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Leicester Central Railway Station
  • From 1899 to 1966, Leicester’s Central Railway Station linked the city with London on a new line extension running from Nottinghamshire
  • When it opened, the station was the largest single building in Leicester with an impressive clocktower and gateway
  • During the war-time women workers took on typical men’s roles such as being porters and cleaning engines

The Great Central Railway

From 1899 to 1966, Leicester’s Central Railway Station linked the city with the largest market in the world, London. The new station was part of an extension to the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway. 136 miles long, it ran from Annesley in Nottinghamshire to the new Marylebone Station in London. Work started on the new Great Central Railway in 1894. It opened to transport coal traffic on 25 July 1898 and then to passengers on 15 March 1899.

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Leicester Central Railway Station, c1925

The Largest Single Building in Leicester

Around 300 houses were demolished for the new station site. When it opened, it was the largest single building in Leicester and the clocktower and gateway looked impressive. An extra entrance was created for the public to view a Roman mosaic floor, visible under the station. The mosaic is now in the object collections held by Leicester Museums and Galleries. The Great Central Railway was a large employer of men and women. During war-time women took on “men’s roles” such as being porters and cleaning engines.

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A ticket examiner, adjusting the train indicator, 1902

Great Central Square

Building the Great Central Railway was difficult and expensive. It cost £6 million but did not generate as much money or benefits as expected. The faster Express services stopped in 1960 and the route to London stopped in 1966. The station closed in 1969 and much of it was dismantled, including the bridges over Northgate Street and Braunstone Gate. The former railway line is now a cycling and walking route and the old station is at the heart of Great Central Square.

 

Timeline
Victorian Leicester
Visitor information
Seen from Street, Public access

Gallery

Great Central Railway Timetables - Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office
Great Central Railway Timetables
Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office
Great Central Railway Tourist Programme - Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office
Great Central Railway Tourist Programme
Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office
Demolition of houses on Talbot Lane - Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office
Demolition of houses on Talbot Lane
Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office
The 2nd century Roman mosaic floor that was visible under the station -
The 2nd century Roman mosaic floor that was visible under the station
A porter poses for the camera beside a third class carriage at the Station, 1900 - Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office
A porter poses for the camera beside a third class carriage at the Station, 1900
Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office
A ticket examiner adjusting the train indicator, 1902 - Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office
A ticket examiner adjusting the train indicator, 1902
Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office
Leicester Central Railway Station, c1925 - Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office
Leicester Central Railway Station, c1925
Leicester & Leicestershire Record Office

Roman Leicester

(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.

Medieval Leicester

(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.

Tudor & Stuart Leicester

(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.

Georgian Leicester

(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.

Victorian Leicester

(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.

Edwardian Leicester

(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.

Early 20th Century Leicester

(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.

Modern Leicester

(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.

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