg of the journey
into the heart of Snowdonia,

Mountain Spirit is about to
uncover how Charles Spooner

Mountain Spirit is about to
uncover how Charles Spooner

Mountain Spirit is about to
uncover how Charles Spooner

was able to convert
his radical idea -

was able to convert
his radical idea -

using a narrow gauge freight train
to carry passengers - into reality.

using a narrow gauge freight train
to carry passengers - into reality.

using a narrow gauge freight train
to carry passengers - into reality.

Six miles into its grand adventure,

Six miles into its grand adventure,

Mountain Spirit is approaching
the line's halfway house.

Mountain Spirit is approaching
the line's halfway house.

This is not just a marker
along its journey

This is not just a marker
along its journey

but the very location
where the railway was born.

but the very location
where the railway was born.

but the very location
where the railway was born.

Either side of the railway line,

Either side of the railway line,

Mountain Spirit is travelling
through a vast country estate.

Mountain Spirit is travelling
through a vast country estate.

The Plas Tan-y-Bwlch estate
demonstrates

The Plas Tan-y-Bwlch estate
demonstrates

the extraordinary life of luxury

the extraordinary life of luxury

that flowed from the slate empires
of Snowdonia.

that flowed from the slate empires
of Snowdonia.

Home to some of the wealthiest
families in north Wales,

Home to some of the wealthiest
families in north Wales,

including a rich family of
quarry owners called the Oakeleys.

including a rich family of
quarry owners called the Oakeleys.

including a rich family of
quarry owners called the Oakeleys.

They affectionately called their
103-acre estate "Plas Teddy".

They affectionately called their
103-acre estate "Plas Teddy".

They affectionately called their
103-acre estate "Plas Teddy".

In the 1800s, the 40-year-old
Etonian, William Oakeley,

In the 1800s, the 40-year-old
Etonian, William Oakeley,

In the 1800s, the 40-year-old
Etonian, William Oakeley,

inherited the family's booming
slate empire from his aunt.

inherited the family's booming
slate empire from his aunt.

inherited the family's booming
slate empire from his aunt.

He used the huge profits
from the slate

He used the huge profits
from the slate

delivered by the new
railway line

delivered by the new
railway line

to rebuild Plas Teddy's manor house

to rebuild Plas Teddy's manor house

into one of the grandest homes
in Wales,

into one of the grandest homes
in Wales,

with 30 bedrooms,

wood-panelled reception rooms
and impressive bay windows.

wood-panelled reception rooms
and impressive bay windows.

wood-panelled reception rooms
and impressive bay windows.

On the train's way
through Plas Teddy,

On the train's way
through Plas Teddy,

Mountain Spirit passes
the extraordinary gift

Mountain Spirit passes
the extraordinary gift

William gave to his daughter Mary
for her 21st birthday.

William gave to his daughter Mary
for her 21st birthday.

William gave to his daughter Mary
for her 21st birthday.

Not a diamond bracelet
or pearl earrings.

Not a diamond bracelet
or pearl earrings.

His gift had a name - Llyn Mair...

His gift had a name - Llyn Mair...

..which means Lake Mary.

..which means Lake Mary.

He built a dam
and flooded the valley,

He built a dam
and flooded the valley,

carving out the landscape
to make a beautiful shape.

carving out the landscape
to make a beautiful shape.

Later, William used the water
from Lake Mary

Later, William used the water
from Lake Mary

to provide the estate
with hydroelectricity,

to provide the estate
with hydroelectricity,

turning his lavish country pile
into one of the first homes in Wales

turning his lavish country pile
into one of the first homes in Wales

turning his lavish country pile
into one of the first homes in Wales

to be lit by electricity, ten years
before the end of the 19th century.

to be lit by electricity, ten years
before the end of the 19th century.

to be lit by electricity, ten years
before the end of the 19th century.

The Oakeleys made sure
the track ran behind the house.

The Oakeleys made sure
the track ran behind the house.

If you're a rich quarry owner,

If you're a rich quarry owner,

the last thing you'd want
is a noisy steam train

the last thing you'd want
is a noisy steam train

filling the air with smoke
and ruining your view.

filling the air with smoke
and ruining your view.

And what a magnificent view it is.

And what a magnificent view it is.

A 180-degree vista
along a pristine valley.

A 180-degree vista
along a pristine valley.

