Trent Station was opened by the Midland Railway in May 1862 solely as an interchange station, once described as “the junction for everywhere”.
It was not designed to serve any local community and was the only station in England named after a river, rather than after a town or village.
It was built nearly a mile from the nearest town. There was never a proper surfaced road leading to it and it was several years before a footpath was provided.
It was in the middle of a complicated arrangement of loops, so trains with the same destination standing on adjacent platforms could be facing in opposite directions. A large staff was employed in the operation of the station and the network of signal boxes around it.
It changed little in its 106 years of existence, and even to its last day, December 31, 1967, was lit by gas lamps, never having had electricity.
It was built in the Midland Gothic style, as used for the Midland Railway’s London terminus at St Pancras. Poet laureate John Betjeman was one of those who deplored Trent’s demolition in 1968.
Although hardly any evidence remains at the site, it is still fondly remembered by many people. Renewed interest in the history of the station was sparked by the publication of the book Last Train from Trent Station.