Shildons oldest industrial Building
Soho shed is the oldest surviving industrial building in New Shildon. Although not actually part of the Soho works, it has strong railway connections.
Messrs Kilburn of Bishop Auckland built it as an iron merchant’s warehouse in 1826. Kilburns was one of several businesses that took advantage of Shildens new railway connections.
From 1863 the North Eastern Railway used it. By the 1870’s it was apaint shop for locomotives with an under-floor heating system to help the paint dry.
In the twentieth century it was split between a practice room for the Shildon Works Silver Band and a boxing gym. This tiny gym produced some great boxers for the works. Some went on to become national champions.
