Fence Houses

Another excellent photo that has been found and this is probably better than most for its detail. Thanks to Geoff Robinson

 The repairs to the wall of both the signal box and the station shed can clearly be seen where the accident damaged them when the trucks came adrift (I think you have the very poor picture of this already).  The signaling is interesting and the gates are old.  In the distance a steam train is about to shunt the guards van back into the sidings on the left (out of sight) and then push the empty coal hoppers up to Blackyboy for collection.

I cannot remember taking this photo – any idea of the date?

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.