Barrow Hill
Barrow Hill was a fascinating area to the North of Chesterfield, rich in railway and industrial history. The Midland Railway opened a shed there in 1870, which served the nearby steel works and collieries for over a hundred years. With the de-industrialisation of the area and in particular the run-down of the coal industry, traffic dwindled and the shed was closed by British Rail in 1991. This page shows a variety of views over the last decade of BR operation of the depot and then into the depot's new era as a successful commercial operation.
![110-19821003-BARROW-HILL-SHED-03129-Open-Day-Shuttle-1-1200x800-Alan-Jones Open days at Barrow Hill were always great fun. Usually the first weekend of October, they included a number of highlights such as a Deltic, a Class 76, a Class 13 and, of course, a chance to ride behind (or even in!) one of the depot's Class 03s. Passengers boarded via wooden steps round the back of the depot and travelled to the end of the headshunt in a Mark 1 BSK carriage. What a delight! 03129 is seen doing the honours on October 3rd 1982. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/110-19821003-BARROW-HILL-SHED-03129-Open-Day-Shuttle-1-1200x800-Alan-Jones.jpg)
![101-19810628-BARROW-HILL-Looking-South-1-1200x800-Alan-Jones A view of Barrow Hill Yard on 28th June 1981, before resignalling and rationalisation in the Autumn/Winter of 1981. On the far right the branch from the deport can be seen (the Springwell Branch, after a colliery it used to serve). Barrow Hill South Box can be seen where the branch joins the Main Line. The Down Sidings and Up Sidings are on either side of the Main Line, which is flanked by Goods Lines worked as Permissive Block. The three Up Reception sidings can be seen and to their left are the Up sidings. In the distance to the left of the ladder on the lamp post, Barrow Hill Up Sidings Box can just be made out. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/08-BarrowHillYard/101-19810628-BARROW-HILL-Looking-South-1-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![102-19810628-BARROW-HILL-Looking-North-1-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones A view North from the footbridge over the lines to Staveley Works shows Barrow Hill Junction Box and the station platform in the distance. The Up and Down Main Lines run past the Box. To the right of these is the single line from Hall Lane Junction which became the Up Goods Line at Barrow Hill Junction. The fourth line was a Shunting Line to allow traffic to and from Staveley Works to access the Main Line via a reversal. The Shunting Line used to give access to the former Summit Sidings which by this time had closed. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/08-BarrowHillYard/102-19810628-BARROW-HILL-Looking-North-1-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![105-19811004-BARROW-HILL-Barrow-Hill-Jc-Box-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones Barrow Hill Junction, seen on 4th October 1981, was a large and important signal box with a 100 lever frame that controlled the junction of the Old Road and the line to Seymour Junction, as well as access to and from the North end of the Up Yard. At Seymour the line further divided to serve Markham Colliery, Bolsover Colliery and Coalite and in the other direction Oxcroft Colliery and the through route via Clowne to Elmton and Creswell. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/08-BarrowHillYard/105-19811004-BARROW-HILL-Barrow-Hill-Jc-Box-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![106-19811004-BARROW-HILL-E51284E56454-Open-Day-Shuttle-from-Chesterfield-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones British Rail ran a shuttle between Chesterfield and Barrow Hill for the depot's Open Days. On October 4th 1981, Cravens set E51284 + E56454 leads the formation into Barrow Hill station. Much to the chagrin of local spotters, many of the regular locomotives were moved out of the depot during the Open Day weekend and parked in the Down Sidings, seen between Barrow Hill South Box (behind the fourth carriage) and Barrow Hill Up Sidings Box (at the far end of the Up Sidings, partly obscured by the ladder on the lamp post at the far left of the picture). Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/08-BarrowHillYard/106-19811004-BARROW-HILL-E51284E56454-Open-Day-Shuttle-from-Chesterfield-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![104-19810628-BARROW-HILL-Barrow-Hill-Jc-Up-Main-Starter-1-1200x800-Alan-Jones Barrow Hill Junction's signal 85 (on the right, in the Off position, with Barrow Hill South's Up distant No. 4 below it) was the Up Main starting signal. In the centre, signal 27 (with a fixed distant for a second connection from the Up Main to the Up Goods line below it) controlled access from the Up Main to the Up Goods Line and a calling-on arm below to control access into the Permissive Block section on receipt of a 2-4-2 Line Occupied Acceptance from Barrow Hill South. The subsidiary signal on the left with the 4-route indicator controlled access to the three Reception Lines and the Up Sidings, operated by levers 28-31 and showing the indications 1, 2, 3 and S respectively. