Sir Arthur Heywood: The Man Who Built Railways for Pleasure

These are all taking place at 6 pm at No28 on Belper Market Place, Belper DE56 1FZ. Our heritage talks are all available to book via our website: www.belpernorthmill.org.uk/calendar and it's £6 per ticket (plus booking fee)

Discover the extraordinary story of Sir Arthur Heywood, a remarkable Victorian innovator who created not one but at least three miniature railways in the late nineteenth century. At his workshop in Duffield — a perfectly scaled-down version of Derby Locomotive Works — Heywood designed and built his own locomotives, carriages, and wagons, bringing his imaginative railways to life.

This captivating talk explores his eccentric and enchanting railways at Duffield, Doveleys, and Eaton Hall, which fascinated visitors and delighted family and friends. You’ll hear charming and surprising stories — including how his children slept in a narrow-gauge sleeping car that trundled through the grounds all night long!

We’ll also uncover what survives today, watch rare film footage of the beautifully restored Eaton Hall railway, and reveal the remarkable reason why more Heywood locomotives are running now than during his lifetime.

A wonderfully entertaining talk for railway enthusiasts, local historians, and anyone who enjoys Victorian ingenuity, imagination, and a touch of eccentricity.