Scarborough has made railway history after 239 people took a seat on the town’s world-famous station bench to mark Railway 200.

The huge seat on Platform 1 was built in 1883 and stretches 139 metres. It is said to be the longest station bench in the world, with room for more than 230 people.

On Tuesday 30 September, the Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership (CRP) put this claim to the test, organising a special event with funding support from TransPennine Express. Scarborough Sixth Form College students came down to the station along with community volunteers (many in period costume), lining up shoulder-to-shoulder on the bench to celebrate 200 years of Britain’s railways.

Among the guests was the Deputy Mayor of Scarborough, Sarah Mason, who joined the celebration to show her support for the town’s railway heritage. David Birdsall, Scarborough’s town crier, announced the official total of people seated on the bench, and the event even attracted BBC coverage.

Afterwards, guests were encouraged to visit the Old Parcels Office to see another of the partnership’s projects – a heritage exhibition celebrating the golden age of local seaside holidays. Souvenir postcards and pens were given out to all as mementos of the special occasion.

Rachel Osborne, Yorkshire Coast CRP officer, said: “Scarborough is famous for its long station seat, and we are proud to have brought people together to celebrate this unique piece of railway history.

“The celebrations have really put Scarborough Station and the Yorkshire Coast CRP on the map, and we hope it will encourage more people to travel to the area in the future.”

Andrew Watkins, community and development manager at TransPennine Express, said: “We were delighted to support this unique celebration at Scarborough Station.

“The famous platform bench has been part of the town’s railway story for more than 140 years, and this event was a wonderful way to connect people with that history while looking ahead to the future of rail.”

Learn more about TransPennine Express’ work in the community here.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Yorkshire Coast CRP via their website.

Photos courtesy of Matt Cooper.