railways, Bishop Aukland -"permanent way- 1899" Mr J Ellerton

[grace bc]

I posted this question last night on the Cambs forum but realised tonight this was a better place! New starter at this game, sorry!
My question is has anyone heard of the "permanent way" somewhere around Winston nr Bishops Aukland. A newspaper clipping from the Northern Echo dated 19/12/33 states that Mr J Ellerton (John - my husband's great grandfather) had charge of the permanent way in 1899. He was a signalman at Whilly(?) Hill in 1873 and then a plate layer at Evenwood and Gainsford. Any info about any of these jobs gratefully received, Grace

[Peter Goodey]

It sounds to me like the Darlington & Barnard Castle Railway. If you google you'll find dozens of references.
A signalman operated the signals.

A platelayer laid and maintained track.

[Ladkyis]

The "permenant way" is what the bed of the railway track was called - the ground bit that was prepared for the track to be laid on - the sleepers and track were changeable but the permenant way stayed there.

[AnnB]

Hello Grace
I did reply to your query on the Cambs forum with a link for you to look at https://www.permanentwayinstitution.com/ Hope it might help
Best wishes
Ann