Great Central Railway

The Great Central Railway.

Well that is what it was always known as. opened in 1899, it ran from Sheffield all the way through to London Marylebone station. It was further intended to run the line to Paris under the then proposed Channel Tunnel.

Needless to say that did not happen, pity, we had some wonderful railway engineers many years ago with somewhat grandiose ideas, but they were right of course. The line was finally closed in the late 1960's.

What we have now is a preserved double line from Loughborough to Leicester North. A fantastic and wonderful railway and well worthy of a visit or two. I have become a devoted 'Friend of the Great Central', a fully payed up member.

The canopy at Lougborough station is due for restoration at a estimated cost of £500,000. It is a grade II listed construction now some 110 years old. Money is coming in but more donations are required.

The station at Quorn and Woodhouse has been fantastically restored to a 1940's theme.

However the next station at Rothley is truly Edwardian with gas lights, coal fires and oil lamps etc.