Old Leake Station

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Old Leake was one of four stations on the section of the East Lincolnshire Line between Boston and Firsby. Opened on 2nd October 1848, it underwent several name changes, initially opening as Hob Hole due to the proximity of the nearby Hob Hole Drain. From November 1848 it was renamed Leake and Wrangle, and to Old Leake and Wrangle from 1st October 1849. From October 1852 it assumed it's final identity as Old Leake. The centre of Old Leake is actually 3 miles away and Wangle 4, so the name was still rather misleading!

It was amongst the first stations on the East Lincolnshire Line to close to passengers on 17th September 1956, and to goods on 15th June 1964. Two years prior to closure to passengers it had a weekday service of 4 northbound (plus an additional one on Wednesday and Saturdays); 3 southbound. On Sundays there was 1 northbound and 1 southbound (in the form of a Cleethorpes - King's Cross train). 

An early postcard view, the station can be seen in the distance on the left.
The Great Northern signal box once had 25 levers, but was demoted to a gate crossing from 18th May 1980. The crossing was automated on 26th February 1989, and the box was demolished shortly afterwards.

The station house still survives along the remaining section of the East Lincolnshire Line (as part of the Skegness Branch) as can be seen in these images from Google Street View.

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