The Great North of England Clarence and Hartlepool Junction Railway
Coxhoe’s Clarence Railway had opened at the north of the village in 1833.
In direct competition this railway was conceived in an attempt to prevent mineral traffic from west Durham being funnelled to Teesside via the ‘Stockton and Darlington’ and ‘Clarence’ railways—it could connect the three railways.
The construction of the railway began at Hartlepool in 1837 and was opened on 12th October 1846.
Built principally for the conveyance of coal, a wagon way from Kelloe Colliery joined the line at Coxhoe Mill and a colliery, known as Cornforth Colliery, was sunk at Coxhoe Mill in 1838.
Whoever drew up the Junction railway bill forgot to seek powers to cross the Coxhoe branch to reach Byers Green branch and for some years the Clarence placed difficulties in the way of the Junction Company—even after parliamentary sanction to cross had been obtained.
Passenger services commenced between Hartlepool and Ferryhill in October 1846 and the 16 mile journey took 45 minutes— there were four trains a day.
The bridge was changed to a one arch bridge in 1869.
The section of the track between Coxhoe and Trimdon followed a fairly steep gradient and was known as Kelloe Bank. It is said that the brakes of the train were known to fail on this bank and occasionally failed to stop at Coxhoe Bridge Station.
Coxhoe Bridge Station
A hotel was built near the station about 1852, providing refreshment and accommodation and became known as The Bridge Hotel. It is now a private residence
The trains were very popular with local passengers for days out at Hartlepool and Seaton Carew. Many people in Coxhoe recall School, Sunday School and Workingmen’s Club Trips to the coast each year.
In severe weather the beck would overflow, flooding the line and the staff would have to carry women and children over the line.
Local man Jimmy Finity was signalman receiving a coal allowance and would save coal for his ‘neighbours’ the Pitchford family who lived in Bridge House at that time.
The lease was transferred to the North Eastern Railway and the passenger line was closed in July 1952 after serving the public for 106 years. The mineral line continued until 1991.
Last train to Coxhoe Bridge
A special ‘last journey’ passenger train was run to Raisby Quarry in March 1991 and was full of local dignitaries and railway enthusiasts.
Photograph courtesy of Ronnie Taylor Collect
Gallery of Local Railway Images.
Coxhoe Local History Group 