Level 2 building survey of 1922 GNR Type 1b signal box at Bingham. (1)

Bingham Signal Box is of the GNR Type 1b variety, and was built in 1875. It houses a McK&H C&T 4” frame, inserted in 1922, when the box was lengthened to the east to accommodate it. The GNR in particular preferred to extend their existing boxes, rather than building new boxes for new frames.
It is located on the Down side of the track, operating the Chapel Lane/Kirkhill level crossing. This has existed since 1851; therefore a signal box may have existed before the present structure.

Description of Structure:
Exterior:
Two storey, rectangular signal box of three bays with a gabled welsh slate roof. The lower storey is brick as is the back wall of the second storey. The box has been extended by one bay to the east. There are three windows at the front of the box at ground floor level, the left is clearly a later design and addition. Aside from the back wall, the first floor is continuously glazed with vertical timber boarding; all windows at this level are uPVC replacements. The pitched Welsh slate roof has fretted bargeboards and timber spike finials on its gables. The external timber staircase has been replaced with a steel version and a balconied walkway has been removed from the front and ends of the box. Behind the west end of the box is a brick coal or out house.
Interior:
The operating room has a modern suspended ceiling and laminated floor, along with various other modern fittings and appliances. The interior is probably contemporary to the 1922 extension or later. The block shelf is in front of the windows; along the back wall are various contemporary lockers and the train registry desk, as well as a blocked fireplace. The 1922 McKenzie & Holland locking frame and locking mechanisms in the ground floor room are along the front of the box.

<1> Alan Baxter, 2014, Bingham Signal Box Historic Building Record (Unpublished document). SNT4784.