A 180-degree vista
along a pristine valley.

The Oakeley Arms, conveniently
located halfway along the line,

The Oakeley Arms, conveniently
located halfway along the line,

The Oakeley Arms, conveniently
located halfway along the line,

was the site
of the very first meeting

was the site
of the very first meeting

of the Ffestiniog Railway Company.

of the Ffestiniog Railway Company.

Four years before the line opened,

Four years before the line opened,

the meeting brought the company
into existence,

the meeting brought the company
into existence,

establishing the narrow gauge,
setting carriage rates

establishing the narrow gauge,
setting carriage rates

and raising the money
to build the line.

and raising the money
to build the line.

Today, the Ffestiniog is the oldest
surviving railway company

Today, the Ffestiniog is the oldest
surviving railway company

Today, the Ffestiniog is the oldest
surviving railway company

in the world,
and, throughout its history,

in the world,
and, throughout its history,

it has welcomed British
prime ministers,

it has welcomed British
prime ministers,

including Lord Palmerston,

and even an Imperial Commission
sent by the Russian Tsar.

and even an Imperial Commission
sent by the Russian Tsar.

And they all stayed
at the Oakeley Arms.

And they all stayed
at the Oakeley Arms.

The pub had a dedicated vehicle
to ferry guests

The pub had a dedicated vehicle
to ferry guests

to the railway for joyrides
up to the quarries.

to the railway for joyrides
up to the quarries.

Throughout the Vale of Ffestiniog,

Throughout the Vale of Ffestiniog,

the growth of the slate industry
had led to a population boom.

the growth of the slate industry
had led to a population boom.

the growth of the slate industry
had led to a population boom.

Small hamlets became villages

Small hamlets became villages

and Porthmadog became
an international port

and Porthmadog became
an international port

with thousands of workers.

with thousands of workers.

Although James Spooner had pioneered
a remarkable railway,

Although James Spooner had pioneered
a remarkable railway,

Although James Spooner had pioneered
a remarkable railway,

his son Charles wondered
whether there was a way

his son Charles wondered
whether there was a way

to make it even more successful.

to make it even more successful.

Could he convert it into the first
narrow gauge railway in the world

Could he convert it into the first
narrow gauge railway in the world

Could he convert it into the first
narrow gauge railway in the world

to carry passengers?

Mountain Spirit disappears
into the forested slopes

Mountain Spirit disappears
into the forested slopes

above the Oakeley Arms.

Emerging from the trees, it's
approaching Tan-y-Bwlch Station.

Emerging from the trees, it's
approaching Tan-y-Bwlch Station.

Emerging from the trees, it's
approaching Tan-y-Bwlch Station.

To bring his vision of a narrow
gauge passenger railway to life,

To bring his vision of a narrow
gauge passenger railway to life,

Spooner needed the support
of Parliament...

Spooner needed the support
of Parliament...

..because, at the time,
any significant change

..because, at the time,
any significant change

to a railway required
an Act of Parliament.

to a railway required
an Act of Parliament.

But narrow gauge lines
were believed to be unsafe

But narrow gauge lines
were believed to be unsafe

as they had been designed
to carry goods, not people.

as they had been designed
to carry goods, not people.

And Spooner was informed
carrying passengers

And Spooner was informed
carrying passengers

on his narrow gauge line
was illegal,

on his narrow gauge line
was illegal,

so he campaigned to prove
his doubters wrong,

so he campaigned to prove
his doubters wrong,

so he campaigned to prove
his doubters wrong,

arguing that his steam locomotives

arguing that his steam locomotives

had completed 36,000 miles
without derailing.

had completed 36,000 miles
without derailing.

had completed 36,000 miles
without derailing.

Britain's Prime Minister,
Lord Palmerston,

Britain's Prime Minister,
Lord Palmerston,

also had an interest in a very
large mine nearby, at Bethesda,

also had an interest in a very
large mine nearby, at Bethesda,

called Penrhyn Quarry, that
he annually came to inspect.

called Penrhyn Quarry, that
he annually came to inspect.

called Penrhyn Quarry, that
he annually came to inspect.

And Spooner managed to convince him
to have a ride on his railway,

And Spooner managed to convince him
to have a ride on his railway,

onboard a new locomotive
named Palmerston.

onboard a new locomotive
named Palmerston.

onboard a new locomotive
named Palmerston.

