It may be of interest to those planning to visit us to see the trio of Blackpool trams (11, 31 and 703/101) that a fourth item of Blackpool Tramway history is at Beamish for all to see…

The wooden derrick that stands adjacent to the Colliery Engine Works came from Thornton Gate PW depot in June 1989 after being offered to Beamish. It is believed that it was in use up until that time and was used for lifting rail etc. It was reassembled at Beamish, including a new pine jib. By 2006 this had perished and the outriggers were showing signs of decay too. The derrick was therefore dismantled and rebuilt with all new timber by the Museum’s Friends organisation, being re-erected in December 2007. It is now due a repaint but the photo below shows it ex-works in 2007. A nice piece of history to have here!