
Built 1889; was due to be demolished October 2020.
It is a North Eastern Railway Central Division Type N1+
(Info-Railway Signal Boxes: A review by John Minnis & Network Rail Signal Box database)
Thanks to Michael Thompson.
Built 1889; was due to be demolished October 2020.
It is a North Eastern Railway Central Division Type N1+
(Info-Railway Signal Boxes: A review by John Minnis & Network Rail Signal Box database)
Thanks to Michael Thompson.
I’ve been taking a short break from Hidden Teesside, but I return with a kind contribution from Michael Thompson.
Greatham Railway Station was opened on 10 February 1841 as a branch of the Clarence Railway, from Billingham to Hartlepool. The station finally closed on 24 November 1991. Apart from serving the residents of Greatham the station also served as a freight station for the nearby salt works.
(Info – Wikipedia: Greatham Railway Station)
Greatham Station looking east towards Hartlepool (Michael Thompson)
Although the station has now been deleted from the Ordnance Survey maps the road from Greatham to the station is still called Station Road.
The site known as Greatham Saltworks was founded in the late 1800s before becoming Cerebos around the turn of the century. In 1968 Cerebos became part of Ranks Hovis McDougall and products such as Bisto Gravy and Atora Suet were manufactured.
From 1997 to closure in 2002 some Sharwoods products were made here, on the day I visited it was in the final stages of demolition.
The internals of site were photographed extensively on urbex sites such as 28 Days Later
This stone stands on the village green in Greatham.
I have found a reference in the 1856 book “History, topography, and directory of the county palatine of Durham” by William Whellan that states.
‘The Barrington School, situated in the centre of the village, was erected in 1831 ; it is efficiently conducted, and well attended. There is also an Infant School, which was erected by subscription in 1831’
A series of date stones are preserved in the wall of the current community centre. The first marks the foundation of the Greatham Church School in 1834 with the inscription ‘Non Nobis Domine’ which translates as “Not to us, O Lord”
Next is a 1878 rebuild with the inscription ‘Non Nobis Sed, Nomini Tuo Da Glorium’ which translates as “not to us, but to your name give glory” both parts being from Psalm 115
The final stone simply marks a 1928 enlargement.
The Sheaf Thrower by Michael Disley was erected in 19th June 1995
It commemorates the tradition of Sheaf Throwing at the annual Greatham feast, which has been happening for 550 years.
Apparently a piece of the birds head fell off shortly after installation, but has since been repaired.
This metal pin is another part of the extensive network on anti-landing measures around Greatham Creek.
It was the mounting point for a Spigot Mortar or Blacker Bombard which would have been able to fire a 20lb anti-tank explosive approximately 100 yards, presumably at any invading force on the nearby bridge.
The original bridge which has since been replaced, was itself mined to allow its total destruction