Plate Layer’s Hut

 

Plate Layer’s Hut

The Deerness Valley Way Railway Path runs for nearly 14 km from Broompark to Crook, following the route of the former railway, which closed in 19641. There is now little to show of its industrial past, as with many parts of the Deerness valley, any such heritage has been removed or buried.

Shortly after leaving Waterhouses, the path climbs steadily until it crosses the Wolsingham road. Along the track, a gate off to the left leads to an overgrown field that slopes steeply down to Stanley Beck*. Lying close to the stream are the ruins of an old building that still retains its original layout, consisting of two rooms and a small door. According to Durham Cathedral's Archaeologist and local resident Norman Emery, the cottage belonged to a ‘Platelayer’.

Early in the 19th century, railway lines were constructed using ‘plateways’,  L-shaped rails which were designed to carry coal trains. Although early 19th century railway designers developed new technology that no longer used these plates, the term platelayer continued to describe track maintenance engineers. Other terms that developed included "ganger", who controlled a team of platelayers, and a "lengthman" who was responsible for maintaining a designated section of track2.

A knowledgeable Waterhouses resident informed me that after the railway closed, the cottage became a domestic dwelling. Hopefully, I will be able to find further information from him to complete the story of the ruined cottage. Examining the stone blocks that are scattered around the main building, it is likely that the hut was similar to that at Hulands Quarry, near Bowes. The images below in date order show how the hut has deteriorated and it is not known if it survived the quarry expansion in 2022.

The Plater's Cottage showing the two rooms and entrance (Lower Left)3.

Closer view of the cottage with vegetation growing through the building4.

The Hut at Hulands Quarry 19915 and 20136

1. Deerness Valley Way Railway Path, This is Durham.

2. The Home Pages of The Platelayers Society.

3&4. Heather Laurence Photography

5. Platelayers Huts,Hulands Quarry Sidings, Historic England

6. Disused Stations - Huland