Fence Houses

Opened: 1914

Location code: NE16/30

Fencehouses box was erected quite late in North Eastern days, but differed little in design principle to the 1890′s box illustrated at Milton. Where it does differ, though, is in the implementation, for a wide all-timber top has been mounted on a narrow brick base. This was necessary as, at one time, four tracks (the Lambton Colliery route plus sidings) passed behind the box and across the level crossing, leaving little room for the signal box.

These sidings were associated with the coking plant that was approx 3/4 mile to the left in this view, and the connection with the collieries that were at the far end of the straight, as you look down the line past the box. The coking plant was knocked down around 1989.

As originally built, the box would have had the usual glazing along the front. The justification for removal of so much of the signalman’s view is not known. The box had been grey in colour for many years, receiving this muddier shade only in later times.

Notice the diagonal panelling in parts of the timber structure. This ornamental feature can also be seen in the even more elegant cabin at Haltwhistle.

The level crossing at Fencehouses was automated and the cabin closed on 18th May 1991. Although it was not originally intended to demolish the box, this became necessary following vandalism and occupancy by drug abusers.

There is, apparently, an excellent “N” gauge model of Fencehouses to be seen at exhibitions, which shows how this place used to look in the late 1940′s.

Closed: 1991

Information Provided from the Signalbox.org and other contributors please feel free to vist there site for more detailed information.

Fence Houses was once a hub for bands and individual singers of all kinds.

In the past we have had pipe bands, rock bands, brass bands and local celebrity singers.

Anyone remember “Bill from the Mill” and “Tremblin Trev?” Who I’d like to report is still going strong.

Tremblin has helped raise thousands of pounds over the years for various charities.

Who said, “Elvis is dead”, he is alive and well living in Fence Houses and is currently the steward of the Burnside Club.

Another Elvis fan is “Edd Wesley,” again a man who has helped raise thousands of pounds for local charities.

His rendition of Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights has to be heard to be believed.

He did record a album for charity not at Memphis but under the stairs of the Station public house, again raising a lot of money for charity.

A band that has being doing the rounds for a good few years now is “ Old Codger.” One or two members of the band is heading that way, but they are fine musicians.

If you get a chance to see them play it’s well worth a trip out.

They play anything really, we will try to get Robin to send in some information. The most famous Fence Houses band that I know is The Proles these were one of the first punk bands that I know of. They brought out a couple of albums in the 70’s 80’s on the Rock against racism label.

The members of the band still live in the Fence Houses area and may want to contribute to these pages at a later date.

I am bound to have missed a load of up and coming young musicians but we want to know about you!!!

You maybe sitting in your bedroom singing into a hair brush or making some of your own recordings by computer, let’s hear from you, you can upload music files.

Advertise any gigs you have.

You may be great at writing the lyrics but useless at music or visa versa see if you can team up with another member.

LET’S HEAR FROM FENCE HOUSES

More info and photo’s Coming Soon!

For all your bricklaying, garden walls built, extentions, steps and patios, landscape gardening.

Good lads very quick and reasonable.

Tele: 0783 038 1501

Tell them you found his number on the fence houses website. it will make his day

If you call Colin tell him you found him on this website.

For all your paving and landscaping requirements.

No job too small

Tele: mobile 07947 673 861