Perhaps the name did the trick.

Perhaps the name did the trick.

Within months,
with Palmerston's support,

Within months,
with Palmerston's support,

a new Act of Parliament was passed,

a new Act of Parliament was passed,

granting the Ffestiniog Railway
the right to carry passengers.

granting the Ffestiniog Railway
the right to carry passengers.

granting the Ffestiniog Railway
the right to carry passengers.

The first narrow gauge railway
to do so in the world.

The first narrow gauge railway
to do so in the world.

The first narrow gauge railway
to do so in the world.

By the late 1800s,
to pick up passengers,

By the late 1800s,
to pick up passengers,

a series of beautiful stations
were built along the line,

a series of beautiful stations
were built along the line,

including at Tan-y-Bwlch.

including at Tan-y-Bwlch.

As passenger trains increased,
the revenue of the line by 50%,

As passenger trains increased,
the revenue of the line by 50%,

As passenger trains increased,
the revenue of the line by 50%,

Spooner was presented
with his next problem.

Spooner was presented
with his next problem.

The line's single track
had reached capacity.

The line's single track
had reached capacity.

The obvious solution
was to build a second track

The obvious solution
was to build a second track

so that trains could travel in
both directions at the same time.

so that trains could travel in
both directions at the same time.

But Spooner was concerned this would
be prohibitively expensive,

But Spooner was concerned this would
be prohibitively expensive,

But Spooner was concerned this would
be prohibitively expensive,

so he came up with a radical
and innovative solution.

so he came up with a radical
and innovative solution.

so he came up with a radical
and innovative solution.

He challenged his chief engineer,
Robert Fairlie,

He challenged his chief engineer,
Robert Fairlie,

to invent a steam locomotive
powerful enough

to invent a steam locomotive
powerful enough

to carry many more carriages
and wagons on a single journey.

to carry many more carriages
and wagons on a single journey.

to carry many more carriages
and wagons on a single journey.

Fairlie's solution
was totally different

Fairlie's solution
was totally different

to anything that had come before.

to anything that had come before.

It looks like two locomotives
back-to-back,

It looks like two locomotives
back-to-back,

but is in fact one very long boiler

but is in fact one very long boiler

with a central firebox.

Coined "Double Fairlies",

Coined "Double Fairlies",

the design reduced the overall
weight of the locomotive.

the design reduced the overall
weight of the locomotive.

Importantly, this meant the train
could have fewer wheels,

Importantly, this meant the train
could have fewer wheels,

reducing the friction with the track
and making it more efficient.

reducing the friction with the track
and making it more efficient.

reducing the friction with the track
and making it more efficient.

The remarkable outcome
was a steam engine so powerful

The remarkable outcome
was a steam engine so powerful

The remarkable outcome
was a steam engine so powerful

it could pull 100 wagons uphill
at a time.

it could pull 100 wagons uphill
at a time.

By introducing Double Fairlies,
Spooner made the train so effective

By introducing Double Fairlies,
Spooner made the train so effective

By introducing Double Fairlies,
Spooner made the train so effective

there was no need
to double the track.

there was no need
to double the track.

By the late 1800s,
James and Charles Spooner

By the late 1800s,
James and Charles Spooner

had cracked a series of
technological challenges,

had cracked a series of
technological challenges,

drawing up a historic blueprint
for a narrow gauge railway.

drawing up a historic blueprint
for a narrow gauge railway.

drawing up a historic blueprint
for a narrow gauge railway.

The wholesale use of gravity,
the first steam trains,

The wholesale use of gravity,
the first steam trains,

The wholesale use of gravity,
the first steam trains,

the first passenger carriages

the first passenger carriages

and the ingenious Double Fairlies.

and the ingenious Double Fairlies.

Little wonder that
the Ffestiniog Railway

Little wonder that
the Ffestiniog Railway

inspired the construction
of dozens of narrow gauge lines

inspired the construction
of dozens of narrow gauge lines

inspired the construction
of dozens of narrow gauge lines

in mountainous regions
across the globe.

in mountainous regions
across the globe.

Coming up...

..Mountain Spirit reaches the giant
quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog...

..Mountain Spirit reaches the giant
quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog...

..Mountain Spirit reaches the giant
quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog...

..including one that, at the time,

..including one that, at the time,

was the largest underground mine
in the world.

was the largest underground mine
in the world.

