Chapter 1 - The Parliamentary Stage
Key Dates
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1868 |
First approach to the Midland to build a branch to access known iron ore at Waltham |
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Feb 1871 |
Duke of Rutland's Agent approaches both GNR & Midland to build a branch to Waltham |
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Nov 1871 |
Midland deposit "Nottingham & Rushton Lines Act" including a branch to Waltham |
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Nov 1871 |
Industrialist (and GNR Director) William Firth deposits competing Bill also including a branch to Waltham |
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Jun 1872 |
Select Committee considers both Bills ruling in favour of Firth's Waltham branch if taken over by the GNR |
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Jul 18th 1872 |
Royal Assent for the Midland's renamed "Nottingham & Saxby Line" |
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Nov 1872 |
Midland deposit plans to amend route of Nottingham & Saxby Line to run directly through Melton Mowbray |
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Jul 1873 |
Royal Assent received for amended route |
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Jul 1875 |
Royal Assent received for final stage of alternative Midland Main Line - from Manton to Kettering |
Nottingham's Railways in 1870
Rail Services in 1870
By 1870, Nottingham's rail network had developed into a shape which was not greatly different from the current network. Services into the city were mainly provided by two fiercely rival public companies, the Midland Railway (MR), and the Great Northern Railway (GNR). The Midland Railway was an ambitious outfit, forever extending its routes and operations. The network was extensive, to the north-east of Nottingham station was a line serving Newark and Lincoln, a route engineered by George Stephenson himself. Moving west out of Nottingham station, there was a connection with a northern spur to Mansfield. Further west the Midland had a choice of three routes - north via the Erewash Valley line towards Sheffield, west to Derby, or south to Leicester and London.
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Copyright Colin Aldworth 1989 - 2004