Railway signalling

The human knack for misunderstanding and error soon led to the development of a form of mechanical signalling controlled from a central point, the signalbox.

Bells were a very important form of communication and were used extensively for the signalman to communicate quickly and efficiently with both his fellow signalmen and the platform staff.

Electric train staff, electric key token and the Walker’s Train Describer – a sending & receiving instrument – to name a few.

At one time there were seven signal boxes, only that at Horsted Keynes has survived, and has attracted Grade 2 listed status, and is one of three operational boxes now in use on the Railway.