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/08-BarrowHillYard/104-19810628-BARROW-HILL-Barrow-Hill-Jc-Up-Main-Starter-1-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![100-19900921-BARROW-HILL-20215-Joe-Denston-2-1200x800-Alan-Jones No coverage of Barrow Hill would be complete without mention of one of the Depot's best-loved characters. Joe Denston was a guard at Barrow Hill and latterly a Train Preparer in the Up Sidings (seen here). He was a warm, affable man who loved the Railway and loved to share his knowledge and experiences. Joe was a key figure in the early days of the Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society and all who enjoy the facilities today have much to thank him for. He passed away in the early 2000s and is greatly missed. 21st September 1990. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/08-BarrowHillYard/100-19900921-BARROW-HILL-20215-Joe-Denston-2-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
1980s Scenes Around the Shed
![201-19820630-BARROW-HILL-SHED-20025-2-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones Single Class 20s were unusual in the area, and were most often found working trips to and from Bolsover Coalite. On the 30th June 1982, 20025 approaches the depot at the end of its duties. To the left can be seen 08868 which is ready to take the afternoon trip to Chesterfield Tube Works. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/201-19820630-BARROW-HILL-SHED-20025-2-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![203-19820630-BARROW-HILL-SHED-2005420096-Going-On-Shed20025-1-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones Whilst 20025 was in the headshunt returning to the Depot, it was joined by 20054 and 20096 (all Tinsley locomotives). The signalling controlling movements on and off the shed (by this time under Sheffield Power Box) applied only to the spur round to the Old Road so it was possible to have multiple engines in the headshunt and the drivers just agreed between themselves who did what. 30th June 1982. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/203-19820630-BARROW-HILL-SHED-2005420096-Going-On-Shed20025-1-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![205-19860919-BARROW-HILL-SHED-56089-Coming-Off-Shed-2-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones Early evening with the sun round in the West gave a very pleasant view of movements on and off the shed. On September 19th 1986, large-logo liveried 56089 comes off the shed and pauses to reverse. A 56 and a 58 can be seen on shed to the left, whilst in the background some chimneys from Staveley Works can be seen above the treeline. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/205-19860919-BARROW-HILL-SHED-56089-Coming-Off-Shed-2-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![209-19860921-BARROW-HILL-SHED-200892014420162200665800458003580275802556089-2-1200x800-Alan-Jones The depot staff at Barrow Hill were always willing to allow the photographer to go round the depot on Sundays - in return for a generous contribution to the railway orphanage charity. On 21st September 1986, 20089, 20144, 20162 and 20066 are parked up alongside 58004, 58003, 58027, 58025 and 56089. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/209-19860921-BARROW-HILL-SHED-200892014420162200665800458003580275802556089-2-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![214-19860921-BARROW-HILL-SHED-08141088715600356073-1-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones For many years Barrow Hill had an allocation of five Class 08s: 08141, 08186, 08509, 08868 and 08871. At weekends they could all usually be seen in and around the roundhouse. This view, taken on 21st September 1986 shows two of the five, 08141 and 08871 round the turntable with 56003 and 56073. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/214-19860921-BARROW-HILL-SHED-08141088715600356073-1-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![216-19870417-BARROW-HILL-SHED-20150-1-1200x800-Alan-Jones The last of what might be described as the traditional Trip workings at Barrow Hill was T07 which mainly moved slack from Warsop Junction and the Nottinghamshire collieries to Bolsover Coalite via the Clowne Branch and a reversal at Seymour. It was usually worked by a pair of Class 20s, although occasionally a single 20 would substitute. On a quiet Sunday 17th April 1987, 20150 catches the sunlight through the shed roof. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/216-19870417-BARROW-HILL-SHED-20150-1-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
The Last Week
The last week of BR operation of Barrow Hill started with one fifth of the Class 58 fleet on shed and ended with snow and freezing conditions.
