The Black Boy Branch

An early dog walk today as we are heading out to the theatre this evening to see 'Swallows and Amazons.'
When passing through the town this afternoon, I took a quick shot of this old wagon which is a reminder to the townsfolk of their heritage.Not only does Shildon calim to be the cradle of the railways, it ws also a significant mining town.Transferred into sepia, it could actually pass as a photograph taken back in the 19th century, when the railways began.
There is a line of blue cobbles on the street which marks the route of the 1827 Black Boy Railway line.This line remained in use until 1842 when the tunnel under this spot was opened. These wagons were hauled up and lowered down the incline by a stationary steam engine.
I have just been informed by hubby that the now railway line from here to Bishop Auckland runs under the entire main street at right angles to it. Seems to me that this might be one and the same tunnel.Must enquire further.