Deep in the heart of Snowdonia...

Deep in the heart of Snowdonia...

..Mountain Spirit is surrounded
by rocky peaks,

..Mountain Spirit is surrounded
by rocky peaks,

where slate formed
over millions of years.

where slate formed
over millions of years.

In the final chapter,
as the train approaches

In the final chapter,
as the train approaches

the quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog,

the quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog,

Mountain Spirit is about
to reveal how the railway

Mountain Spirit is about
to reveal how the railway

transformed the region and the lives
of the people for generations.

transformed the region and the lives
of the people for generations.

transformed the region and the lives
of the people for generations.

TRAIN WHISTLES

Mountain Spirit is cruising
past Tanygrisiau Reservoir.

Mountain Spirit is cruising
past Tanygrisiau Reservoir.

Mountain Spirit is cruising
past Tanygrisiau Reservoir.

Right next to the line,
the train passes a waterfall.

Right next to the line,
the train passes a waterfall.

And just above it,

following the course of the stream
that feeds the waterfall...

following the course of the stream
that feeds the waterfall...

..are ruins...

..where the heyday of the slate
industry has been frozen in time.

..where the heyday of the slate
industry has been frozen in time.

..where the heyday of the slate
industry has been frozen in time.

Cwmorthin was sculpted over
millions of years by glacial ice.

Cwmorthin was sculpted over
millions of years by glacial ice.

Cwmorthin was sculpted over
millions of years by glacial ice.

Three mountains form a horseshoe
around a natural lake

Three mountains form a horseshoe
around a natural lake

lying at 1,000ft above sea level.

lying at 1,000ft above sea level.

Along its shore and scattered
throughout the valley,

Along its shore and scattered
throughout the valley,

these crumbling remains
are a living legacy

these crumbling remains
are a living legacy

of the deep connection between
Cwmorthin and the slate railway.

of the deep connection between
Cwmorthin and the slate railway.

And from the moment it opened,
the railway was the catalyst

And from the moment it opened,
the railway was the catalyst

And from the moment it opened,
the railway was the catalyst

for the dramatic transformation
of Cwmorthin

for the dramatic transformation
of Cwmorthin

into a thriving hotbed
of Snowdonia's slate industry.

into a thriving hotbed
of Snowdonia's slate industry.

into a thriving hotbed
of Snowdonia's slate industry.

Cwmorthin's story begins
in the 12th century,

Cwmorthin's story begins
in the 12th century,

when a small band of farmers
began eking out a living

when a small band of farmers
began eking out a living

on the hillsides of the valley,

on the hillsides of the valley,

supplementing their meagre earnings
by collecting slate.

supplementing their meagre earnings
by collecting slate.

supplementing their meagre earnings
by collecting slate.

In the early 1800s,
as the farmers began to explore

In the early 1800s,
as the farmers began to explore

Cwmorthin's rich potential
as the site of an industrial quarry,

Cwmorthin's rich potential
as the site of an industrial quarry,

Cwmorthin's rich potential
as the site of an industrial quarry,

the railway began to connect them
to the wider world.

the railway began to connect them
to the wider world.

Mountain Spirit is approaching
the outskirts of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Mountain Spirit is approaching
the outskirts of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Mountain Spirit is approaching
the outskirts of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The road it's crossing was
originally Cwmorthin's link

The road it's crossing was
originally Cwmorthin's link

to the railway.

Like all the quarries
clustered above Blaenau,

Like all the quarries
clustered above Blaenau,

Cwmorthin's quarries lie a few
hundred feet above the railway.

Cwmorthin's quarries lie a few
hundred feet above the railway.

Cwmorthin's quarries lie a few
hundred feet above the railway.

Slate wagons were hauled in and out

Slate wagons were hauled in and out

along a network of tracks
from the railway to the quarries.

along a network of tracks
from the railway to the quarries.

along a network of tracks
from the railway to the quarries.

On the shore of Cwmorthin Lake
are the remains of two

On the shore of Cwmorthin Lake
are the remains of two

of the 15 quarries that
surrounded Blaenau Ffestiniog.

of the 15 quarries that
surrounded Blaenau Ffestiniog.

of the 15 quarries that
surrounded Blaenau Ffestiniog.

When industrial mining
began in the early 1800s,

When industrial mining
began in the early 1800s,

Cwmorthin Slate Quarry was one
of the first to begin operating.

