The Grey Horse, Byerley Road

Image: © Geoff Royle Taken: 12 Jun 2007

This old Inn was the home of Daniel Adamson who operated a passenger service using a converted stagecoach on the tracks of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. This, the first public railroad in the world opened in 1825, but Daniel's involvement in what was to become the family 'travel agency' was short-lived as he died in 1832. He and his wife Nanny Gibson had sixteen children. The thirteenth child, Daniel III, who was a Civil and Mechanical engineer was the leading promoter of the Manchester Ship Canal Bill which gained Royal Assent in 1885. From the early days of the S&DR a branch known as the Surtees line passed the front door of the pub until the mid-20th century. On the day of the snapshot the photographer enjoyed the hospitality of the pub's B & B facilities. The pub has had several names. In the 1841 Census it seems to have been known as Shildon Lodge, which was also the name of the coal-mine at the end of the back yard. Link: https://www.g4fas.net/fmmmf.html

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