Woodhall Spa

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Woodhall Spa was the only intermediate station on the branch line between Kirkstead (Woodhall Junction) and Horncastle. It was opened to passengers on 11th August 1855, and to goods on 4th April 1887. It closed to passengers along with Horncastle on 13th September 1954, and to goods on 27th April 1964. Goods trains continued to pass through to reach Horncastle until 5th April 1971, when the line was closed completely.

The passenger timetable for the line from Bradshaw's Guide (3rd May - 13th June 1954) is shown below.
My visit today enabled a look at what remains. The most obvious clue being one of the street names.
Sadly, the station itself has long since been demolished, as illustrated in a local newspaper.
Two early postcards show the station when open.
The site is now occupied by a car park although the shops on the right remain. These, and the postcards, look in the direction of Horncastle.
Looking in the opposite direction from the former level crossing in the direction of Woodhall Junction. My picture taken in autumn 1981 when I walked the trackbed of the entire branch. The line ran to the left of the buildings and beyond the white fence, the gap between the trees in the distance marks its course.
My comparison photo, taken today, and the trackbed has been built on.
Leaving the station area, and moving towards Horncastle, the line crosses Iddesleigh Road. In this view, from the former trackbed, we look back towards the site of the station.
In the opposite direction, for most of its way to Horncastle, the trackbed is now part of the Viking Way footpath.
More information about the station can be seen here.

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