Cerebos Salt Works Rail Tracks

Posted on April 11, 2024 by chris.twigg

Thanks to Michael Thompson for the following contribution.

In 1894 Bolckow Vaughan & Co discovered a thick seam of salt, which led to the forming of the Greatham Salt and Brine Company. In 1903 this was bought out by Cerebos, part of the Rank-Hovis McDougall (RHM) group. The site ceased producing salt in 1971.
Sharwood’s also part of RHM had taken over part of the site in 1966 for the production of curry and chutneys. RHM took over full control in 1968 producing such brands a Bisto; Atora and others. The site fully closed in 2002.(Info-This is Hartlepool: Cerebos Salt Works)

Railtracks at Cerebos Salt Works, looking east towards Hartlepool.

Map showing the location of the tracks.

Greatham Signal Box

Posted on September 11, 2023 by chris.twigg

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Built 1889; was due to be demolished October 2020.
It is a North Eastern Railway Central Division Type N1+
(Info-Railway Signal Boxes: A review by John Minnis & Network Rail Signal Box database)

Thanks to Michael Thompson.

Greatham Railway Station

Posted on July 17, 2023 by chris.twigg

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I’ve been taking a short break from Hidden Teesside, but I return with a kind contribution from Michael Thompson.

Greatham Railway Station was opened on 10 February 1841 as a branch of the Clarence Railway, from Billingham to Hartlepool. The station finally closed on 24 November 1991. Apart from serving the residents of Greatham the station also served as a freight station for the nearby salt works.

(Info – Wikipedia: Greatham Railway Station)

Greatham Station looking east towards Hartlepool (Michael Thompson)

Although the station has now been deleted from the Ordnance Survey maps the road from Greatham to the station is still called Station Road.

Pillbox, North Gare Sands

Posted on August 20, 2012 by chris.twigg

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The pillbox overlooks the Seaton On Tees channel, where Greatham Creek reaches the sea.

Externally its virtually free of grafitti, perhaps due to its remote location.

Inside the mounting pole for a Bren or Lewis gun still remains.

Greatham Salt Works (Cerebos) , Greatham

Posted on May 11, 2012 by chris.twigg

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The site known as Greatham Saltworks was founded in the late 1800s before becoming Cerebos around the turn of the century. In 1968 CerebosÂ becameÂ part ofÂ Ranks Hovis McDougallÂ andÂ products such as Bisto Gravy andÂ Atora Suet were manufactured.

From 1997 to closure in 2002 some SharwoodsÂ products were made here, on the day I visited it was in the final stages of demolition.

The internals of site wereÂ photographed extensively on urbex sites such as 28 Days Later

Another Greatham Pillbox

Posted on May 10, 2012 by chris.twigg

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Another part of the extensive network of wartime defences around Greatham.

As with the example next to the football field, all the loopholes are covered with modern bars, despite the door still being wide open.

Barrington School, Greatham

Posted on March 23, 2012 by chris.twigg

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This stone stands on the village green in Greatham.

I have found a reference in the 1856 book “History, topography, and directory of the county palatine of Durham” by William Whellan that states.

‘The Barrington School, situated in the centre of the village, was erected in 1831 ; it is efficiently conducted, and well attended. There is also an Infant School, which was erected by subscription in 1831’

Greatham Pillbox

Posted on March 22, 2012 by chris.twigg

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This well preserved and relatively grafitti free pillbox is situtated right next to the football field in Greatham.

Strangely all the loop holes and firing positions have been covered with modern bars, but the door is wide open for you to walk inside, which doesn’t make much sense.

Greatham Church School / Community Centre

Posted on March 21, 2012 by chris.twigg

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A series of date stones are preserved in the wall of the current community centre. The first marks the foundation of the Greatham Church School in 1834 with the inscription ‘Non Nobis Domine’ which translates as “Not to us, O Lord”

Next is a 1878 rebuild with the inscription ‘Non Nobis Sed, Nomini Tuo Da Glorium’ which translates as “not to us, but to your name give glory” both parts being from Psalm 115