Cwmorthin Slate Quarry was one
of the first to begin operating.

Cwmorthin Slate Quarry was one
of the first to begin operating.

And 20 years later,
at the opposite end of the lake,

And 20 years later,
at the opposite end of the lake,

mining started at Rhosydd Quarry.

mining started at Rhosydd Quarry.

It's rare to see the man-made
and natural world

It's rare to see the man-made
and natural world

interact so powerfully.

interact so powerfully.

By the late 1800s,

Cwmorthin's miners were loading
12,500 tonnes of slate

Cwmorthin's miners were loading
12,500 tonnes of slate

Cwmorthin's miners were loading
12,500 tonnes of slate

into wagons every year
and sending it down the railway...

into wagons every year
and sending it down the railway...

into wagons every year
and sending it down the railway...

..requiring even more miners
and homes for them to live in.

..requiring even more miners
and homes for them to live in.

..requiring even more miners
and homes for them to live in.

In the 1881 census,

In the 1881 census,

Rhosydd Terrace recorded
13 people living at number one.

Rhosydd Terrace recorded
13 people living at number one.

Rhosydd Terrace recorded
13 people living at number one.

Here, in a private spot
behind the trees,

Here, in a private spot
behind the trees,

is Cwmorthin House,
where, for over a century,

is Cwmorthin House,
where, for over a century,

a succession of quarry managers
and their families lived and died.

a succession of quarry managers
and their families lived and died.

a succession of quarry managers
and their families lived and died.

The miners, their children,
their grandchildren,

The miners, their children,
their grandchildren,

along with the rest
of their extended families,

along with the rest
of their extended families,

came to worship every Sunday
at Rhosydd Chapel.

came to worship every Sunday
at Rhosydd Chapel.

The railway transformed Cwmorthin
into a flourishing community...

The railway transformed Cwmorthin
into a flourishing community...

The railway transformed Cwmorthin
into a flourishing community...

..and, with hard work,
strength and skill,

..and, with hard work,
strength and skill,

miners and their families
could prosper.

miners and their families
could prosper.

But, for some, the daily grind
was a relentless slog

But, for some, the daily grind
was a relentless slog

But, for some, the daily grind
was a relentless slog

in dirty, difficult
and dangerous conditions.

in dirty, difficult
and dangerous conditions.

In just two decades,

In just two decades,

21 miners out of a workforce
of 550 lost their lives.

21 miners out of a workforce
of 550 lost their lives.

21 miners out of a workforce
of 550 lost their lives.

Locals, wary of their family
and friends working at the site,

Locals, wary of their family
and friends working at the site,

Locals, wary of their family
and friends working at the site,

gave the quarry its grim nickname...

gave the quarry its grim nickname...

.."The Slaughterhouse".

As the piles of slate waste grew,

As the piles of slate waste grew,

they flowed down the mountainside...

they flowed down the mountainside...

..and spread like fingers
into the waters of the lake.

..and spread like fingers
into the waters of the lake.

Due to the tough existence
and backbreaking work of the miners,

Due to the tough existence
and backbreaking work of the miners,

Due to the tough existence
and backbreaking work of the miners,

Cwmorthin's legacy
is a dramatic spectacle

Cwmorthin's legacy
is a dramatic spectacle

Cwmorthin's legacy
is a dramatic spectacle

that epitomises the impact
of the railway

that epitomises the impact
of the railway

on the lives of the people

on the lives of the people

and the economic potential of Wales.

and the economic potential of Wales.

and the economic potential of Wales.

After the First World War,

After the First World War,

the popularity of new,
cheaper roofing materials,

the popularity of new,
cheaper roofing materials,

alongside a series of widespread
strikes in the quarries,

alongside a series of widespread
strikes in the quarries,

alongside a series of widespread
strikes in the quarries,

hastened the decline
of the slate industry.

hastened the decline
of the slate industry.

In its place,
the railway became dependent

In its place,
the railway became dependent

on the influx of a new source
of passengers - tourists.

on the influx of a new source
of passengers - tourists.

In 1946,
just after the Second World War,

In 1946,
just after the Second World War,

the last slate ship left Porthmadog.

the last slate ship left Porthmadog.

As passenger services ceased,
the Ffestiniog Railway closed.

