A Darlington pub built to serve coal agents before the idea of train stations was developed has been recognised as a building of significant heritage and given a Grade II listing. 

The Railway Tavern public house on the town's High Northgate was one of three pubs built in 1826-1827 by the pioneering, internationally influential Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) to serve the needs of its customers.

These pubs were in effect proto-railway stations, built before the concept of the railway station had fully developed.  The Northern Echo: Railway Tavern, Darlington

Each of the pubs were built next to one of the S&DR’s coal depots, these being expected to be the railway’s primary source of revenue.

The success of passenger services was unexpected. Darlington’s coal depot was at the end of a short branch line so the Railway Tavern was some 350m from the main line and did not develop into a fully functioning railway station.

However, it was the most successful as a pub, the only one of the three still operating as one.  

The Northern Echo: Railway Tavern, Darlington

Like the S&DR’s other buildings, the Railway Tavern was architecturally modest.

Its large ground floor windows and some internal features are the result of a late 19th century refurbishment designed by the nationally noted Darlington-based architect G.G. Hoskins. 

The pub is one of nine new listings relating to the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

Several other sections of the S&DR, which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2025, were listed, including:

  • A bridge and culvert (Grade II) at Dene Beck near Darlington
  • A wall of a former coal depot (Grade II) in Stockton
  • Inclines at Etherley and Brusselton (scheduled monuments) near Bishop Auckland
  • A route along the River Gaunless (scheduled monument) between Phoenix Row and West Auckland
  • Earthworks (scheduled monument) in Preston Park in Stockton.the railway.

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In total, 227 historic places have been added to the National Heritage List for England in 2023. 

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “A range of remarkable historic buildings and sites are added to the List each year and 2023 is no exception.

"We’ve examined and protected some amazing sites this year, which together give us a window into our rich and varied historic environment.

"The festive period is a great time to find out more about the historic places all around us. I encourage everyone to explore the heritage on our doorsteps and to add what they discover to our Missing Pieces Project for everyone to see and enjoy.”