As many of you may know, Network Rail have undertaken an authentic restoration of our historic, Grade II listed railway station here in Worksop.
If you haven’t seen the station recently it really is worth taking a look. And no, we’re not train spotters — not that there’s anything wrong with trainspotters!
The colour scheme is stunning and we reckon Travis Perkins next door must be rather pleased as it’s almost their exact brand colours!
The colours were originally used by The Great Central Railway which came into being when the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire railway changed its name in 1897 in anticipation of its London extension.
Worksop Railway Station — A History
The station itself has an interesting history. Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway (before it became The Great Central Railway) opened on 17th July 1849 providing a cross country link from west coast to east coast.
Worksop station opened on the same day. Local land owners, in particular the Dukes of Newcastle and Portland used their influence to ensure that the station would be a building that the town could be proud of.
Designed by Sheffield architects Weightman and Hadfield, who were responsible for Sheffield Victoria station, and built by James Drabble of Carlton-in-Lindrick using entirely local stone, it was described as the most architecturally elegant station on the line.
When it was first built, the station didn’t include refreshment facilities, but as it became busier with passengers from Lancashire and Yorkshire it became obvious that some were needed.
In 1900 and a contract was drawn up extend the buildings towards Carlton Road level crossing to include First and Second Class waiting rooms and First and Second Class Dining Rooms.
As part of the improvements, the slates in the roof were replaced by glass and in the station yard an elegant cast iron and glass awning provided some weather protection for vehicles.
No further major alterations took place until after the First World War when, in 1920, the overall roof was replaced with new awnings which survive to the present day.
Subsequent major changes came in 1958 when British Railways raised the platforms, introduced electric lighting and removed the carriage awning. A number of original chimneys were removed in the 1970's and fortunately, before any more destruction took place, the station was Grade II listed.
The station had a major refurbishment in 1987 which saw new lighting, new glass and slates to the roof canopies along with an improved booking office and waiting area. There were also repairs to the stonework in 1990.
In December 2017 the footbridge, dating from 1888, was fully refurbished and painted in the two-tone green and cream / yellow livery of the Great Central Railway.
Further plans for 2018, in order to upgrade to a Northern Connect station, include new seating, planting boxes and hanging baskets and improvements to the waiting areas.
Go and take a look for yourself. You could stop by The Railway Cafe for a mean bacon and egg sandwich, or try The Mallard Inn for a pint of real ale, (they also good a good range of Gin and Tonics!)
Either way, go and admire the building in all its restored splendour.
Footnote
When we wrote this article, the signal box wasn’t quite finished so on 26th June we went to have a look. Here it is in all it’s heritage coloured finery!
Worksop Station — The Lowdown
Worksop Railway station is situated on Carlton Road, Worksop, S81 7AG
You can find The Mallard and The Railway cafe on Twitter
All text and images Copyright © 2018 MyWorksop
