Eleanor Cross Road, Waltham Cross Box

[hb88banzai]

The Box on Eleanor Cross Road in Waltham Cross, just east of Cross itself -- Y55.

A photo found by petewillson (dated 1959) that I was able to identify as of this Box --



A closer look at the Box --



Things have changed a great deal over the years, but here's a current streetview of the approximate site --



URL:  https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Eleanor+Cross+Road,+Waltham+Cross,+United+Kingdom&hl=en&ll=51.685834,-0.032058&spn=0.000027,0.016694&sll=51.689229,-0.032465&sspn=0.002241,0.005268&hnear=Eleanor+Cross+Rd,+Waltham+Cross,+United+Kingdom&t=m&layer=c&cbll=51.685847,-0.032068&panoid=Etdq5s57j-D0gDWnl7vBeQ&cbp=12,359.75,,0,12.17&z=16

The 1935 OS map (marked "P.C.B." at centre of extract) --



The 1968-1972 OS map --



The last map shows the same configuration as in the photo quite well - the forecourt, Metbox, GPO Kiosk (marked "TCB") and even the Public Conveniences are all there and in the same relative positions.

Note: The original Met List shows this Box as being 50 yards east of High Street, but the OS maps clearly show it at right about 75 yards east. The Metbox database has been updated to reflect this.

 

[NexPro]

I have a vague recollection of climbing onto the roof of that police box. It was near the Queen's Head pub and the bus terminus. We hung around a lot but never saw the Doctor or any adversaries. That was before Waltham Cross was totally ruined by urban planners.

 

[petewilson]

Ok, Here's the other photo I have of Y55, (1969)

 

[NexPro]

That was a Green Line bus AFAIK. Are you sure that's not the box in Enfield rather than Waltham Cross? (yes the 310s did stop at Waltham Cross) I just don't recognize the building at the left of the photo behind the police box.

 

[angelus lupus]

Had plenty of time and needed the distraction while we have our windows replaced, so I flexed the old colourisation muscles:
(if this one isn't Y55 as suspected it can be moved when the above image is - otherwise I'll delete this line)

 

[dr hue]

Ok, Here's the other photo I have of Y55, (1969)
View attachment 772401

Thanks for posting Pete.

This is Y55 Waltham Cross as picture below shows building still standing in high street next to Fishpools.

Nice colourisation BTW. NLE 633 was a green bus.

 

[angelus lupus]

NLE 633 was a green bus.

.... Bugger!
And (for the first time) I actually searched for reference images on 1960's single-decker London busses! Hence the gold trim, which I wouldn't have thought of!

Yup: Search "NLE 633" and what do I see? :


Back to the photo editor!

 

[angelus lupus]

Right, let this be a lesson (to me, mostly) - 1: do more than 5 minutes research, and 2 (or b): Not all London Busses were red!

Cello violin voilà!

 

[dr hue]

Right, let this be a lesson (to me, mostly) - 1: do more than 5 minutes research, and 2 (or b): Not all London Busses were red!

Cello violin voilà!
View attachment 772409

NexPro did say it was a Green Line bus !

 

[angelus lupus]

NexPro did say it was a Green Line bus !

True, but in my defence I assumed that was just a term for the route - like the different colours on a tube map or somesuch? I also may have been distracted by loud noises and the heat.

Well, it's either that or admit to a dumb mistake... take your pick!