Proposed Durham History Centre

Durham has applied for planning permission to base a new Durham History Centre at Mount Oswald Manor House, off the South Road near the University & Howlands Park & Ride.

Oswald House (as originally built) drawn by John Preston Neale in 1818
(as released from the British Museum to Wiki)

Dunston Staiths

Dunston Staiths were seen on fire early in the morning of Saturday 16 May 2020.

Firefighters tackling the blaze

For more background, see the website of the owners of Dunston Staiths, Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust.

May Lockdown Railway Scrapbook

Everywhere I go in the area I notice, often accidentally, past or present objects of industry & railways.   If you notice similar, please send a photo with some descriptive text.   If you recognize any of the places below please leave a comment:

The Pontop & South Shields route is taking a different form at this location

Grand Canyon Railway

The photos below are courtesy of Dave Hewitt, who visited the Grand Canyon Railway in June 2006 (most photos) & June 2015 (where stated):

Heading for the Grand Canyon through Arizona scrub in June 2006

The Grand Canyon Railway is a tourist line running 64 miles due north from Williams, Arizona to the rim of the Grand Canyon (ie it doesn't descend into or run along the canyon).   It was originally a mining railway, but turned to include sightseeing passengers in 1901 - a short history is available.

Tomlinson 1915

The official history of the North Eastern Railway, Its Rise & Development, was written by the eminent historian William Weaver Tomlinson in 1915.   David & Charles published an edition of the 800+ page book in 1967 which may be available second hand for about £40; there is also a 2015 edition from Andesite Press.   However, the first edition is freely available on line, including as a pdf download of 110 MB, with the further advantages of being much lighter and machine searchable.

Tanfield Gradient Profile - Tomlinson p343

Tanfield Railway - an Early Day

The photos below are courtesy of Chris Shearer.   They were taken around the time of Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in June 1977.   TR trains had started running between a temporary platform at Marley Hill & a temporary loop at Bowes Bridge.

Alan running 32 round the train at Marley Hill.   The low buffer beam matched the 'glass carriage' **

Tanfield Branch Crossings #2

Another angle at Sunniside level crossing

Tanfield Branch Crossings #1

N10 69100 passing over Lobley Hill crossing
(photo Armstrong Trust)