Bures in Essex, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Bury St Edmunds Yard Signal Box
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 18, 2026
1. Bury St Edmunds Yard Signal Box Marker
David Hall on "Late Shift", April 1999 by Steven Binks Signed by David Hall
The following story has been written by David:
One of the largest former Great Eastern Railway signalboxes remaining in original condition. Opened in 1888 with a 53 lever McKenzie & Holland lever-frame. Originally all signals and points were mechanically operated, but the remaining 22 levers in use now control colour-light signals and electric 'clamp-lock' points all being noted by the cut down tops to the levers. All the white 'spare' levers are out of use.
The box was busiest during the Second War c1942/43 when only one lever No. 34 was 'spare".
Absolute Block Signalling is worked between Bury St. Edmunds and Kennett and Train Describers are in use in the Ipswich direction as the box is 'fringe' to Colchester PSB.
Four 'resident' signalmen man the box continuously (only closing on Christmas Day) and work Early, Late and Night shifts of 8 or 12 hours duty. All movements of trains are strictly controlled by the Rules and Regulations for Train Signalling with which the signalmen must be fully conversant. Progress of trains along the
this page online
Signalboxes do become second homes to the signalmen and the job is a 'way of life', for although much change has taken place, working a mechanical lever box is a unique survival of a bygone age.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 51° 58.269′ N, 0° 46.154′ E. Marker is in Bures, England, in Essex. It can be reached from The Paddocks. On the Bures station platform. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 44 The Paddocks, Bures, England CO8 5DF, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The History of Bures (here, next to this marker); Thomas Gainsborough (a few steps from this marker); The History of Bures Common (about 240 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Stour Valley Path at Bures (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The History of Chappel and Wakes Colne (approx. 5.1 kilometers away); A Short History of Beautiful Sudbury (approx. 7.6 kilometers away); Sudbury Station (approx. 7.6 kilometers away); The Lady Elizabeth (approx. 8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bures.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on October 19, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?
