The seven BT Telephone Exchanges (and two former) in the Easingwold (01347) telephone area
The Easingwold group was the site of a pioneering development in rural telephones. Hugh Fairfax-Cholmeley (left) was the enlightened squire of the village of Brandsby. He petitioned the GPO to introduce an American-style party line system offering a cheap service to farmers. Brandsby was chosen as the pilot area and Mr Fairfax-Cholmeley got the necessary ten subscribers to sign up – himself included. In November 1910 the new lines (numbered Brandsby 5a to 5e and 9a to 9e) were installed and connected to the manual exchange in Brandsby post office. The following May postmaster-general Herbert Samuel announced the experiment had been ‘a complete success in every way’. The rural party line service was introduced nationally later that year. You can read more about the story of Mr Fairfax-Cholmeley and his telephones HERE.
Brandsby ATE
Brandsby telephone exchange is located in Town Street, Brandsby, York YO61 4RQ and also covers an area including Yearsley, Stearsby and Coulton.
The first exchange here was opened in the post office as a manual board in 1907 or 1908. It was replaced by a UAX 12 in the late 1930s.
The principal telephone code for this exchange is 01347-888.
Its former dialling code was 034 75.
ID: MYBBY. Photo courtesy of J Thomas.
Coxwold ATE
Coxwold telephone exchange stands to the left of the village hall in Coxwold, York YO61 4BB and also covers an area including Newburgh, Kilburn and Oldstead.
It came into service as a UAX12 in the mid-1940s to replace a manual exchange.
The principal telephone code for this exchange is 01347-868.
Its former dialling code was 034 76.
ID: MYCOX. Photo courtesy of Damon Wilkinson.
Easingwold ATE
Easingwold telephone exchange is at located in Bonneycroft Lane, Easingwold YO61 3AR and also covers an area including Crayke and Raskelf.
It came into service in the 1970s to replace the former auto exchange nearby.
The principal telephone code for this exchange is 01347-82.
Its former dialling code was 0347.
ID: MYEAO. Awaiting photo.
Easingwold former ATE
The former Easingwold telephone exchange is situated in Manor Road, Easingwold YO61 3AS.
It came into service as a UAX13 on 17 May 1939 to replace the town’s manual exchange which first opened in 1905. It is now a private house called Old Exchange.
Its former dialling code was 034 72.
ID: MYEAO. Photo courtesy of Williamsons estate agents.
Linton on Ouse ATE
Linton on Ouse telephone exchange is located in Main Street, Linton-on-Ouse, York YO30 2AS and also covers an area including Newton-on-Ouse. It came into service as a UAX12 by 1951.
The principal telephone code for this exchange is 01347-848.
Its former dialling code was 034 74.
ID: MYLIN. Photo courtsey of Eirian Evans.
Sherriff Hutton Exchange
Sherriff Hutton telephone exchange is situated in Finkle Street, Sherriff Hutton, York YO60 6RG and also covers an area including Stittenham and West Lilling.
It came into service as a UAX12 by 1951.
The principal telephone code for this exchange is 01347-878.
Its former dialling code was 034 77.
ID: MYSHF. Awaiting photo.
Stillington ATE
Stillington telephone exchange is situated in York Road, Stillington, York YO61 1LH and also covers an area including Farlington, Sutton-on-the-Forest and Huby.
The first manual exchange was opened here around 1910, followed by a UAX12 in the late 1930s.
The principal telephone code for this exchange is 01347-81.
Its former dialling code was 034 78.
ID: MYSTI. Awaiting photo.
Stillington former ATE
The former Stillington telephone exchange is situated in Carr Lane, Stillington, York YO61 1LH and also covered an area including Farlington, Sutton-on-the-Forest and Huby.
This exchange which was equipped with a UAX12 opened in the 1930’s.
It is now a private dwelling called Buzby Cottage.
Its former dialling code was 034 78.
ID: MYSTI. Photo courtesy of Google Maps.
Tollerton ATE
Tollerton telephone exchange is located in Newton Road, Tollerton, York YO61 1QX and also covers an area including Youlton, Flawith and Alne.
The principal telephone code for this exchange is 01347-838.
Its former dialling code was 034 73.
ID: MYTOL. Awaiting photo.