Shildon Railway Art Works
Art In Shildon, County Durham
A series of railway related art works in Shildon.
As the 19th century began, the village of Shildon comprised a few houses around a crossroads, but as the Industrial Revolution took hold, the town grew rapidly. In fact, in 1801 the population was 100 people, but by the end of the century it had grown to an incredible 11,759 people.
One of the main drivers of this rapid expansion was the birth of the railways, and it was an industry that was a source of employment in the town until 1984 when the railway works closed.
A notice was placed in the London Gazette in 1818 which said;
'...that application is intended to be made to Parliament in the next session, for an Act for making and maintaining a 'rail-way or tram-road from the River Tees, at or near Stockton, in the county of Durham'.
This notice was the beginning of the world-famous Stockton to Darlington Railway Line, which due to demand, saw the worlds first passenger line opened on the 27th September 1825.
There are only a few buildings and remnants of the railway left in the town and surrounds, including the Brusselton Incline, but there are some clues as to the railway heritage that have been placed around the town as artworks.
On Redworth Road, not far from the site of the Shildon Wagon Works, you can find the former gates to Euston Station, which were originally erected at the London Station in 1838. Originally donated to the National Railway Museum in York, they were donated to the town in recognition of its place at the birth of the railways in the UK.
A short walk down Redworth Road on the roundabout with Byerley Road, you can find the Shildon Wagon Works Restored Semaphore Signal. This semaphore signal used to protect the level crossing outside Shildon Wagon Works. It was restored and placed on the roundabout in a location similar to the one it originally occupied.
The location of the Stockton to Darlington Line is another short walk from the semaphore and is marked by another semaphore signal, a section of track and an interpretation panel. This panel explains that this is the location of the Masons Arms Crossing, the exact location where Locomotion No. 1 began its very first journey. The Masons Arms pub is no longer there but the building is now occupied by a restaurant.
You can walk along the length of the old Stockton to Darlington Line from this point and it will eventually take you to Brusselton Incline.
Get 1 point if you have visited this place. Already visited by 50 VIPs.
Login to the VIP area to add places to your bucket list, mark them as visited and more importantly see where you rank on the league table.
How To Find Shildon Railway Art Works
Where Is Shildon Railway Art Works?
Lat / Long
54.62496, -1.644669
What three words
Where To Park For Shildon Railway Art Works?
Lat / Long
54.62531, 54.62531
What three words
Parking is available opposite the Euston Station Gates.
Contributed by Andrew Gardner
I love being outdoors, in nature, and experiencing the relaxation it brings. Wandering through the northern countryside seeing unexpected buildings, historic places and occasionally surprised wildlife is one of life's great pleasures.
More Places from AndrewMore Places In Shildon
Find more fabulous places in Shildon, County Durham and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.
Oh no! We couldn't find any more places for this area. Don't worry, we're adding new places all the time, so please check back again soon.
More Art
So this art wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
Queen's Well
Art Angus ScotlandA magnificent stone structure resembling a royal crown to commemorate a visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Giant Trowel
Art Ashington NorthumberlandA giant trowel next to the North Seaton Community Centre in Ashington.
Cramlington Shroud - Capella
Art Cramlington NorthumberlandA polished and lacquered aluminium shroud set in the nature reserve.
Never Miss A Fabulous Place
If you are afraid of missing out on all the fabulous places we post, or just want to be the first to know, then sign up to the Fabulous North.
Each week we will email you all the brand new places that we visit.
Sign Up To AlertsFind Us On Facebook
We post all our new places daily on our Facebook Groups page, so join the group today and be notified when we add a new place.
Join Our Facebook GroupShildon Railway Art Works was listed in Art // County Durham // Shildon