RAILWAYS


The Newcastle to Carlisle railway line was incorporated in 1829 and opened throughout the full route in 1839. At that time the residents of Heddon had to walk down to the river bank and catch the ferry boat across the Tyne to join the train at Ryton station.

Interior of the General Room at Heddon Station. Prepared for Queen Victoria jubilee (circa 1910)

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In July 1885 the branch line from Scotswood, via Heddon, to Wylam was opened, sparing the residents of Heddon the precarious trip over the Tyne. In 1877 three residents of Heddon had lost their lives in a ferry accident, while crossing the Tyne. (Monumental Inscription of one of those who lost their lives)

This "Northern" line also included a spur which ran into the yard of the Margaret pit and Heddon Brick works.

Heddon station was closed in 1958 and demolished in 1959.

The "Northern" railway line was closed in 1966 and the tracks were removed in 1972 and part of the route was turned into a public bridleway.

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Heddon Station with diesel train (circa 1958)