Horncastle Railway

The line opened in 1855 and was worked by the GNR, but the H&KJR company remained as an independent entity until 1923.

[note 1][3] At the same time Woodhall Spa had developed as a location where people went to enjoy the curative properties of the spring water which contained iodine and bromine.

A local businessman named Thomas Hotchkiss had promoted the waters' curative properties, especially for gout.

The Great Northern Railway operated the nearby main line at Kirkstead, opened in 1848.

The meeting resolved that "the formation of a branch railway from the Kirkstead station to Horncastle would greatly promote the commercial and agricultural interests of the town and neighbourhood."

[6] The Stamford Mercury reported that "the meeting passed off vary amicably, with the slight exception of some very irrelevant observations made by Mr. Brailsford, of Toft Grange, respecting compensation to the Navigation Company.

[6] Nevertheless the Horncastle and Kirkstead Junction Railway was authorised by Parliament on 10 July 1854; share capital was £48,000, with borrowing powers of £13,000.

However he reported that "I found the permanent way, generally, in a very incomplete state, and the rails especially so much out of adjustment, that I am of the opinion that the Horncastle Railway cannot be opened without danger to the public using the same".

[10] The Lincolnshire Chronicle reported that "Arrangements were made for running special trains ... during the day.

The late heavy rains having caused the soil to settle unequally in various parts of the line, is reported to be the cause of the withholding of the certificate; but, as this is mere temporary derangement, which a few days' labour will suffice to remedy, the opening of the line for regular traffic will not be long deferred.

[12] Rectification work must have been accomplished swiftly, for on 11 August 1855 Lt-Colonel Yolland inspected the line and found it satisfactory.

The directors considered that this might be the opportune time to sell the line to the Great Northern Railway.

[5] After World War I the branch passenger trains were operated by a two coach set that had been converted from GNR steam railmotors nos 5 and 6.

[5] Due to the outbreak of hostilities, the line was closed to passenger operation on 11 September 1939, but the service was reinstated from 4 December 1939.