Morpeth Rotary Club

Chris Hudson spoke to Rotary members about the history of Morpeth Railway Station.

The first railway into the town was the Netherton Waggonway in 1829, which brought coal from Hepscott Pit through Stobhill to staithes at Staithes Lane on the River Wansbeck.

The first passenger railway was the Newcastle and Berwick, which later became part of the East Coast Main Line. Passengers could get to London in the record time of 11 hours, but it led to the collapse of the stage coach company.

The station was opened in 1847 and is now a Grade II Listed building.

The line has been operated by six companies, including the North Eastern Railway.

By 1868 a new link was brought to the town with the arrival of the Blyth and Tyne Railway. Co-operation between companies was never very good and it built its own...