Northampton & Lamport Railway
The Northampton & Lamport Railway is a short heritage railway in Northamptonshire, currently running about 1¼ miles between Pitsford & Brampton and Boughton Crossing. The line is part of the former LNWR Northampton to Market Harborough line, a secondary cross-country route that closed in 1981.
The Northampton Steam Railway Limited was formed in 1981 immediately after closure with the long-term objective of restoring services along a substantial length of the former LNWR line. The first preserved trains ran in 1995. Long-term plans include extending southwards towards Boughton and northwards towards Brixworth, although progress is constrained by the funding available to a relatively small operation.
History
The Northampton Steam Railway was formed in 1981 immediately after the closure of the LNWR Northampton–Market Harborough line. After more than a decade of trackbed acquisition and station rebuilding, the first preserved trains operated in 1995. The line has remained a small but committed operation, with long-term aspirations to extend.
Original line history
The line was part of the LNWR cross-country route from Northampton to Market Harborough, opened in 1859. It was always a secondary route, taken over by the LMS at Grouping. Passenger services were withdrawn in 1960 with freight continuing until 1981.
Stations and infrastructure
Pitsford & Brampton is the headquarters and operating base, with engine shed and workshops. Boughton Crossing is currently the southern limit of operations.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
The railway hosts steam galas, 1940s weekends, beer festivals, and Santa Specials. Operating days are limited compared to larger heritage railways.
Visitor information
Pitsford & Brampton is signposted from the A508 north of Northampton; the nearest railway stations are Northampton (about 5 miles) or Long Buckby.