In the 1840s the Midland Railway controlled all the traffic to the North East and Scotland from London. The LNWR was progressing slowly through the Lake District. Meanwhile there was pressure for a direct line from London to York. Permission had been gained for the Northern and Eastern Railway to run through Peterborough and Lincoln but it had barely reached Cambridge.
Two obvious extensions of the Midland were from Nottingham to Lincoln and from Leicester to Peterborough. They had not been proceeded with, but George Hudson, who had become the dominent force in the Midland Railway, saw that that they would make ideal "stoppers." In other words, if the cities concerned were provided with a rail service, it would make it more difficult to justify another line. They were approved while the bill for the direct line was still before Parliament, forming the present day Lincoln Branch and the Syston to Peterborough Line. Eventally when the Great Nortern Railway built its line from London to York, it crossed the Lincoln branch of the Midland at Newark.
Collingham is situated on the line between Nottingham and Lincoln and its grand and handsome station appears to be larger than would be justified by its location. However it is in an attractive village. The station building has the appearance of a large Italian villa, with heavy eaves, pediments, round-topped windows and a short arcade on the platform.
Built in 1846, so comparatively early, it merits care and attention. It is however unmanned.
By road: Off A 1133 - a minor road crosses the line at a level crossing next to the station.
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Midland Microcosm - A study of signalling between Nottingham and Lincoln
