1873

Colonel Dalgleish, an engineer employed by the Midland discovers iron ore near Holwell

Jan 6th 1874

First meeting of the Construction Committee

Sep 1874

Closing date for Tenders to construct the line with Arid & Son being the lowest

Oct 1874

Work starts on Melton Junction Signal Box & associated sidings

End 1874

Construction has commenced despite contracts not being signed with Arid & Son

1875

Colonel Dalgleish & the Allports purchase a farm at Holwell to mine iron ore

Jul 7th 1875

Contracts with Arid & Son finally signed

Oct 1875

By now it was clear the project was well behind schedule

Nov 1st 1875

Melton Junction Signal Box officially opens

Late 1876

Iron ore mined at Holwell is being moved by Holwell Tramway to Holwell Junction & then over Asfordby Tunnel to Melton Junction

Sep 1876

Contractual completion dates are missed

c.Mar 1877

Iron ore now using the unopened Nottingham & Melton Line from Holwell Junction to Melton Junction

Jun 1877

New contracts signed with Lucas & Arid

Feb 1878

First known reference to the location of stations on the line

Jun 1878

Construction work on stations had commenced

Jun 17th 1878

Parliament approves 3 year extension to completion dates

c. Feb 1879

Station construction was complete

Aug 1879

A Midland engine travels full length of line

Nov 1st 1879

Line opens to Goods & Minerals

Jan 15th 1880

Major Marindin's Inspection prior to Passenger opening

Feb 2nd 1880

Line opens to Passengers