SOUTH TO RETFORD

Once again, we leave South Yorkshire (we'll return in the future) and re-enter Nottinghamshire, reaching Scrooby, from where some of the Pilgrim Fathers originated. They've given their name to the village pub.

Here's the church, also of Pilgrim Fathers fame.

There was a small station at Scrooby, on the ECML. GNR 284 passes in 1904.

Scrooby was known for its water troughs, seen here being used by preserved A4 4498 (Les Flint).

Further south and we're approaching Ranskill. LNER K3 no. 2762 passes the siding where sludge from water softening plants was dumped.

Heading in the opposite direction (northbound), a class 47 on a car train in 1971. The closed Ranskill station is in the background.

Ranskill station in GNR times.

An ex GNR "Atlantic" passes through.

The signal box still survives to control the level crossing.

At Ranskill Wagon Works, the old Royal Train is ready for scrapping.

Wilfreda Coaches had their depot in Ranskill in the early 1970s.

A deviation from the old Great North Road and the ECML finds us in Blyth (Follow the route here). Trent Motor Traction served the large village in 1989.

Blyth church, also in 1989.

The Angel Inn is a former Hardy Hansons pub, now owned by Greene King.

The Red Hart has a decent beer selection.

Back to the East Coast Main Line and the tiny station called Barnby Moor & Sutton.

More LNER traffic at Barnby Moor.

Barnby Moor village is home to a famous coaching inn, Ye Olde Bell Hotel. It's still in business today.

To the south is Botany Bay signal box and level crossing, where LNER 2-6-0 no. 4660 is seen.

Now, we're approaching Retford and cross the Chesterfield Canal, where there was a signal box called, appropriately, " Canal".

That's where I'll leave you for now. Next time, a post dedicated to the town of Retford.

A BRIEF SOJOURN BACK TO SOUTH YORKSHIRE

We're now in Nottinghamshire, following the GN&GE Joint line up to Beckingham, where the station is seen in 1967 (Ben Brooksbank - Creative Commons License). 

Here's the signal box in 1980 (now gone, of course).

To the north, Walkeringham signal box, 1969.

Walkeringham station in pre-grouping days.

If you're wondering where we're going, follow the map here. Our next stop is Gringley-on-the-Hill, where the Blue Bell has decent beer.

To the west is Mattersey, where we can view the ruins of the Priory.

Not far away, the village of Everton. The Blacksmiths has a good range of beers.

Next up, the little known rural community called Misson. 

There was once a tiny ferry across the River Idle.

Misson was once served by rail, on the freight only Tickhill Light Railway. Here's a view from a 350hp diesel shunter approaching the weed-strewn depot from Bawtry (W Ashton).

By 1968, rail traffic had ceased.

A Ruston diesel was found on a farm in Misson sometime around 1982. 

If you're lucky, you might find some cask beer at the Ship at Newington, but it won't be Home Ales.

Just in Yorkshire, Austerfield was once home to the White Hart.

Onwards to Bawtry. As we arrive in the small town, we find the railway station, long closed, but on the busy East Coast Main Line. Here's the station in GNR times.

The exterior, in GNR days and 1969.

Some ECML steam approaches Bawtry.

D9011 passes through the station in 1962 (Roger Joanes - Creative Commons License).

Ex H&BR 0-6-0 no 2418 shunts at Bawtry in 1923.

A couple of views of Bawtry station environs circa 1969.

Serving the railway was the Station Hotel, now demolished.

To the south of Bawtry station station was a viaduct, subject to a speed restriction for many years. It was finally rebuilt and is seen here in 1986, as an InterCity 125 passes at speed.

Here's the east side of the viaduct in 2012.

Flying over Bawtry in 1925.

The Market Place, circa 1938.

The Crown (no real ale) overlooks the Market Place.

St Nicolas Church, Bawtry, 2005.

East Midland Motor Services used to serve Bawtry.

Stagecoach is now the main operator.

Chesterfield Transport came into Bawtry, post deregulation.

A Caroline-Seagull coach from Great Yarmouth calls for a comfort break in 1988.

Wilfreda Coaches, moved to Bawtry from Ranskill. This view in 1986.

Time for a beer. Nothing at this pub, as the Marquis of Granby seems to no longer exist. 

There's beer in the White Hart, though not in the old pub.

The Turnpike is a free house facing the Market Place.

On the edge of town is the Ship, a great place to finish this post.

Next time, back into Nottinghamshire.