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Bowes Line (1975) is a film that documents the historic rope-hauled railway built in the 1820s by George Stephenson. This railway connected Kibblesworth Colliery to Jarrow Staithes, facilitating the transport of coal to ships on the River Tyne. A distinctive feature of the line was its self-acting incline system, where the weight of descending loaded wagons pulled empty ones uphill, exemplifying early engineering ingenuity.
The film centres on the daily activities of Matty and Luke, two workers on the line, providing an intimate portrayal of their roles in operating this unique system. Through their experiences, viewers gain insight into the manual skills and coordination required to manage the rope-haulage mechanism effectively. Their stories reflect the broader industrial heritage of the North East and the communities built around such infrastructures.
By focusing on these individuals, Bowes Line not only preserves the technical aspects of the railway but also honours the workers who maintained its operations. The film serves as a valuable historical record, capturing a pivotal period in the region's industrial evolution and shedding light on the human elements behind technological advancements.
