SCRCA structure 256700: Garsdale (formerly Hawes Junction) Signal Box (1910 - present)

SCRCA Location Introduction

The current signal box at Garsdale is a three-bay version of the Midland Railway 'type 4c' standard design and it became operational on 10th July 1910. Its original dimensions were 30ft. long by 10ft. 6in. wide and the operating cabin is 8ft high. It houses a 'type 33R' manually operated 40-lever tappet frame (which was manufactured in 1910 at the Derby signal works).

When first opened, it was known as 'Hawes Junction' signal box and it replaced two earlier signal boxes ('Hawes Junction South' and 'Hawes Junction North'). However, on 1st September 1932, it was renamed to 'Garsdale Station' signal box. (On the same date, the name of the station was officially altered from 'Hawes Junction and Garsdale' to 'Garsdale'.)

On Saturday, 24th December 1910, the operation of this signal box played a key role in the 'Hawes Junction Disaster' (one the most deadly accidents to have occurred on the Settle & Carlisle Railway).

In 1983 (when the line was being run-down for closure), the box was 'switched out' (i.e. it was not used for normal traffic purposes). However, it was maintained in an operational state and it was reactivated for short periods of time when traffic on the line was busier than normal (e.g. due to diversions from the West and East Coast Main Lines and when steam specials were booked to stop at the station to take-on water).

During the second half of the 1990s, the box was re-opened on a part-time basis (as traffic levels began to increase following the line's reprieve from closure).

In 2008, its opening hours were extended to 24/7 to cater for a significant increase in freight traffic. Also during 2008/9, a small extension was added to provide toilet and washing facilities within earshot of the operating floor (thereby reducing the need for the duty signaller to temporarily close the box).

In 2014, remedial work was carried-out to combat a subsidence issue and to extend the life of the box. During this 4-month (£275,000) project, the operating floor was supported by an internal steel frame constructed on a series of 'mini piles' and the building was fully refurbished (including replacement windows, a new slate roof, and repainting).

In 2021, the box’s structural timbers and outside cladding were repaired, the roof and windows were replaced (again), the staircase, toilet extension and window cleaning balcony were rebuilt, a new kitchen was installed, and the entire structure was repainted.

Garsdale Signal Box (B), elevation view from the southwest.

Key details from the Location Record

Location Type
Signal Box
Location Variant
Signal Box - Midland type 4c
Assessment status
Assessed
Current Use(s)
Railway ops
Shown on a land plan?
Yes 
Construction / installation period
3: MR operational phase (1st Jan 1877 to 31st Dec 1922)
Distance from London St.Pancras
256 miles and 55 chains
Position relative to running lines
Down
Visibility
This location IS visible from nearby publicly accessible land.
Accessibility (ease of access)
Easy
Protection Category
Listed, Grade II
Geographic Location
  View this location on mapping. or on aerial imagery.

List Entry Extract(s)

The information quoted below has been extracted from the relevant List Entries in 'The National Heritage List for England (NHLE) (https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/).

Tip: To open the full extract, click / tap on the List Entry Number in the left hand column.

List Entry Number (LEN) List Entry District List Entry Name
1412055 South Lakeland Garsdale Signal Box

Image Gallery

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Context views

Elevation views

Detail views

Cab-views

 

Errors and omissions
Reasonable efforts are being made to ensure the accuracy of the information obtained and uploaded as part of the SCRCA Project. However, it is possible that a few errors will have crept-in. If you notice any such errors, we would be grateful if you would bring them to our attention using the SCRCA Project Contact Form. The Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line and the members of the SCRCA Project Team do NOT guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this database. If you intend to use and / or act upon any of this information, you are advised to verify its accuracy BEFORE doing so.