A view looking towards the train sheds at Alnwick Station with a train standing at the platform
The building: Barter Books is lucky to be located in part of a superb old Victorian railway station designed by William Bell in 1887. At 32, 000 sq. ft, the building is one of remarkable size and grandeur for a small market town. This is because, as seat of the Dukes of Northumberland, an impressive train station was deemed necessary in the 19th century to impress visiting royalty.
Britain from above: The railway station and the town, Alnwick, from the south-east, 1932
The three mile long Alnmouth to Alnwick branch railway was authorised by Act of Parliament granted to the Newcastle & Berwick Railway on 31st July, 1845. Construction didn't start however until the company has completed its main line between Gateshead and Berwick and the branch was eventually opened on the 5th August 1850. The original station was on the outskirts of Alnwick adjacent to Shilbottle Coal Company depot but this quickly proved inadequate and after requests from the town council, the North Eastern Railway eventually agreed to build a new station closer to the town centre which opened on 5th September, 1887; a branch line from Alnwick to Cornhill was opened on the same day.
EVACUEES FROM NEWCASTLE on their way to Northumberland Hall before being billeted in various parts of the district.
This report is an assessment of the significance of the Grade II Listed Alnwick Railway Station. (Listing 1041411) to accompany the planning application for alterations to the roof and essential repairs.
Historic England listing: Former Railway Terminus
Keys to the past: Former Railway Terminus
Newcastle to Berwick railway poster .
"NEWCASTUE AND BERWICK NOTICE. OPENING OF THE LINE THROUGHOUT NEWCASTLE TO BERWICK,
Alnwick railway station was the terminus of the Alnwick branch line, which diverged from the East Coast Main Line at Alnmouth in Northumberland, Northern England.