The line was built after a protracted process due to inefficiencies and financial problems suffered by the then York and North Midland Railway.

[3] Several amalgamations later and construction was started in October 1851[4] with the Thirsk and Malton (T & M) Line opening in 1853 under the York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway.

[7] The line then proceeded in a north easterly direction towards Husthwaite Gate and Coxwold, before going due east to Ampleforth and Gilling.

This was an economy measure meaning that the NER didn't need to install any points or employ staff to operate them.

[13] Stations on the section between Gilling and Scarborough Road Junction saw their last regular passenger trains on 30 December 1930 with official closure coming on 1 January 1931.

[16] Traffic exchanging lines at Malton was hauled to and from Scarborough Road Junction with a pilot engine attached at the rear of the train.

This allowed the engine of the train to be facing in the right direction when it came to leave Malton or Scarborough Road Junction.

By this point only the express and excursion passenger trains were working over this section and so it was decided not to repair it.

Goods traffic was limited to a daily pick up-goods and the expresses could be re-routed via Malton and York.

Gilling was the station for passengers wishing to go to Ampleforth College and special trains would be run at the start and the end of term time.

[28] Open wagons were supplied to transport staff and pupils to the college from the station, but they were secondary to the main traffic which was coal for the gas boilers.

The line was horse-drawn throughout its history (though at least one diesel/petrol locomotive was used) and was closed sometime after 1923 when the college changed over to electric lighting.