In 1859 Parliament authorised the Wansbeck Railway Company to build the line from Morpeth to Reedsmouth.

They also were permitted to build a short branch line to Cornhill.

Due to financial difficulties the line was to be built in stages[1] beginning with the section from Scotsgap to Rothbury which was started in August 1869 and completed by November 1870.

In September 1952 passenger services were withdrawn and the line closed in November 1963.

[2] Originally built in wood, the station was rebuilt in stone in 1899.