Signal Box
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Signal Box

1885 July 27 - The signal box was opened.
 
It was built by MacKenzie & Holland of Worcester, as their 'type 3' box design under contract to the Great Western Railway. It has a striking feature in that it is unusually tall, providing good visibility over the goods yard to the east and rear (south) of the 'box. A balcony was also provided on the east side to allow the signalman to communicate with drivers and other personnel working in the goods yard.
 
The signal box was designed to be operated by one person. It was built with an open fireplace and chimney, oil lamp lighting, and a separate outside toilet.
 
Note that a further signal box named Ledbury Branch Signal Box, was located on the 17.46-mile single line Gloucester-Ledbury branch, 506 yards from the main line junction west of Ledbury station. That signal box opened on 27 July 1885 and closed in 1925.
 
[Signal Box]
 

Sources
1897 - 1980 A Retrospect Tilleys Almanacks - Herefordshire History
Photographs are credited to the owners where possible
Comments in italics are from the Old Ledbury Facebook Group
Cuttings from Old Ledbury Reporter Newspapers