Saturday 9th February 1991 - The Last Day of BR Operation
![415-19910209-BARROW-HILL-SHED-12-2007320197-The-Last-Locos-to-Leave-Barrow-Hill-Depot-Adjusted-1200x800-Alan-Jones The final movement from Barrow Hill Shed took place at approximately 12.10 on Saturday 9th February 1991 as 20073 and 20197 departed, bringing to a close 120 years of operation. Here the Class 20s make their final move round the spur to the Old Road, with no fuss or bother, leaving the now-disused Roundhouse in the background. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/415-19910209-BARROW-HILL-SHED-12-2007320197-The-Last-Locos-to-Leave-Barrow-Hill-Depot-Adjusted-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
The New Era - Barrow Hill Roundhouse
Under the inspired and visionary leadership of Mervyn Allcock, Saturday 9th February 1991 was not the end for Barrow Hill. The depot is now a highly successful commercial operation which performs an important role not only in railway preservation but also in contemporary railway operation.
The Open Day on July 15th 2000 gave a wonderful opportunity for the Cambridge Branch's noted steam photographer Michael Smyth to create a series of views, inspired by Colin Gifford's style of photography, that might have come directly from the last years of steam.
![555-20000715-BARROW-HILL-41708-Michael-Smyth-1 The photographer has emulated the Colin Gifford style of photography in the Roundhouse, concentrating on a more abstract representation in light and shade than the traditional three-quarter portrait. 41708 is prepared for the day's activities as the sun streams through the shed roof. Photo: Michael Smyth.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/555-20000715-BARROW-HILL-41708-Michael-Smyth-1-647x1024.jpg)
Further visits to the Roundhouse show how the operation has developed at Barrow Hill
![504-20191012-BARROW-HILL-02003-2-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones The twenty-strong Class 02 fleet, built by the Yorkshire Engine Company at their Meadowhall works in 1960-61, did not enjoy a long period of service on BR as much of the light shunting work for which they were designed disappeared in the 1960s. Fortunately, several are now in preservation and the very fine 02003 (D2853) is seen in the Roundhouse on 12th October 2019. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/504-20191012-BARROW-HILL-02003-2-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![505-20191012-BARROW-HILL-07012-2-1200x800-Alan-Jones Ruston and Hornsby-built Class 07 No. 07012 was initially allocated to Southampton Old Dock depot in October 1962. It moved Eastleigh, Bournemouth and then back to Eastleigh before withdrawal in July 1977. Before passing into preservation it worked at Cwmmawr and Coedbach, then went to Harry Needle and is now a permanent resident at Barrow Hill. 12th October 2019. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/505-20191012-BARROW-HILL-07012-2-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![507-20090418-BARROW-HILL-SHED-58001-2-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones Pioneer Class 58 No. 58001 had a protracted build at Doncaster Works from the laying down of its underframes in approximately July 1981 to its handover to BR in December 1982, after which it undertook extensive tests before being released to traffic in September 1984. The life of the class was curtailed by the arrival of the Class 66 locomotives and in September 2002 the last of the class was withdrawn. 18th April 2009. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/507-20090418-BARROW-HILL-SHED-58001-2-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
![508-20090418-BARROW-HILL-SHED-8400156006-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones The North British Class 84 was not the most successful of the 25 kV AC electric locomotives on BR, suffering problems with their mercury-arc rectifiers throughout the 60s. In 1971/2 the class was rebuilt with semiconductor rectifiers, but this did not overcome the problems. Withdrawal began in 1977 and was complete by 1980. Fortunately 84001 passed into the National Collection and is seen outside the Roundhouse on 18th April 2009. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/30-Eastern/34-ChesterfieldArea/09-BarrowHillShed/508-20090418-BARROW-HILL-SHED-8400156006-Edited-1200x800-Alan-Jones-1024x683.jpg)
Barrow Hill 150+2 Celebration Gala
Over the weekend of 26th-28th August 2022 Barrow Hill held a gala event jointly with GB Railfreight and the RCTS, celebrating of 150 years of the Roundhouse, delayed by two years because of Covid.
The highlight of the weekend occurred at 13:00 on Saturday 27th August with the naming of GB Railfreight's new Class 69 No. 69003 The Railway Observer by RCTS President, the Reverend Canon Brian Arman.
The whole event was a spectacular success with an excellent display of motive power, rides up the Springwell Branch behind the depot's shunters, interesting trade stands, a great turnout of people and fantastic weather.
Many photographs from the event are on the main RCTS website, along with two 3D flip book from Cambridge Branch members Michael Smyth and Alan Jones, but a few photographs are included in the Cambridge Branch gallery for completeness.