As passenger services ceased,
the Ffestiniog Railway closed.

As passenger services ceased,
the Ffestiniog Railway closed.

But, within a decade
of its closure...

But, within a decade
of its closure...

TRAIN WHISTLES

..the railway was reborn.

..the railway was reborn.

After the war, a group
of railway enthusiasts

After the war, a group
of railway enthusiasts

set about bringing the railway
back to life.

set about bringing the railway
back to life.

They believed a steam train journey

They believed a steam train journey

through the striking
man-made landscape

through the striking
man-made landscape

would champion the proud heritage
of the miners.

would champion the proud heritage
of the miners.

Today, Mountain Spirit
and its family of steam trains

Today, Mountain Spirit
and its family of steam trains

Today, Mountain Spirit
and its family of steam trains

are one of the leading
attractions in Wales...

are one of the leading
attractions in Wales...

..carrying over 50,000 passengers
to Blaenau Ffestiniog every year.

..carrying over 50,000 passengers
to Blaenau Ffestiniog every year.

..carrying over 50,000 passengers
to Blaenau Ffestiniog every year.

Nestled in Snowdonia's
mountain scape,

Nestled in Snowdonia's
mountain scape,

a Welsh poet called Blaenau,

a Welsh poet called Blaenau,

"A bracelet of a town
on a bone of rock."

"A bracelet of a town
on a bone of rock."

As Mountain Spirit
snakes its way into town,

As Mountain Spirit
snakes its way into town,

the train passes row-after-row
of railway cottages.

the train passes row-after-row
of railway cottages.

the train passes row-after-row
of railway cottages.

Before the railway was built,

Before the railway was built,

Blaenau was home to
just a few farmsteads

Blaenau was home to
just a few farmsteads

scattered across the mountainside.

scattered across the mountainside.

At slate's zenith, 100 years later,

At slate's zenith, 100 years later,

11,000 people lived...

11,000 people lived...

..in the capital city of slate.

..in the capital city of slate.

As Mountain Spirit curves
into the centre of Blaenau,

As Mountain Spirit curves
into the centre of Blaenau,

the train passes the jewel
in the crown of its slate quarries.

the train passes the jewel
in the crown of its slate quarries.

the train passes the jewel
in the crown of its slate quarries.

In the early 1900s,

William Edward Oakeley's slate
empire employed 1,700 miners.

William Edward Oakeley's slate
empire employed 1,700 miners.

William Edward Oakeley's slate
empire employed 1,700 miners.

Digging down for nearly a mile,
they achieved a monumental feat -

Digging down for nearly a mile,
they achieved a monumental feat -

Digging down for nearly a mile,
they achieved a monumental feat -

the construction of the largest
underground mine in the world.

the construction of the largest
underground mine in the world.

the construction of the largest
underground mine in the world.

And, looming above Blaenau
in every direction...

And, looming above Blaenau
in every direction...

..colossal man-made slate mountains

..colossal man-made slate mountains

celebrate the towering achievements
of the miners,

celebrate the towering achievements
of the miners,

celebrate the towering achievements
of the miners,

whose toil endures

whose toil endures

on the rooftops of the world.

on the rooftops of the world.

As Mountain Spirit pulls
into the station...

As Mountain Spirit pulls
into the station...

..it's time to take stock
of our journey,

..it's time to take stock
of our journey,

from the coastal port of Porthmadog

from the coastal port of Porthmadog

to the World Heritage Site
at Blaenau Ffestiniog.

to the World Heritage Site
at Blaenau Ffestiniog.

to the World Heritage Site
at Blaenau Ffestiniog.

From the lives of peasant farmers

From the lives of peasant farmers

to the grand estates
of rich slate owners.

to the grand estates
of rich slate owners.

From the early vision
of port builder William Madocks...

From the early vision
of port builder William Madocks...

..to the technological genius
of James and Charles Spooner.

..to the technological genius
of James and Charles Spooner.

..to the technological genius
of James and Charles Spooner.

And from slate dragged
by horse and cart...

And from slate dragged
by horse and cart...

..to a railway that spearheaded
the transformation of Wales...

..to a railway that spearheaded
the transformation of Wales...

..to a railway that spearheaded
the transformation of Wales...

..into a global
industrial powerhouse.

..into a global
industrial powerhouse.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media

Subtitles by Red Bee Media

Subtitles by Red Bee Media