Introduction

This originally independent line was promoted from the South Yorkshire Railway and River Dun Navigation to Wakefield but was cut back to a good yard Applehaigh Lane Goods due to opposition. Thus foiled, it was a coal railway. By the time it was opened in 1870 it was owned by the South Yorkshire Railway and River Dun Navigation.

The 'Barnsley Stump' was finally extended north from Lee Lane (just south of Applehaugh) to a triangular junction with the West Riding and Grimsby Railway in 1882. A new curve was also installed at the south end giving the line a western exit towards Barnsley. Lee Lane to Nostell Line (Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway)